December 1990
Presidents Report by Lee Bayley
Clean Up Day Coming
One finds it hard to believe that summer has gone, fall is rapidly fading, and the cold and snow of winter are starting to set in. At our November DLPOA Board meeting, a member started discussion on the spring clean up day to gbe held in late April or early May along the lines of the one that was done this past year. The member reminded us that time flies by and before we know it April is here. Jerry Linton, Virgil Gering, Lila Howe and Disk Shepard volunteered to start things rolling along with the help of many many property owners on both sides of the lake. I know they would like to put together a chilli feed at the fire station or some equally accessible spot to build more community spirit on that day. The Board was very supportive and we hope that you will contact these DLPOA volunteers with your support and help in organizing and working. If we aren't willing to clean up our own nest, so to speak, we can't really expect anyone else to do it for us. I have always been proud of the fact that when a project that affected the Deer Lake community was undertaken, we always had your support and the project always became successful in more ways than one. Each time we have had the opportunity to meet new friends and we have all become more committed to improving our community.
Project Reports
During this newsletter you will read many committee reports and an update on the sewer system, whose ground breaking ceremony was held in late August. Construction has started from the Haneys area up the east side of the lake. At the same time the water system will be expanded around the lake going from the North entrance of the lake to the end of the narrows and the east side from Haneys to the end of the lake, excluding at this time, the last fifteen or so cabins who, I guess, did not get their money in or have not shows interest in this project. Presently the 60,000 gallon reservoir built off of Mackinaw Point has been on line for the past month serving Southwood Shores. In time, another reservoir, of the same size, will be built along the north end of the lake. This is definitely the logical time to put in the water system. As President of DLPOA, I want to thank each of you for your foresight and financial support. Without your agreement, it would not take place. It will be instrumental in improving our lake water quality. If we are not all taking water out of the like, hopefully the water level will remain higher and we will see the algae problem diminish and eventually disappear.
Progress Report on Zoning
Another on-going project that DLPOA started in 1981, under the direction of Dr. Ted Maxson, was the creation of zoning ordinances that would speak to future planned development around the lake - development that would be ecologically in balance with man and our environment. The Stevens County Planning Commission in October reached final approval on the Deer Lake Planning District plan which is needed before Zoning Ordinances can be developed. The Planning District has taken two years to set down in writing what the Deer Lake community wants as it regards future development. During this time countless hours by the Stevens County Planning Director, Hal Hart, and a selected advisory committee of property owners was necessary to develop a plan that will become the foundation for proposed zoning ordinances. The plan is lengthy, but comprehensive. It was to be presented to the County Commissioners on December 11 at a hearing at Deer Lake. Be assured, DLPOA has had representation on the planning committee and has made input to the plan itself. In fact, on December 3, we reviewed the plan for the last time and only recommended two very minor changes. Once approved by the County Commissioners, DLPOA will form a committee to help formulate and implement an actual zoning ordinance (hopefully sometime in January).
Natural Gas?
One or two thoughts. A letter was received from Stephen Crosby, who lives on the north side of Deer Lake, asking and encouraging DLPOA to support his efforts in waging a campaign to have natural gas service to the homes around the lake. Your board of Directors has not taken any position on the idea at this time. We would solicit any comments that you might have on this topic.
County Commissioners
Secondly, I would like to Welcome the newly elected Stevens County Commissioner, Fran Bessermin, to Deer Lake. Mrs Bessermin has attended the last two DLPOA Director meetings and has promised us her support for our concerns and, following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Clive Price, assures us of her interest in furthering a close communication with southern Stevens County. Fran Bessermin lives in Sun Crest. She is a lovely lady and one who will take the time to become the public servant that you desire her to be. She would appreciate any suggestions you might have. Good luck to you Fran and whatever we can do to help you, please let us know. This goes for Tom McKern and Allan Mack, the other two County Commissioners in Stevens County. As a group, we are only interested in what is best for Deer Lake and its property owners and how that interest can be a positive influence in the growth of Stevens County.
Emergency Communication System
One final thought. The announced 911 county wide emergency communications system was on line October 1. It has come to our attention that many problems have surfaced that need to be worked out and corrected. It seems the 911 dispatchers have little knowledge of Deer Lake and consequently untimely delays in service have occurred.
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Emergency Services Report by Jerry Linton
Congratulations to Lew Houdak, our new Fire Chief. In addition to his new appointment, Lew recently completed a 32 hour course to become a certified state instructor. The training was given by a Class 3 training officer from Spokane. Our former fire chief, Ken Barker, is a Class 2 instructor and has also ben busy with his duties.
Last July the fire department held its annual pancake feed and as usual, it was a big success. The weather was beautiful and approximately 557 people attended.
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Update on Sewer and Water Systems by Jerry McBride
Sewer System
Centerline Construction of Hayden Lake, Idaho is working on the sewer system in the Haney's Resort area. Once completed there, they will move to Swanson's Addition and will proceed eastward to Haney's.
The pipeline from the Loon Lake treatment site to Deer Lake is in and buried.
Contracts for the sewer and water system from Swanson's Addition west around the Narrows along the east side back to Haney's will be let in early Spring 1991.
Water System
The water system is partially installed in the Haney's Resort area. Wanakiwin and Julius Terrace are now on line with water pumped from the Haneys area PUD well. Southwood Shores is on the PUD well located near the public access area. The new reservoir on the south side is in service now.
Dick Price of the Stevens County PUD gave me the following formation on the water system: