The Devils Lake Water Improvement District Board meeting was Thursday May 9th at 6:00pm and was held in the City Hall Council Chambers located on the third floor of City Hall. The full meeting is now available online at this streaming video link.
Thank you Linda for your service!
Public Comment: There were 10 interested parties in attendance. Those interested in commenting on agenda item commented at beginning of the meeting those that wished to comment on non-agenda items waited till the end of the meeting. Those in attendance presented Linda Burt with a flower arrangement and a well deserved thank you for here years of service. The district was encouraged to continue creating a written record of the meetings. A commenter reacted the phrase raise the lake to responsible levels and suggested that would at a minimum be to a level equal to the current board policy. Others commented on what they characterized were campaign mis-statements made by some current board members related to the residency of candidates, attendance at meetings, and use of misleading terminology.
Septic Ordinance: There was a discussion on how the septic inspection may operate. The we’re some concerns expressed who and/or how the County will be engaged. Staff changes at Lincoln County mean that they will not be able to perform the inspections. The Board felt inspections should concentrate in clumps so area residents could consider a sewer LID instead.
Save Our Shoreline: The District was asked to hire a landscaping company to maintain the rain garden at Regatta Park. The Board asked to have the City bid on maintaining the plot. The Board authorized $485 to clean up the site once and $275 to rebuild a slope.
Vegetation Management: The District reported that Rep. Gomberg he will support the grass carp application and assist in promoting grass carp.
Sewer: Brian Green reported again on the Voyage Local Improvement District, has been approved. He reiterated that this represents a new model for an LID where all costs are paid for by the participating homeowners. Of the 58 lots 44 participated, he projected that maybe 10 would hook up in the first year, then perhaps 2 to 3 additional per year.
Communications Report District staff requested a tent to be used for events. The request was deferred to the next meeting.
Policy Update: There was a presentation on a new law that requires a policy update providing guidance for mandatory reporting of abuse or neglected children. The policy was approved.
RARE Program: Updates were provided in support the requested $20,000 to participate in the RARE program. The Lake Manager suggested the,position could work on public relations, website development, Devils Lake Revival, water quality, and outreach and education. The Board doubted that one person could accomplish all the items that have been identified. A concern was expressed that required supervision would distract from the Managers ability to accomplish his job. The Board decided not to participate in the program this year.
Recorder: Linda Burt the faithful recorder of the DLWID is retiring. She was honored by lake front residents in the public comment period. The Board discussed options and directed staff to advertise for a replacement.
Non-Agenda Items: There was a lengthy discussion about installing the dam now since it was pointed out in public comment that the lake was lower than 9 feet at this time. In the end the board moved to open the door to partially install the dam, that is leaving the center section open should the lake level reach 8.9 foot. This temporary rule will be in place between May 15th and June 1st where the dam would be installed by existing policy if the lake drops below 9.o feet through June 15th when the dam will be installed to maintain a 9.o foot lake level. The motion passed.
Board Comments: Kip Ward made a statement that the fact that David Skirvin does not live in Lincoln City does not impact the keep it local argument. He said that the lake was in Lincoln City and control needs to stay in Lincoln City. He stated that the board is currently 4 to 1 local versus out of towners, and should one of the challengers win this election the board mix would be 3 to 2 putting absolute local control in jeopardy in just 24 month when the other three positions are up for re-election. He then reiterated that his mother lives in Portland but he wouldn’t want her on the DLWID board?
The meeting adjourned after 8:35pm.
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