New level two water restrictions in effect until further notice

Waters customers in the City of Lincolnton and across the state must now follow a more stringent outdoor water use schedule in accordance with the EPD's (Environmental Protection Division) "level two drought response."

The matter was under discussion at the regular meeting of the Lincolnton City Council held Monday, May 7, at City Hall.

According to Stanley Parton, superintendent of the city water department, the level two schedule is as follows:

.. Odd-numbered addresses may water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m.

.. Even-numbered addresses may water only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Parton further indicated that the schedule also prohibits individuals from washing hard surfaces such as streets, gutters, sidewalks, and driveways except when necessary for the health and safety of the public.

The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

In other business, the council voted to increase the tap-on fees for water and sewerage from $500 to $1,200, the amount charged by Lincoln County. The fee to install larger meters will be based on any additional costs incurred by the city.

The lone opposing vote was cast by Councilman Chuck Beggs. Councilman Dwain Moss was not present at the meeting.

The action was taken because the city has been losing money on the installation of meters.

"When the city pays a contractor to install a sewer tap, the cost is over $1,200; however, the customer pays only $500 of this amount," stated Kenny Green with G. Ben Turnipseed Engineers.

He went on to add that the new tap fees will not affect existing customers.

The revised rates go into effect immediately.

In further business, the council:

.. Heard the Water Department Report given by Superintendent Parton, who indicated that with little or no rain, water production increased from 11.81 mg (million gallons) in March to 12.56 mg in April.

.. Heard an update on the city's three-year struggle with the EPD to obtain a new water withdrawal permit for Clark's Hill Lake. Currently, the city is allowed to withdraw a maximum of 630,000 gallons of water per day; the new permit would increase the amount to two million gallons per day.

Green reported that the EPD will not approve the permit until the city enters into a new agreement with the United States Army Corps of Engineers concerning the amount of water it can withdraw from the lake.

"We knew it would take the corps three years to finish its water re-allocation study," said the city engineer. "What we didn't know was the EPD would withhold the permit until the agreement with the corps was signed."

At the conclusion of the discussion, Green said the city could possibly enter into a temporary agreement with the corps and obtain a temporary withdrawal permit from the EPD in six to eight months.

.. Heard Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff introduce Bill Jackson, a candidate for the state senate, to those present. Jackson, who resides in Columbia County, is a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives.

.. Watched a PowerPoint presentation given by Mayor Biggerstaff detailing the renovations currently underway at the Lincolnton Clubhouse. To date, a new roof has been installed; two handicapped restrooms are nearing completion; the heating and air conditioning units have been relocated; and a new storage room is under construction.

.. Voted to accept the low bid of $17,840 from Allen Vigil Ford for a 2008 Ford F-250 pickup to be used by the wastewater department. The vehicle will be financed through the GMA (Georgia Municipal Association).

.. Voted to accept sealed bids for a 1991 Chevrolet S-10 pickup. The bid process will be advertised in The Lincoln Journal.

.. Voted to rezone 5.8 acres on Highway 79, owned by Joey Joiner, from agricultural (county zoning) to residential (city zoning). The land is in the process of being annexed into the city.

.. Voted to rezone four parcels of property on the McCormick Highway, owned by Stephen and Beth Dawkins, from agricultural (two parcels) and industrial (two parcels) to commercial. Two of the parcels are currently being annexed into the city.

.. Granted permission to James Pritchard and the Washington Church of Christ to hold a concert in the city at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 2. It was noted that the Lincoln County Courthouse would probably be the best venue for the concert.

.. Heard a report given by Mayor Biggerstaff on the "Great American Cleanup" held April 21 in the city and county.

.. Was informed by the mayor that he had been asked to make a presentation on the city's streetscape project at the GMA Convention which will take place in Savannah the last week of June.

.. Voted to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters. No action was taken when the group returned to regular session.

The next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held Monday, June 4, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.