At 6:30pm on May 21,2007, President Mel Raley called to order the meeting of SAOTGA.
Sheriff Mike Byrd was introduced and discussed issues of safety for our local citizens. Speeding is a major concern, but local law enforcement officers are prohibited from using radar. Radar bills have failed to pass state legislation, but coast legislator Hank Zuber last session introduced a bill to allow radar in coast counties only. This issue will continue to be pursued. Jackson County Board of Supervisors is cooperating with other officials in this matter. Speedy Spivak asked about installing a stop sign at the intersection of St. Andrews Street and Tantallon Drive. Sheriff Byrd will ask John McKay to discuss and seek approval from the Board of Supervisors. Al Pettigrew asked about burglaries and drugs in the neighborhood. Most of the burglaries are occurring in the daytime in the area. Two deputies per shift are assigned to patrol the St. Andrews-Pinehurst-Gulf Park Estates areas.
John McKay, our representative on the Board of Supervisors, was introduced and discussed noise and littering issues. Disturbing the peace affidavits can be filed by local citizens if necessary. With regards to the new local recreation area, Mi. McKay says that in about two weeks workers will start building the walking track. Playground equipment is in the warehouse, ready to be installed. Lights at our front entrance will be repaired by Singing River Electric Power. Larry Jones asked about getting the ditches on the back side of Tantallon cleaned out so that the lots with slabs that are for sale will be more appealing to prospective buyers. Mr. McKay will look into getting this done. Mel Raley asked about getting abandoned property and debris cleaned up. Mr. McKay stated that it is a long process, about 90 days, to actually get anything done in these situations. Complaints need to go to the Planning Commission. Speedy Spivak brought up the low water pressure. Our complaints will have to go to the State Public Service Commission. Steve Thomas asked that St. Andrews Water and Sewer be required to present to neighborhood customers an annual report on water testing, etc. Mr. McKay stated that if we are not getting the service we deserve, we need to file a petition with Leonard Bentz, the State Public Service Commissioner. Regarding the new road to connect Fountainbleau Road to Old Spanish Trail, Mr. McKay says that final plans should be done by the end of June with groundbreaking by the end of summer. The elevated part of the road may not be necessary, if a property swap can be accomplished. With the issue of a proposed Choctaw Indian Casino on Hwy. 57, Mi. McKay says that he will support whatever is the decision of local voters. He encouraged everyone to be sure and vote when the issue is placed on the ballot on November 6th.
Treasurer James Lester reported that we now have $3,153.20 in the treasury and have 73 paid-up member households. Our thanks to Terry Bliss and the membership committee. President Raley thanked the eight people who showed up for the neighborhood "cleanup" on Saturday, May 1 9th. We enjoyed delicious snacks afterwards at the clubhouse. The front entrance electrical is still not working, and Terry Powell will get the electrician who did the work to return to correct the problem.
President Mel Raley asked members to approve allowing the board to spend up to $500.00 for necessary obligations without obtaining permission from general membership. An affirmative motion was made by Marilyn Swanson and seconded by Iris Lex. Members voted to approve. SAOTGA Thursday night golf will be limited to SAOTGA members and their guests. Turnout has been good and participation is encouraged.
Speedy Spivak asked, in behalf of the volunteer fire department, that all mailboxes have house numbers marked clearly on both sides.
Our next meeting will be July 16" and we will ask the volunteer fire chief, a member of the Hurricane Hunters, and also Greg Williams of the St. Andrews water to speak to us.
Tentative plans are being made for a neighborhood celebration on the 4th of July and also for a neighborhood rummage sale.