The 2013 recreational season on Devils Lake saw lower water levels, warmer water temperatures and the worst algae bloom in memory. The Greening of Devils Lake provides a look at the result of these factors.
Please watch this video. If you spent time at the lake this summer it will look all too familiar. If you’ve been absent see what you missed. It’s time to get involved; email us at [email protected] to see how you can help.
Filed under Algae Bloom, Water Quality, Water Quality
Hope you didn’t miss us too bad over the past few months. A lot happened over the summer perhaps most notable, an algae bloom that began Father’s day and continues to this day. The Devils Lake Water Improvement District and the City of Lincoln City have been busy on several projects that will impact you. We’ll report on these issues more in the future so for now we’d just recommend that you tune in, and share your thoughts with us.
Please complete the attached poll. Stop by our coffee and let us know how you feel about the condition of the lake this summer. Watch our new video “The Greening of Devils Lake” and share your reactions. Bottom-line, we want to encourage you to engage and email us at [email protected] to provide the details of your lake experience.
Filed under Editorial
Please hold Saturday August 3rd at 6:00 pm open to come join us for our Fifth Annual Potluck on the Point. Last year was a great success with over seventy residents of Devils Lake in attendance. Come share some great food and fun with your lakeside neighbors. The get together will be hosted by Mitch and Dana Moore at 2929 NE Loop Drive on Sand Point.
Plan to bring your favorite dish, appetizer, main dish or casserole and join us, with your neighbor and friends for an afternoon of fun. Be sure to mark your calendar today!
If you have been wondering where the Devils Lake Navigator articles have gone lately, don’t fret. We’re taking the summer off while we use and observe the lake. This break was inspired by the wise advice of Thumper who said “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all…” Check back in the Fall for news and updates.
Filed under Editorial
The Devils Lake Water Improvement District Budget meeting was on Friday May 10th at 10:00am and was held in the City Hall Council Chambers located on the third floor of City Hall.
Budget Presentation: The Lake Manager started the meeting presenting the budget to the budget committee. It described the five priorities that have been set by the DLWID Board in previous meetings. These priorities include:
He then continued on to describe a list of other additional programs and activities the District maintains are presented. There is more detail on each area at http://www.dlwid.org/Projects.html. The categories include Continue reading
Filed under DLWID, Meeting Announcements
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.
Filed under DLWID, Meeting Reports
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