Small Town News

Citizens press for cleanup in Coulee Dam

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A group of Coulee Dam citizens were assured by the town council Wednesday night that the town was getting pro-active in regard to cleaning up some of the "junkers" within East Coulee Dam.

An abbreviated council, minus the mayor and two council members, heard Tom Nieberding praise the council for its work in the town and then describe some of the flagrant conditions of houses and lots inside the town.

He and about 10 others were assured that the town was serious in helping clean up some of the boarded-up houses and weed-infested lots.

The quest to clean up East Coulee Dam was started when a homeowner on River Drive came to the council several weeks ago and complained that the "junky" appearance of some properties was hurting property values.

That person had suggested that the town work with the Colville Tribes to clean up some of the houses and lots in town.

The tribes responded immediately and met with town officials on how to get started on the process.

Wednesday night Pete Palmer, head planner for the tribes, attended the meeting and stated that two people have been hired to help get the process going.

Palmer said she had driven the town and was trying to categorize the various properties in question as to how bad they were.

A few of the houses in question are owned by the tribes. Most, however, are not.

One person asked: "Are we going to have to come to the council every six months or so to get anything done?"

Councilmember Bob Poch replied, "It wouldn't hurt."

Steve Abrahamson, who lives on Yucca Street, asked the council to pick up wood debris such as limbs from trees twice a year. His suggestion was met favorably and he was assured the item would be on next meeting's agenda.

Reg Morgan showed council a large yard sale sign that was found on a street. He suggested that people be encouraged to retrieve their signs after the yard sales were over, or that police pick them up.

One site that had tall weeds surrounding the house was being worked on last week, indicating that some in the community were responding favorably to the plea to clean up properties.

The.council discussed the fact that there is no reason for lawns to go unwatered and dry up because the town's allowance on irrigation water was generous enough for people to water their lawns.



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© 2011 The Star Grand Coulee, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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