Category Archives: City

On Monday March 1^st, DLWID and Lincoln City met to discuss differences between the district’s and the City’s ideas related to a septic inspection program.  The group created a draft of compromises and the outcome was reported to be very productive.

In attendance were: Mayor Lori Hollingsworth, DLWID Chair Brian Green, City Councilor Chester Noreikis, City Councilor Gary Ellingson, City Manager David Hawker, Lake Manager Paul Robertson, DLWID Intern Seth Lenaerts.

The tone of the meeting was said to be very positive with all parties looking to move forward on this issue and to create a meaningful ordinance to assure that septic systems within the Devils Lake watershed are functioning to design. Continue reading →

Lincoln City Manager David Hawker will request a continuance of the scheduled discussion on the planned septic ordinance until the March 8th Council meeting, stating a planned meeting between City officials and DLWID could not be scheduled until March 1st.

In his February 8th Memo to City Council Mr. Hawker suggests “that many opponents are not well informed, or pick and choose bits of information they believe will help their case.”  He further states that opponents main objections are;

A. That there is no evidence showing that septic systems pollute the lake, or have little impact.

B. That septic tanks don’t need inspection or pumping.

Let’s clear up a few of these misconceptions.

1.   Opponents are not opponents but rather affected parties who wish to be included in the process that creates this ordinance. Indeed, this group supports the responsible operation of county approved septic systems and share a similar goal of a clean and clear Devils Lake. Continue reading →

News Times, Newport OR
Friday, Feb 12th, 2010
BY: Terry Dillman

Lincoln City Council members worked toward resolving differences of opinion that arose over recommendations by City Manager David Hawker for establishing an inspection program designed to reduce pollution stemming from failed or failing septic systems around Devils Lake.

Monday night’s session continued a discussion begun during the Jan. 11 council meeting, where Hawker asked the council to consider an ordinance requiring all lakefront property owners to have their septic systems inspected or face having the city shut off their water. The request hit a snag with the Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID) Board of Directors, who passed a resolution in January backing the ordinance idea, but only if city officials dropped the water shut-off provision. Continue reading →

The Lincoln City Council meeting occurred Monday January 11^th at 7:00pm which included public comment and a staff presentation on the Septic Revitalization ordinance.  The City Manager withdrew his recommendation to proceed.  The City Council rejected his withdrawal and directed him to continue to work on the matter.

The public testimony in opposition pretty much followed that given in the DLWID Board meeting on January 7^th.  Testimony in support was DLWID Board chair Brian Green who read into the record the resolution passed at the board meeting adding that the Board might be able to bring back a resolution with different wording to a future Council meeting.  A representative from the Salmon Creek/Drift Creek Water Shed Council supported the draft ordinance and conveyed a lake so polluted you couldn’t swim in it.

City Manager David Hawker made a presentation on the ordinance. Continue reading →