From the desk of Lakeside Mayor Schilling, August 2010

Planning Commission and workshop

This month started with a Planning Commission meeting regarding needed revamping of the R/V portion of Ordinance 10-169, last updated in 2008.  The purpose was to receive public input as to what the majority of the people wanted.

A secondary reason was to bring light to all the misinformation being published and gossiped around town regarding the ordinance.

The meeting was successful on both accounts and was a very productive endeavor. The information gained from this public input will be used to define a workable solution to this problem. Another meeting is planned on August 31 at 6:00 pm at the Lions Club on Bowron Rd., to establish a finished product.  Plan to attend.

Second workshop

On Tuesday August 31, a second Planning Commission workshop was held on the RV issue. More information was brought to light and lot of positive feedback was given.

Information gained from public input will be used to define a workable solution the the problem.

The need to check some of the State Statutes, which the planning commission cannot supersede, will be integral to the process.

Cardboard boat races

The cardboard boat races brought several hundred folks from far and wide this month.  They were all treated to a wonderful, sunny day and a lot of fun, food, and competition.

There were bar battles, Fire Departments paddling it out, and generally a lot of fun had by all.  Plan to attend this great event next year.  Better yet, build a cardboard boat and challenge someone to a race.

Lakesider’s, that’s us!

This month I was treated to a mean spirited statement, made in a loud voice, that I suspect was meant for me to hear. This lone individual stated to a group of 5 or 6 persons that “they as a group needed to take their town back from all those damn Californians that have moved here to retire, and ruined it for them.”

I recall my mother telling me of similar statements made when she, as a young girl, moved from Arkansas to California so their family might find enough work to be able to eat. I was later conceived in the “prune picker” state thus making me “one” of those “damn Californians”.

I love living free in America and I love the town of Lakeside. I guess if you believe that your longevity here, or even being born an Oregonian, gives you some sort of an advantage to loving this place and its people, you are wrong.

Lakeside does not belong to any particular group. It is a composite of all of its many diverse residents, many of whom did arrive here by way of California. As for myself, I choose to care about you, and will do my best to represent all of us, to the best of my ability, as long as I have the job of Mayor.

Coos/Curry emergence preparedness seminar

After attending the Coos Curry emergency preparedness seminar this month I’d like to remind everybody that we live in a rural setting, and will most likely to be on our own for an extended period of time should a natural disaster strike.

Besides the obvious food, water, and shelter needs, there will be lots of other considerations. The more vulnerable members of our population including elderly, special needs, disabled, etc., will need our help both in preparation and after such an event.

If you or someone you know falls into this category make a plan ahead of time for contact information and accountability.  Besides a weeks worth of basic survival items, any special needs items such as medications, oxygen, sanitation items, etc., should also be on hand.

This preparation has to start with each individual and helping those less fortunate than ourselves will be an important part of the equation.

A sense of community

We live in a wonderful place with a great sense of community. Hard work by our beautification committee has resulted in some new benches being placed around town. This is yet another example that says: come, visit, relax, and get “Hooked on Lakeside.” Get involved in the fun as we all enjoy our lives in this beautiful corner of God’s universe.

Submitted by: Lakeside Mayor Rod Schilling
Contact city hall with any questions or comments, 541-759-3011