Erosion Study To Be Presented
The Devils Lake Water Improvement District has conducted an erosion study to determine if and how the lake level impacts erosion on properties surrounding Devils Lake. Tetra Tech will be presenting their evaluation of the lake resulting from the fieldwork that occurred this spring at this month’s DLWID Board meeting on Thursday December 1st at 6:00pm. Please note that these meetings have moved to City Hall Council Chambers, which are located on the third floor of City Hall.
Erosion Study
The presentation that will be made by Tetra Tech is very important because by design, it should address key issues such as the loss of shoreline to inundation, loss or change in plant community along the shore which may lead to erosion or shoreline loss, impacts to wetlands and wetland hydrology, impacts to structures, direct erosion of the shoreline, plus others. The District specifically requested that the study consider how wave energy, both natural and man made, impact the shoreline as a result of having the lake held at 9.53’ (full exercise of water right), at 9.0’ (partial exercise of water right), and if the lake was to be allowed a natural hydrology without impoundment.
Over the coming months the District will use this study to determine how to manage, lake level and shoreline development including restorations projects and potential restrictions on development as contemplated in the Devils Lake Plan. This will be an important presentation for individuals interested in Devils Lake.
Septic Ordinance and Sewer Planning
On November 7th, DLWID board members and staff attended a City Council workshop to discuss the possibility of a septic inspection ordinance and options to accelerate sewer extension around the lake; the issues discussed were outlined in this memo by David Hawker. Subsequently, the City Council took up the issue of a septic inspection program and sewer extension at their Monday, November 14, meeting as described in a memo by David Hawker.
As a result of this meeting City Council has directed staff to prepare a septic ordinance for review. City Council also recommended that the City investigate the use of an special assessment of water customers with septic systems; suggesting an average of $40 per month. The funds would be used to accelerate the installation of sanitary sewer. Also recommended was for the City to encourage DLWID to develop a proposal for voter approval to impose a property tax and an authorization of general obligation bonds to be used for the same. The DLWID board is scheduled to discuss this important development during this meeting.
Can’t Make The Meeting?
If you cannot attend this month’s meeting; it will appear on Channel 4 for all Charter customers. You can check the Channel 4 Schedule for airing times. The best way to stay informed is for all lake front homeowners and interested parties to attend these important meetings.
There are several topics of importance to lake residents on this month’s agenda. Due to the importance of this month’s meeting we sent this notice prior to the District posting the meeting documents, the links should function once the documents have been uploaded.
