May 14, 2018 Scottsboro City Council Regular Session; State Life Saving Awards presented to Police Officers Parker Henagar and Jordan Shelton by State Senator Steve Livingston and State Representative Tommy Haynes, Certificates signed by Governor Ivey; Scottsboro Library Report by Mrs. Ivey; Approved funding for Abatement of Roseberry Creek Aquatic Invasive Species

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

Roseberry Rescue Group's, 501c3, funding request approved for abatement of Aquatic Invasive Species in the Roseberry Creek area embayment, General Fund Budget $40,000, Tourism Grant of $30,000, total $70,000. 

History of the Roseberry Rescue Group project as presented in the news.

1) April 2009, Huntsville Times, Jackson County Commission - http://blog.al.com/breaking/2009/04/jackson_co_commission_takes_no.html 

2) May 2009, Huntsville Times, Jackson County Legislative Delegation - http://blog.al.com/breaking/2009/05/jackson_co_legislative_delegat.html

3) February 2012, Fishing Group, "Hot Weed Kill" - http://www.chattanoogafishingforum.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=61492&DisplayType=threaded&setCookie=1 

4) May 2012, Jackson County Sentinel, note photo in this article -  http://jcsentinel.com/news/article_a62fec16-7858-11e1-9a9f-0019bb2963f4.html

5) TVA 2017 Treatment Schedule - https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Environmental-Stewardship/Anglers-Aquatic-Plant-ID/Aquatic-Weeds-Treatment-Schedule

6) May 11, 2018 Jackson County Sentinel Report on last weeks commission meeting, this issue - http://m.thedailysentinel.com/news/article_53322646-555b-11e8-8103-e3ab64d82aaa.html?mode=jqm

QUESTION?? Has anyone been in contact with these folks? Joint Federal task force -  https://www.anstaskforce.gov/panels.php  

Alabama Task Force - https://www.anstaskforce.gov/State%20Plans/AL/ALANS_Management_Plan.pdf

LIFE SAVING AWARDS - SCOTTSBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS HENAGAR AND SHELTON

                                              CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

VIDEO

Scottsboro Public Library Report by Mrs. Ivey, begins at 17:46 in the video - A 5 Year Report on Accomplishments, Awards, Grants, and Projects. (Click on image for expanded details.)

Jackson County Commission Regular Session, Roseberry Rescue Group Issue of Invasive Aquatic Species Funding, County Roads and Bridges Repair Update - May 14, 2018

Jackson County Courthouse North Side, photo by G. Morgan.

Roseberry Creek Invasive Aquatic Weeds Issue

Previous Articles on Invasive Weeds Issue, Hydrilla and Milfoil.

1) April 2009, Huntsville Times, Jackson County Commission - http://blog.al.com/breaking/2009/04/jackson_co_commission_takes_no.html 

2) May 2009, Huntsville Times, Jackson County Legislative Delegation - http://blog.al.com/breaking/2009/05/jackson_co_legislative_delegat.html

3) February 2012, Fishing Group, "Hot Weed Kill" - http://www.chattanoogafishingforum.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=61492&DisplayType=threaded&setCookie=1 

4) May 2012, Jackson County Sentinel, note photo in this article -  http://jcsentinel.com/news/article_a62fec16-7858-11e1-9a9f-0019bb2963f4.html

5) TVA 2017 Treatment Schedule - https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Environmental-Stewardship/Anglers-Aquatic-Plant-ID/Aquatic-Weeds-Treatment-Schedule

6) May 11, 2018 Jackson County Sentinel Report on last weeks commission meeting, this issue - http://m.thedailysentinel.com/news/article_53322646-555b-11e8-8103-e3ab64d82aaa.html?mode=jqm

QUESTION?? Has anyone been in contact with these folks? Joint Federal task force -  https://www.anstaskforce.gov/panels.php  

Alabama Task Force - https://www.anstaskforce.gov/State%20Plans/AL/ALANS_Management_Plan.pdf

AGENDA

VIDEO

Scottsboro, Alabama - May 7, 2018 Scottsboro City Council Work Session - Invasive Aquatic Plant Species and "The Conveyor Belt"

Scottsboro City Hall photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

City Council Member Smith discusses the necessity of keeping Roseberry Creek free from invasive water plant species which may obstruct the waterways surrounding city park, county park and the entire embayment where businesses and residents are located. The county has not approved a budget amendment authorization to assist in control of invasive water plant species species. However, the county does not have general fund money for such a project. TVA is refusing to assist in any further  weed abatement projects although the environmental and economic impacts are very much part of TVA's concern.

Also, the Conveyor Belt Issue and Mr. Blizzard, discussed at 31:20 by Mr. Smith. Mr. Blizzard is currently on sick leave. 

VIDEO

Jackson County Commission, Roseberry Rescue Group Request - Invasive Water Weeds, April 24,2018

Is this what you want, an unmanageable waterway?

Milfoil, Hydrilla - invasive water weeds in Guntersville Lake impeding navigation and recreation activities. These invasive species, if not abated, will result in a loss of revenue for areas like Jackson County Park in Scottsboro, Alabama. Thus far the Jackson County Commission has refused to contribute to the abatement plan in the past 6 years, although they are the only revenue producing entity on Roseberry Creek. The Commission has approved expansion of the County Park area docks, camp grounds and cabins amounting to millions of dollars in expansion expense. (photo by TVA)

The problem with aquatic invasive species on Guntersville Lake, Aquatic Plant Management Plan: http://www.lakeguntersvillestakeholders.org/index.php/invasive_plants

Lowell Bivens, Roseberry Rescue Group, makes presentation regarding the importance of controlling the invasive species in the Roseberry Creek area.

The Roseberry Rescue Group, a 501c3 organization dedicated to controlling the invasive water species, made a presentation to the commission Tuesday afternoon requesting their support in abating the invasive water weeds species in the Roseberry Creek area surrounding the Jackson County Park.

AGENDA

(Click on image for an expanded view.)

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Work Session, Roseberry Creek Rescue Funding Request, Local Act 2018-270 Signed Into Law, One Million Dollars Disbursal indicated, Hwy 72 and County Park Road Intersection - Commentary on Stewardship/Political Leadership (a short course for our political leadership) - April 16, 2018

Mayor Robin Shelton, Mayor of Scottsboro, Alabama (photo by G. Morgan)

There are tales of stress within our Municipal Government related to stewardship, personnel management, ethics and "alleged privileged citizens." I say alleged, because poor or rich all citizens are deserving of the highest levels of public stewardship that public officials must provide related to services, laws and policies; all must be provided and enforced fairly. There should be no privileged group of citizens or individual voter where one person or group receives special privileges over the other. This has not always been the case in our fair city, I hope and pray this does not surface as a problem for our current public officials. For this reason I ask our local political leadership and all public officials to think about and read about STEWARDSHIP and the effective organizational leader. (Garry Morgan, D.O.D - RR/EO Organizational Effectiveness Specialist; U.S. Army Medical Department, Retired)

A short course on political stewardship, a benchmark for governance, and other leadership topics: http://nytimesineducation.com/spotlight/leadership-through-stewardship-a-foundation-for-organizational-success-across-cultures/ 

"Stewards are institutional leaders. They act as responsible caretakers for organizations, large and small, which seek to improve and expand. For stewards, the pressures of short-term performance, financial or otherwise, threaten to compromise long-term goals, and the challenge for institutional stewards is to navigate these external pressures. . . True stewards are often lost to history, but the accomplishments they create through institutional cohesion are endless. . . Our formula for stewardship is based upon two components: structure and purpose. Through the creation of a robust internal culture, a steward can ensure the organization is both structurally competent and purposefully strong. Institutional leadership is time-delineated; a successful steward can leave his or her post at any time knowing that the mission remains intact.. As such, a steward’s legacy is not personal, but collective. The steward creates a system of enduring values, and then empowers others to perpetuate them."

A BIT ABOUT PROBLEM SOLVING

Some folks might need some help in problem solving and analysis. Think of a problem as a tree, short course on problem solving: https://www.brighthubpm.com/project-planning/118441-problem-tree-a-comprehensive-analysis-tool/#imgn_1

NEVER ARGUE WITH AN EMPLOYEE, PARTICULARLY YOUR UPPER LEVEL MANAGERS. If there is a problem, discuss, form solution, DO NOT CREATE UNMANAGEABLE STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE. Failure to communicate is your problem, resolve it. Politicians, don't let the power go to your head, it is but a fleeting moment in time. If you do not know the principles and techniques of leadership and problem solving, educate yourself, ask for help. 

*END OF LECTURE*

AGENDA

Mr. Smith discusses concerns with the proposed changes to Hwy 72 and County Park Road Intersection, Agenda Item 2.

Reference Agenda Item 1 - Presentation from the Roseberry Rescue Group, request for funds, Lowell Bivens, relative to the Invasive Species in the Roseberry embayment area which includes the Jackson County Park and Scottsboro City Park areas. $30,000 from the Jackson County Legislative Delegation is designated in a local act as described by Mr. Bivens in his presentation. Senate Bill 387 which has been signed by the governor and designated as Act 2018-270. Link to the Act - http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/ALISON/SearchableInstruments/2018RS/PrintFiles/SB347-int.pdf   Local Act 2018-270 Signed Into Law by Governor Ivey, Discretionary Fund abolished, One Million Dollars Disbursal indicated in the local act.

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Regular Session May 11, 2015

(photo by G. Morgan)

Hot issue at the city council - Roseberry Creek Rescue Group requested financial support for spraying nuisance aquatic species, water weeds, in the City and County Park area, to include homeowner water frontage. A city budget amendment request was approved for $40,000. The money to be provided was approved contingent on $60K being raised by the Roseberry Rescue Group. The funds may not be utilized to pay down or pay off any current or future debt incurred by the Roseberry group.

AGENDA

Click on image for an expanded view.

VIDEO

Jackson County Commission Meeting - Nuisance Aquatic Species Control - Roseberry Rescue Group

Jackson County Commission Working on Own Plans for Aquatic Nuisance Species Control.
After yesterdays meeting there were questions asked about whether the county commission was going to fund the Roseberry Rescue Groups activities involving eradication of aquatic weeds in Roseberry Creek. "The commission has received numerous calls from citizens wanting their lakeside area treated," said Ms. Sadie Bias Commission Chairperson.

Mr Phillip Widner, County Engineer has been directed to investigate costs and other vendors in a county wide project, then develop a plan and cost estimate listing and submit to the commission.

The Jackson County Park is in the Roseberry Creek area. Currently the Roseberry Creek control of aquatic nuisance species, which began 3 years prior, involved broad area aquatic species eradication eliminating all aquatic cover for the fishery (As witnessed by TVA property managers, fisherman and concerned environmental groups.). This violates law, the property is not that of the homeowners to eliminate all aquatic species in a large embayment.

Dry Creek and Roseberry Creek, and all flora and fauna there of are property of the state and federal government. Common Law of Riparian Water Rights does not extend to land owners to destroy and poison that which is not theirs to destroy and poison; nor does it extend to any non-profit organization formed in a scheme to acquire government financing of destruction of aquatic species beyond their immediate control of their personal property, such as a boat dock. The Roseberry Rescue Group has been requested to compromise in the situation, they refuse.

The wealthy lakeside homeowners have ignored the rights of fisherman and concerned citizens. 4 members of the city council and 2 members of the legislative delegation have catered to a special interest group which has money, ignoring law and rights of all citizens. Also obvious, is the pandering to the influential homeowners who have been heard on previous occasions stating they will offer  support during an election if you finance the spraying of the "water weeds."  This is an election year for 2 members of the City Council. Scottsboro's Mayor Potter has indicated an interest in working out some sort of agreement and a definitive plan relating to this issue.

The County Commission has taken the high road on this issue. They have chose to investigate the issue and decide on a correct course of action which will be beneficial to all citizens, not just a few of a "special interest group," before making a decision.

County Commission Agenda with notes. (Click on image for an expanded view.)

Scottsboro City Council Meeting - Aquatic Nuisance Species Issue - Roseberry Rescue Group

At last nights City of Scottsboro's City Council Meeting there were 46 citizens in attendance. Six citizens spoke concerning the elimination of nuisance weeds in Roseberry Creek. The agenda is listed:

The City of Scottsboro's City Council approved item 12 on the agenda by a majority vote.

SCOTTSBORO CITY COUNCIL APPROVES $50K DISBURSAL TO ROSEBERRY RESCUE GROUP SPRAYING. FAILS TO REQUIRE LONG TERM CONTROL PLAN OR TVA/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST INPUT. Provided either the County Commission or the Legislative Delegation contributes another $50K. 3 out of 4 was the requirement approved by the majority of the council. The 4 possible contributing groups are the Roseberry Rescue Group, the State Legislative Delegation, the Jackson County Commission and the City of Scottsboro. 

 Roseberry and Dry Creek area from the City Park.

Council Member Carol McCrary voted no on the issue. Ms. McCrary stated, "we need TVA's input on this matter...I cannot in good conscience vote for the approval of this issue."

It was very disturbing to see the Scottsboro City Council not recognize the necessity of acquiring the professional input of a biologist or fisheries expert to examine the Roseberry/Dry Creek nuisance species problem. The City Council did not establish a requirement to develop a long term control plan involving the input of an Alabama Department of Conservation or TVA Biologist for this project.

By all appearances, the Scottsboro City Council is catering to the request of influential special interest groups while ignoring good sense, legal requirements and explicit responsibilities of other government agencies.

The council ignored what the fisherman present were telling them was occuring to the fishery. They also ignored the request to develop a long term plan and acquiring the advice of a professional biologist in addressing this problem.

There is a TVA meeting in Chattanooga Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. A public listening session by the TVA Board will begin at 9AM Eastern time, 8AM our time.

Our regional environmental group supports responsible aquatic nuisance species control, not decimation of the fishery via improper application of herbicide treatment to sensitive riparian areas of Dry Creek and Roseberry Creek area.

Our group request was plainly stated to the City Council, the Roseberry Rescue Group, the City's Attorney and the Mayor. The press also received a copy of our environmental groups request and suggestions for the proper management of this problem.

It was plainly stated by the Roseberry Rescue Group their only concern was for themselves and not for the preservation of the fishery or the environment. The group spokesperson stated, paraphrased: "Go somewhere else to fish, you have 98% of Guntersville Reservoir to fish."

If the project is to be accomplished, it must be done in accordance with sound practices of environmental-watershed management and the law for the benefit of the fishery, the wildlife, while allowing proper usage and navigation to and from the area for the public. 

Since the application of the aquatic herbicide begining 3 years ago algae has become a problem. This problem was demonstrated to the City Council last night but had no effect on the city council. 

Profuse Algae growth may be seen in shallow and up to 6 foot depths in the area. 

A sample of the algae was collected and taken to the city council meeting. when a body of water has excessive phosphate, nitrates or other effluent or runoff problems algae will become excessive. There are 2 sewage treatment plants in this area.  Plus considerable farm land drainage. The large area removal and destruction of aquatic species by the methodology applied results in a high risk environmental scenario of which the Roseberry Rescue Group nor the City of Scottsboro seem to grasp.

More information on the TVA meeting Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 8AM Central time in Chattanooga, Tn.: http://www.tva.com/abouttva/board/index.htm Sign up page to address the TVA Board: http://www.tva.com/abouttva/board/speak.htm

It is TVA's explicit responsibility as stated in the TVA's policy to manage this problem. TVA policy link: http://www.tva.gov/rrsc/readingroom/aquaplantrec.htm

A biologists perspective: http://www.chattanoogan.com/2011/2/4/193833/TWRA-Expert-Weighs-in-on-Milfoil.aspx

Previous articles on my blog about this issue: http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Roseberry%20Rescue%20Group

Toxicity studies of Fluridone: U.S Bureau of Land Management, Fluridone Ecological Risk Assessment, November 2005, Bureau of Land Management Contract No. NAD010156ENSR Document Number 09090-020-650;  Section 3.1.3.1- "...fluridone is considered to be moderately toxic to fish species. Most studies reviewed, and all studies selected, for TRV derivation for fish were based on products containing at least 97% fluridone." 3.1.3.3- "The toxicity of fluridone was evaluated with several freshwater aquatic invertebrates, including water fleas (e.g., Daphnia magna), scuds (Hyallela spp.), crayfish (e.g. Astacidae), and chironomids. Acute toxicity was observed in aquatic invertebrates exposure to fluridone..." Fluridone Ecological Risk Assessment, Final Report The report goes on to state that larger animals and wildlife, including birds, are not effected if the application of the herbicide is performed properly. However, there is a risk to native aquatic species in the treatment area.

Conclusion: there is a moderate to high risk to the fishery and the the fishery food chain. This may account for the poor fishing within the area of Roseberry and Dry Creek area as reported by members of the Bass Anglers Clubs and fisherman speaking at last nights city council meeting.

We do not want what the picture to the left demonstrates. What probably will be acheived in the Dry and Roseberry Creek area will be what the Bass Club members described in last nights Scottsboro City Council meeting," no cover, no fish, the fish left the area." And so have the fisherman and their money.

Scottsboro City Council Meeting

Last night was a work session of the Scottsboro city Council. Several important issues were discussed.

1) City Attorney, Steve Kennamer, discussed the City Ordinance concerning business licenses and alcoholic beverage control license. The new ordinance will coordinate local laws with the state law. Mr. Kennamer stated the new license issuance fee will be based on the state license fee which is based on the consumer price index. According to the City Attorney this will lower the current fees. (In my last posting concerning this issue I had misunderstood the explanation of the license fee issues. I stated there would be an increase in license fees. A change in the law will not result in a fee increase and there probably will be a decrease in license fees as the local law is coordinated with state law, my apologies for the error.) 2) Vacancy announcement on the Water Sewer and Gas Board due to the death of Mrs. Dicus, term expires Sep. 2014. Applications for the position must be turned into the City Clerk no later than Feb. 24, 2012 by 4PM. 3) 1 vacancy on the Housing Authority Board, applications must be turned into the City Clerk no later than 24 Feb, 2012 by 4PM. 4) There were 3 items of discussion relating to the traffic signals at the intersection of Hwy 72 & 35, Wal-Mart and Scottsboro High School. The items concern a modification of the signals at the 3 locations.

Presentation by Mr. Lowell Bivins of the Roseberry Rescue Group concerning Aquatic Nuisance Species in the Dry Creek and Roseberry Creek area. The Jackson County Park and the Scottsboro City Park are located in these areas. There are many homeowners which have docks by the lake in the area of Roseberry and Dry Creek.

The Aquatic Nuisance Species issue has been an ongoing issue long before 2008 when the Roseberry Rescue Group (RRG) LLC was formed.  Information about the Roseberry Rescue Group may be found on the web at  http://sites.google.com/site/roseberryrescuegroupllc/home .

The Roseberry group of concerned citizens state on their web site: "In 2008 two specific non-native aquatic weeds (hydrillia and Eurasian milfoil) had encroached the waterways, channel and near shore areas of Roseberry Creek within Scottsboro and Jackson County. They literally took over whereby Roseberry Creek was unusable by the public or private land owners."

"The simple reason this occurred was that around 2005 TVA began scaling back service and eventually stopped treatment and left the job to local communities."

 Roseberry Rescue Groups informational aids as presented to the City Council demonstrating the area of coverage. Aqua-Services of Guntersville, Al. will be contracted to provide the service. The Daily Sentinel coverage of the issue by Dewayne Patterson: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_4bc867d8-51e0-11e1-9933-0019bb2963f4.html

The Roseberry group is asking the City of Scottsboro to pay for $50,000 of a $200,000 bill for control of  hydrilla and millfoil. The group will also request $50K each from the County Commission and the Legislative Delegation. The lakeside homeowners will also contribute $50K to the project. The responsible parties for the stewardship of the Tennessee River waterways, TVA and the State of Alabama in accordance with Federal and State law, contribute nothing.

The irresponsibility of the TVA and the State of Alabama in this problem is appalling in regards to this issue. The TVA and the State of Alabama are neglecting their responsibilities.

The TVA Act states: "Sec. 22. To aid further the proper use, conservation, and development of the natural resources of the Tennessee River drainage basin and of such adjoining territory as may be
related to or materially affected by the development consequent to this Act, and to provide for the general welfare of the citizens of said areas..." Board of Directors of the TVA has a responsibility:

"Sec. 2. MEMBERSHIP, OPERATION, AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. (b) (5) 

shall affirm support for the objectives and missions, of the Corporation, including being a national leader in technological innovation, low-cost power, and environmental stewardship." In TVA's Environmental Policy they state: "Natural Resource Management - TVA protects natural resources while providing recreational opportunities across the valley." TVA also states their responsibility under "Water Resource Protection and Improvement - TVA manages an integrated river system for multiple uses while striving to provide clean and sufficient water for the valley's needs." TVA's  Environmental Policy .

 

TVA's policy, Aquatic Species Management: http://www.tva.gov/rrsc/readingroom/aquaplantrec.htm

The policy states: Policy for managing aquatic plants in the Tennessee River system-

TVA will assume the leadership responsibility for resolving problems with, and disputes over, aquatic plants within the Tennessee River system. TVA will take the lead in bringing stakeholders and technical experts together to discuss and define the problems, voice concerns, design management plans, and develop funding strategies. Administration, implementation, and financial responsibilities will be negotiated among local, state, and federal government agencies, TVA and other stakeholders.

State of Alabama: The Department of Conservation and The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) have responsibilities under several laws. Previously, ADEM did not issue permits for aquatic nuisance species control. Currently they are issuing permits for herbicide treatment. There are other responsibilities outlined in Alabama Water Resources Act. This law is referenced in the Code of Alabama Section 9-10B various subparts.  Also relevant is the Alabama Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan which was developed by Governor Riley and signed into law but has never been funded.   www.outdooralabama.com/education/generalinfo/ans/plan/AlANSPlan200812.pdf. A public law has been passed regarding aquatic nuisance species, and it may be found in the Code of Alabama Section 9-20.  http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/CodeOfAlabama/1975/coatoc.htm

There are several problems relating not only to government responsibility but to the Roseberry Rescue Group Responsibility.

There is no doubt that Hydrilla and Millfoil are out of control in many areas of the lake. The last application of the herbicide reduced the current problem. Short term solutions are not the answer. Poisoning the waters over and over again will have an impact on the fishery. The application of Fluridone and also a shoreline herbicide promotes the growth of dangerous algae. Reports from Florida reveal Hydrilla will build a resistance to Fluridone.

There is no long term plan by any of the governmental entities or the Roseberry Rescue Group concerning their deployment of this herbicide. Nor has there been any scientific input concerning the impact on the fishery or native aquatic species relating to the long term use of the herbicide.

To continue to spend $150,000 in public funds every 3 years for the spraying of "water weeds" in an 1100 acre area without knowing the long term effects of the application is negligent. In 21 years (began in 2008) that will equal a total of $1.05 million dollars (2012 dollars) in tax dollars spent without any scientific input from biologists or a definitive plan to evaluate and resolve the problem for a long term solution.

It is significant that the Dry Creek area has been identified by government conservation agencies as an area affected by siltation and pesticide runoff. There are 2 sewage treatment plants releasing effluents in the area of Roseberry Creek. Killing off the aquatic species in the area will have an effect on the fishery and the lake. Aquatic species in shallow water serve a purpose to clean human waste and agricultural discharges. The possible repercussions of widespread aquatic species poisoning are not known at this time due to the lack of a study. However, in Florida and other areas there are horror stories related to excessive algae blooms killing off the fishery as a result of eliminating other aquatic plant species.

Previous stories from 4 years ago relating to this issue; including incidents of censorship on al.com due to discussion of the issue. http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Roseberry%20Rescue20Group

Jackson County Park Spends Thousands on Weed Control, Asks for $500,000 Loan

Yep that's right, apparently the Jackson County Park agreed to pay the private contractor in Guntersville $14,000 per year for 3 years to kill aquatic nuisance weeds around the county park area. Previously park board members had stated they had not contributed any funds for the weed issue. It was stated to the County Commission and the Scottsboro City Council that the parks would be covered by the plan as outlined by the Roseberry Rescue Group for eliminating aquatic nuisance species in the Roseberry and Dry Creek areas of Guntersville Lake. The TVA contractor has applied aquatic herbicide to the areas of County Park and City Park within the past 2 weeks. Apparently the TVA contractor, the County Park Contractor and Roseberry Rescue Groups Contractor is one in the same company. Commissioners requested the Jackson County Park Board provide them with minutes of their meetings as this was all news to them.
The weed control facts disclosed yesterday at the Jackson County Commission Meeting when

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Commissioners questioned the Park Board Chairman concerning a $500K loan request to rebuild the park campground after the storm destroyed it earlier in the year. FEMA and State Funds will be issued in 3-6 months to cover approximately 85% of the cleanup and rebuilding costs.

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Commission Chairman Bias inquired exactly where and how the funds are to be spent. The Park Board Chairman could not provide that information. Mr. Allen agreed with Ms. Bias that more information should be forthcoming prior to the County Commission assuming responsibility for a loan of $500K for the Park Board. The issue was tabled until specific plans could be developed.

>
John Himburg of Sanders Security, a Dothan firm, presented a final Security Improvement Contract for doors and other security hardware to the Commission. The plan was approved by the commission. http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/124756293722750.xml&coll=1

Poll on Aquatic Nuisance Weeds/Poll Results

It has been a while since I have ran a poll. It seems now is a good time since there is an important issue before the Scottsboro City Council.

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Do you think the Scottsboro City Council should issue tax payer money to a private, non-profit group for the elimination of aquatic nuisance weeds in Guntersville Reservoir's Dry Creek and Roseberry Creek area? POLL RESULTS: 44 total votes over a 5 day period. There were 20 yes votes, 45%; there were 24 no votes, 55% which were no votes or votes that stated the lakeside homeowners should cleanup around their own boat docks.

>>

Please feel free to make comments on this issue.

Discussion Group Issues--Municipal Bonds and Aquatic Weeds

Bond derivatives and swapping has been an expensive endeavor for some small southern towns. (Fair use photo usage for non profit news reporting.) 

 

Bond issues, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/us/08bond.html?_r=1&em

There are some questions which must be answered concerning Scottsboro's financial transactions related to refinancing of bonds and bond deals. Has Scottsboro participated in bond swaps or derivatives of the sort discussed in the New York Times article?

>

An inquiry has been forwarded to the Mayor and City Attorney concerning this question.

 

 

Fair use rights for non-profit news and discussion. Photo by Alabama Department of conservation.

 

 

Aquatic Nuisance Species such as Hydrilla is an issue for local, state and federal government.

 

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Aquatic Weed Issues. A request for assistance has been sent to Governor Riley concerning Aquatic Nuisance Weeds in the Tennessee River, specifically the Roseberry/Dry Creek area and the proposed plans of a local citizen's group, the Roseberry Rescue Group.

>>>

A reply has been received. The Alabama Department of Conservation will be looking into this issue as instructed by Governor Riley.

IV

It appears political manipulation by high level members of the Democrat Party are creating problems concerning this issue. This situation is typical of Alabama political action or a failure of action due to political faction bickering.

V

The Alabama Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force was created in 2005 by Governor Riley, a Republican. The Appropriations for projects such as Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force are controlled by Democrats. Political faction bickering is preventing a resolution to these problems at the state level.

VI

The TVA is a corporate entity of the United States. It is funded solely by the sale of electrical power to the various local electrical power providers within the TVA service area.

VII

The environmental stewardship of Guntersville Lake is in part the responsibility of the U.S Government thru the TVA and in part the State of Alabama thru the Alabama Department of Conservation. These agencies along with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management as authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have regulatory responsibility on the Alabama portion of the Tennessee River, its reservoirs and tributaries.

VIII

The use of herbicides in this large body of water will require a permit under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

IX

The City of Scottsboro has not acquired the professional opinions of federal or state biologists in this project.

X

The City of Scottsboro has approved appropriations with stipulations of other funding and review of the private applicator's guarantee of the aquatic weed project.

XI

Scottsboro local news media has presented very one sided stories about this project in support of the Roseberry Rescue Group. They have not presented the negative side of the Roseberry Rescue Groups proposals. Scottsboro's local news media has been presented with information concerning the negative issues of proposed application of Floridone to the Roseberry and Dry Creek areas of Guntersville Reservoir. However, they have not covered the legal, political and environmental issues concerning private citizens applying herbicide poisons to Guntersville Reservoir in violation of applicable laws.

XII

There is a front page article in today's Scottsboro Daily Sentinel concerning the aquatic weed issue.

Fluridone Will Not Work Says TVA

An article in today's Huntsville Times by David Brewer quotes results of TVA's use of Fluridone.

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"A chemical sought by local citizens for ridding aquatic weeds along lakefront homes and boathouses on Roseberry Creek was used by the Tennessee Valley Authority until it became ineffective for its purpose.
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"It didn't work on narrow strips along the shoreline," TVA biologist David Webb said Wednesday of the herbicide fluridone. " Link to article: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/1239268519102760.xml&coll=1