Gulf Coast Bridge Association
Unit 180

General Membership Meeting


May 17, 2007

The general membership meeting of the Gulf Coast Bridge Association was called to order at 4:30pm by President Joyce Dozier.

64 members present.

First in order for discussion was the Canal Rd property:

The President recognized the building committee which consists of Jerry Grissom, Ed Guardanapo, Frank Battaile, and (Lynne Logan resigned). The floor was turned over to Frank Battaile who gave a report on why the committee recommends the sale of the Canal Road property. 2/3 of the property is considered “Wetlands” and the cost of mucking, adding three feet of good soil, and adding a lift station for sewage waste would cost approximately $200,000. He also stated that it might take up to 2 years, with no guarantee, to get a permit. Also, until MDOT widens Canal Road during heavy rains we might have flooding problems.

Discussion on the property followed: Lynne Logan asked the question "do we need to do spend money on the mucking and fill dirt before we apply for a permit"? The question was raised stating when we purchased Canal Road it was understood we could get county water and sewage and now wondering why it is not available now. The answer is we can get county service but it would cost $100,000 plus to do so. A well and a lift station would be more cost effective. Lynne also asked the question, "would we still have flooding after the road is widened?”

Genie LeBlanc suggested we get a good Real Estate attorney to see if we could our money back on the property. Joyce Dozier, a retired agent, stated Mississippi Law is let the buyer beware.

O.J. Shipley made a motion that the club retain the lot at this time and get another piece of property for the bridge club. Seconded by Ed Guadanapo. Discussion followed. Walter Lewis asked O.J. to make a clarification or amend the motion.
Don Hopes called for a vote. O.J. Shipley made an amended motion to put a "For Sale" sign on the property and attempt a private sale to recover at least 90% of purchased price of the property. A vote was called: 54 yeas, 3 opposed, and 2 abstained, motion carried.

Second in order for discussion was new property:

Joyce Dozier stated that we need the approval of the members to secure property in a general area and not to exceed our budget. Ed Guardanapo discussed property on Dedeaux Road between Lorraine Road and Three Rivers Road in Gulfport. It is a central location and there are two leased business on the property now. The asking price is $300,000.
Motion made by Janet Signer to give the board permission to secure property in a central location not to exceed $300,000, seconded by Peggy Hamilton.
Discussion followed: insurance costs etc. Jerry gave a report on other property in Gulfport and on the Dedaux Rd property. Also discussed was the "fitness center". It was felt that it was not suitable for our purposes and would cost too much to fix up.
A vote was called on the motion to secure property in a central location. 54 yeas, 2 opposed, 3 abstained.
Motion was carried.
Meeting adjourned at 5:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Betty OBrien, Secretary