Land around Lakeside’s water supply may be swapped

At the regular water district monthly meeting it was stated by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Steve Denny, that the surveying will begin soon on Eel Lake and take about a month.They are, “in the final stages of appraisals.”

In working with others he is trying to safeguard our water supply. An agreement between OFFW the current owner and the potential buyer (who has yet to be disclosed) will contain restrictions on how the land will be logged.

Input has been shared by the past mayor Nelson, and the current mayor Rod Schilling, Watershed Mike Mader, Stuntzner Engineering Greg Stone. Denny was assuring in that, “the agreement will exceed forest practices penalties.”

There will be a 200 foot buffer (straight line point to point) between the water and the logged land. When logging took place on the same land many years back and there were trees taken inside the buffer, the penalty was so minor it did not discourage the infraction.This time is to be different.

Approximately one-third of the land will be deeded to State Parks for protection.

Upon completion of negations a informational meeting will be held to answer any questions or concerns. Lakesideinfo.com will announce the date and time when it is known.

Contract awarded

Camtronics Inc. out of Camas Valley, will begin contracted work on redoing the programmable logic controller (PLC). Wonderware will allow for monitoring the plant by computer.

Currently, as an example, to know how much water is in the tank staff must physically observe the inside of the tank. Sensors will be installed in the tank that will eliminate that need and  will confirm the water level via computer. The whole system will be observed by computer.

Acting superintendent to sell back 116 hours of vacation time

Marty Ball has been working alone since the termination of Tim Crockett and accruing vacation time without an opportunity to burn it off.

The board members all voted to buy it back as a ‘one time thing’ given the special circumstances of operating short staffed.

A policy review will take place this summer.

Hiring

It was suggested that interviews of potential hires take place with the whole board and not just a couple of members. The attorney John Trew will get back to them on how to proceed.

Invasive species

Attempts will be made to buy or obtain two signs from the Oregon State Marine Board and install them at Tugman boat ramp informing the public of clean launch laws and fines that will result from not adhering to them.

Additionally, attempts will be made to acquire a boat washing station near the boat launch area. Concerns range from people cleaning out there bilges, crab pots and boats.

If an invasive species gets into the lake it will cause damage to the filters and pumps used for Lakeside’s water supply.

Bags removed from hydrants on Kings Avenue

Robert O’Bryan wrote a letter and appeared before the water board requesting a larger vent on the tank at Kings Avenue. He was advised by the water district engineer, “the existing vents are large enough.”

O’Bryan then requested the bags placed on the hydrants by the Lakeside fire department last year be removed. Lakeside Fire Chief Ted Ross, will be advised that the hydrants will only be used in an emergency.

The bags prevented the use of the hydrants. It was agreed that the bags would be removed Wednesday.