The Devils Lake City Commission met Monday, Aug. 4 in the City Hall and covered a number of items on its agenda. Top of the Old Business items discussed were the picnic tables located in the historical downtown area of Devils Lake at the corner of 4th Street and 4th Avenue.
The city and Devils Lake Police have received numerous complaints about the tables since they were placed there when they did the “Main Street” beautification renovations a few years ago. The intent at the time, was to allow those working or shopping in the stores and businesses downtown to have someplace to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air during lunch hours, etc. However, some report that the tables have become a gathering place for homeless people to hang out. Some individuals have reported feeling intimidated, even harassed by some of the folks gathering at those tables on a regular basis.
Law enforcement presence has increased in the downtown, recently, which has cut down on the large numbers of people lingering at those four tables, two located at the corner where the Lake Region Art Center is located, one located outside Lotta’s and the fourth table is located across the avenue in front of the former bank building that houses a number of offices.
Following some discussion it was voted on to remove the four tables for the time being at 4th and 4th in the hopes that would take care of some of the problem.
Benches at Bridgestone Park were also part of the discussion as they, too, have become a magnet for people to sleep on and loiter during all hours of the day and night. However, no motion was brought forward to address that issue. It was the concensus of the commissioners that they would monitor that situation and look for solutions there, as well, down the road.
Canvassing Meeting
Before the City Commission meeting which begins at 5:30 p.m. the commissioners met as the Canvassing Board at 5 p.m. for the recent special election and to certified the results. Following the Oath of Office, sworn before a notary, with Mayor Jim Moe designated as chairman of the Canvassing Board, the results of the election were announced and double checked. In total there were 567 votes which included 17 mailed-in ballots and 550 in-person ballots. The results of the election were 165 “Yes” votes and 401 “No” votes for a total of 566 votes, one ballot had been spoiled and therefore was not counted. The city would not be increasing sales taxes to help fund changes at the Police Department and/or the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center.
Other business addressed by the commission included the current curfew ordinance for those under 18 years of age. The fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget was approved of and a public hearing will take place Oct. 6 for discussion and changes, noting that they can’t increase the total amount, but the budget could change here and there, even go down in some categories.
Three city ordinances slated for changes had their first reading and reports were heard on two projects not yet completed in the city; the Stromquist Project and Project 250102.
The Mayor brought up for discussion requiring new businesses operating in Devils Lake to apply for some sort of permit with or without a fee, so the city knows who is operating in the city limits. Presently the only way they find out is if the new business stages a ribbon cutting if they join the Chamber of Commerce, which not all new businesses do. The commissioners expressed interest in discussing this in a future meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Devils Lake City Commission is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Offices.
