DLWID 2013-2014 Budget Meeting Report

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:

1. Improve and maintain the water quality in Devils Lake.
2. Improve the environment for fish, wildlife, and humans in Devils Lake and its watershed.
3. Improve recreational opportunities in and on Devils Lake.
4. Improve and maintain safe and efficient navigation through Devils Lake.
5. Increase public access to Devils Lake.
6. Improve the economy of north Lincoln County through the restoration and maintenanceof Devils Lake.
7. Increase public awareness and public education of Devils Lake.

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

May DLWID Board Meeting Report

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.

Vote For Two Positions on the DLWID Board

Lincoln County Special Election May 21, 2013

The Voters’ Pamphlet for this election is now available to provide additional information on candidates and measures and can be found at this link.

Devils Lake Water Improvement District, Positions 4 and 5 are currently held by Brian Green and David Skirvin have received two challengers Mark Christie and former DLWID board member Jack Strayer.  Follow are excerpts from the Voters Pamphlet for each candidate.  We have included links to candidates websites.  This is an important election ans we encourage to participate.

Position #4

Mark Christie
www.ChristieForDlake.com

“Devils Lake is a rare gem that serves many of this District’s patrons in a wide variety of ways. My top priority will continue to be water quality that will improve the environment for fish, wildlife and the many people who enjoy the lake. Improved, safe, public access and use of our lake will foster a healthy economic climate for North Lincoln County”

 Brian Green

“I support the management tools we have listed in the Devil’s Lake Plan, including careful re-planting of carp, septic inspections, sewers, public communication and outreach; and shoreline, wetland, and wildlife protection. My positions on lake issues are clearly reflected in the Devil’s Lake Plan. Again, see www.dlwid.org.”

Position #5

David Skirvin

“I support the goals of establishing Local Sewer Districts and having a septic tank inspection program enacted to ensure the systems around the lake are working properly. DLWID has determined one third of all systems in the watershed have no records of installation or service and are beyond their normal lifespan.”

 

Jack Strayer
www.Strayer4Dlake.com

“As a DLWID Director I will work to maintain  maximum lake height during the summer, reducing the blue-green algae, helping the young salmon, protecting the kids and pets, rescuing the wetlands and restoring a blue lake for all to enjoy.”

April DLWID Board Meeting Report

The Devils Lake Water Improvement District Board meeting was Thursday April 11th 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.

Public Comment: There were 6 interested parties in attendance. Those interested in commenting missed the first comment period and waited till the end of the meeting.  A representative from the Tigersharks Surf Club which is trying to help local kids learn water safety and how to surf made a second appeal for funding from the District. A resident from the Horseshoe bay area tried to plea with the Board for reconsideration of their lake level decision showing photographs that illustrated half the bay empty last summer.

Septic Ordinance: There was an extensive discussion of the septic program and sewers on the lake.  The discussion came and went throughout the entire meeting as consumed 2 to 2.5 hours of the meeting. In summary the septic program seems to have morphed from water shutoff as a mechanism to something more like adding a surcharge to water service for those who have not completed the required inspections.

Vegetation Management: The District has stated an outreach program to the public to find interested members of the public to assist in lobbying for grass carp.  This outreach has been primarily limited to online efforts rather than direct contact or direct mail.   Other tasks on the project were discussed.

Sewer: Brian Green reported again on the Voyage Local Improvement District, which lead to another round of discussion on sewers around the lake.  The District seems to be toying with getting actively involved in encouraging the expansion of sewer LID’s around the lake.  It is unclear from the discussion of what decision was made.

RARE Program: District staff proposed that the  $20,000 be invested in an effort to secure another season of a RARE Intern.  More information was requested.

Devils Lake Community Grant Program: The District is proposing to make available funding for grants to non-profits, community organizations, and local governments to engage in activities that offer benefits that align with the District’s mission up to $6,000 annually.  The Board did not take action on this request but did authorize $1,000 to be given to the Tigersharks Surf Club with the condition that the children work an unspecific amount maintaining the rain gardens.

The meeting adjourned after 10pm.

Devils Lake Dash Coming Soon

The fastest Jet Ski racers in the Pacific Northwest will hit Devils Lake for the first-ever Devils Lake Dash presented by Chinook Winds Casino and Resort.

“Chinook Winds is proud to be a partner in this inaugural event in Lincoln City,” Marketing Director Eric Smileuske said. “This is a fun-filled, community-based event and is a tremendous opportunity to introduce visitors to what Lincoln City has to offer.”

Even though the event about three months away ~ it’s scheduled for May 18-19 — dozens of the best personal watercraft racers and freestyle riders in the Pacific Northwest have already indicated they’ll be kicking off their seasons in Lincoln City.

“Several World Finals competitors have already committed to racing,” promoter Rogel’ Harnack of Riverside, Wash., said. “Look for pro rider Aaron Newport from the Tri-Cities to clean up in his class. And Oregon’s own Alisha Goering should be a stand-out in the women’s division.” Both have finished in the Top 5 in the world at different points in their careers. Both are also familiar with the Oregon Coast, having also raced in the pounding surf at Pacific City.

Attend The March DLWID Meeting

March 14, 2013 6:00pm

The Devils Lake Water Improvement District now holds its regularly scheduled Board meetings on the second Thursday of every month. This month the District invites you to spend Valentine’s Day with them at City Hall. The agenda for this month’s meeting on Thursday March 14th at 6:00pm, contains several important topics.  During the meeting will be a discussion related to next steps the Grass Carp request recently submitted to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Our hopes are that a plan will be disclosed to enlist the public in support of the application.

Other topic of discussion this month includes the Septic Tank Revitalization Program and the plan for the upcoming intergovernmental meeting on the topic.  The District will present the initial plans for the Devils Lake Revival held in Regatta Park.  This year’s Lake Steward will be selected to follow Don Sell the 2012 recipient.  Several other items will be discussed as outlined in the Staff Report. The Water District makes several other important decisions regarding the lake every month and you are encouraged to attend.

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. You may also now watch the meeting streamed lived, see the related article above. The best way to stay informed is for all lakefront homeowners and interested parties to attend these important meetings.

There are several topics of importance to lake residents on this month’s agenda. Please check the links to the District’s documents to review the other topics on the agenda for this month’s meeting.

Agenda
Staff Reports
February 14 Minutes
February 14 Video

February DLWID Board Meeting Report

The Devils Lake Water Improvement District Board meeting was on Valentine’s Day Thursday February 14th 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.

Total Maximum Daily Load: Kevin Brannan from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality presented an overview of the TMDL process for the Mid Coast Watershed. He described how the DEQ details of the TMDL process suggesting there is a lot of data available including 165 sample stations with a 12 year history. Generally, they will identify sources, quantify bacterial levels and develop a plan for improvement where required. The plan will then be implemented, monitored, they will learn during the process, then they will improve the plan. In fresh water they are specifically concerned with eColi.

Agricultural Water Quality Plan and Rules Overview: Kevin Fenn from the Oregon Department of Agriculture provided a brief overview of the existing rules and water quality plans that govern agricultural in Oregon. He explained that they monitor agricultural activities near water. This is mainly related to erosion caused by farming, grazing and manure management.

Public Comment: There were 6 interested parties in attendance. A presentation was made by the Tigersharks Surf Club which is trying to help local kids learn water safety and how to surf. He explained they spend a great deal of time on the lake for training. He was looking for donations to supplement the tution for kids who cannot afford to participate. Another person suggested the District promote the Great Backyard Bird Count which is Feb 15th to18th.

Septic Ordinance: There was a report given on the Septic Tank Revitalization Program. City staff is at the point where they are ready to put together details to the program and suggested that a meeting be scheduled as early as March, it could be a City Council or a speci workshop. Details are still being worked out.

Save Our Shoreline: There was a brief discussion on the need to do a second round of maintenance at the raingardens and replant as required. The District has organized a fall and spring landscaping training course. The District decided to host the training this spring, and open it up to the public as a free course.