City water use violators could face a hefty fine

Councilman Robert Glaze (l) and Councilman Dwain Moss (r), whose terms expire December 31, 2007, were presented with plaques in recognition of their years of service as members of the Lincolnton City Council. Pictured with the councilmen is Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff.

An ordinance establishing penalties for violating outdoor water use restrictions under Drought Response Level 4 was adopted by the Lincolnton City Council at its regular meeting held Monday, December 3.

Lincoln County has been experiencing Level 4 drought conditions since September of this year. Level 4 is the EPD's most severe drought classification.

The new ordinance states that: "Every police officer, firefighter, and every water and sewer employee shall be authorized and empowered to enforce the provisions of this ordinance. Such officers are hereby authorized to enter onto property for the purpose of inspection for compliance. If personal contact is made with the owner or tenant, the officers shall require immediate compliance.

"A first violation will result in the issuance of a written warning citation posted at the property where the violation occurred.

"Upon a second or subsequent violation, a citation shall be issued requiring an appearance in Municipal Court and shall be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000."

The ordinance also outlines exemptions to the ban on outdoor water use which include:

.. The irrigation of personal food gardens.

.. The re-use of bath or dish water.

.. Car washes. .. Construction sites.

.. Fruit and vegetable growers.

.. Professionally certified or licensed landscapers and sports turf landscapers. Irrigation will be allowed during installation and 30 days following installation only.

.. Irrigation contractors. Watering will be permitted during installation and as needed for proper maintenance and adjustments only.

.. Power washing.

Other than the activities specified in the ordinance, no outdoor water use is allowed under Level 4 drought conditions.

In a related item of business, Stanley Parton, water department superintendent for the city, announced that the city has experienced a 9.8 percent reduction in water production.

This follows in the wake of a mandate issued by the EPD requiring the city to reduce its monthly average production for the winter quarter (December 1, 2007, through March 31, 2008) by "10 percent of the average of the monthly average production for the period of December 2006 through March 2007..."

"If we can achieve this for the next four months, we will meet the goal set by the EPD," stated Superintendent Parton. "We appreciate all of the efforts our customers are making to conserve water."

Water production dropped from 13.44 mg (million gallons) in October to 11.1 mg in November, a difference of over two million gallons. The figure for November of 2006 was 12.3 mg.

Parton likewise noted that water consumption dropped drastically last month at the city's wastewater treatment plant. He attributed the decrease to the use of an ultra-violet disinfecting system as opposed to chlorine which has to be diluted with water.

In other business, the council:

.. Granted an alcoholic beverage license to Fast Trip #3.

.. Voted to adopt the 2008 Occupational Tax Ordinance.

.. Voted to table a proposal to raise building permit fees until the group's January meeting.

.. Voted to advertise for bids to repair the front door of City Hall.

.. Was informed by City Clerk Kay Remsen of a telephone call she received from Roy Thompson of McAllen, Texas. She said he was calling to compliment the city workers on cleaning up so well after the holiday parade on Saturday.

"He said he was in town after the parade and saw all the debris on the street," explained Remsen. "He was back in town very early on Sunday morning and could not find a scrap of paper anywhere. He could not believe the area was so clean so fast. He said to relay the message to everyone involved. He was very complimentary of our town."

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

Following the meeting, Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff and his wife, Pat, hosted a Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings for city employees and their spouses at the Lincolnton Clubhouse.

After the meal, the mayor presented plaques and gift certificates to Councilman Dwaine Moss and Councilman Robert Glaze in recognition of their service to the people of Lincolnton as members of the city council. The terms of both men will expire December 31 of this year.

In his comments, Mayor Biggerstaff said he appreciated Councilman Moss for serving on the council for the past 12 years.

"We were classmates and played football together. Although we disagreed on some issues, we still remained friends. Dwain has done some very positive things for the city, and it was good to have been a part of that. Thank you, and we wish you well."

Moss was rewarded with a round of applause from the audience.

Addressing Councilman Glaze, who served on the council from 1980-1999 and from 2004-2007, Mayor Biggerstaff said, "On behalf of the city, the city council, and the city employees, thank you for the past four years and the 20 years before that. By no means is this an end. You might decide you want to come back in a few years. Thank you again for all you've done for the city."

Glaze received a round of applause from those present.

To conclude the festivities, the mayor thanked his wife, Pat, for preparing the delicious meal. She, too, was greeted with applause.