The Duncan Banner

Local News

October 30, 2009

Amendment passed to allow for development

Kevin Kerr

DUNCAN — During Tuesday’s regular Duncan City Council meeting, the council approved an amendment to allow applicants that may be looking to develop land in the Stagestand Creek drainage basin to make applications for a private sewage disposal system.

The amendment says that anyone who wants to develop and build a private sewage disposal system, such as a lift station, can do so in the Stagestand Creek basin. The private disposal systems would be allowed to connect into existing public sewage systems in the Claridy Creek drainage basin.

“It’s more of an interim sewage solution for now,” Community Development Director Dana Schoening said.

The intention was to allow for development north of the city of Duncan to progress, but also to allow time for the city to develop potential plans for expansion and to prepare for a public system in the Stagestand Creek basin.

“There is discussion already to consider earmarking funds to put in for a sewage facilities plan for the Stagestand basin,” Schoening said.

Until then, this amendment will allow for the city to grow without having to rush into developing a sewage disposal system for that particular basin.

“We must have a plan first to give good information to know what improvements are needed for allowance of a public system in that area,” Schoening said.

“We anticipate the city council, at some point in the future, will be asked to consider facilities for that drainage basin.”

Duncan resident Jim Edwards told the council that a private lift station, would be the first step for growth to the north, however, he did say that questions came up about who would maintain the lift station if it was private.

“The DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) recommended a public system so the city would cover the maintenance and upkeep,” Edwards said to the council. “So, we could possibly vote on a public system as well.”

If a public system were eventually developed in that area, then any private systems that might be developed will have to connect into the new public system.

“If and when the city does provide for public sewage facilities in the Stagestand drainage basin,” Schoneing said, “the applicant that previously had this private system would have to connect to the public system, and that is a requirement.”

Councilman Michael Hale assured that just because the amendment had been passed, it doesn’t mean it would be instituted immediately.

“It provides us with another option,” Hale said. “We’re not saying we’re going to step out and do anything with it.

“It would just be wise to have it as an option if developers do come forward.”

No one has placed an application for land development in this area yet, but the city felt it was wise to allow for the possible development if someone did come forward.

Mayor Gene Brown said that this has been a “touchy, touchy subject” for quite some time now, and agreed that with the obvious growth to the north, that changes would have to be made.

“But we want to see it done right,” Brown said.

Text Only
Local News
  • Thieves hit two businesses; stolen truck is discovered

    February 7, 2012

  • Heartbeat dancers seniors And the beat goes on ...

    For 27 years, Heartbeat Dance studio has been providing young girls the opportunity to follow their dance aspirations — whatever they may be — thanks to owner Stephanie Gregston.

    February 6, 2012 2 Photos

  • DPSF grants spur arts, science interest DPSF grants spur arts, science interest

    While much of the focus at the Duncan Public School Foundation’s Hall of Fame Banquet centers around those being inducted into the hall, the annual gathering is also an opportunity for the DPSF to display one of its key functions.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

  • Tackling 'good ol' boy' system

    As a conservative Republican and Assistant Majority Whip in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Corey Holland makes no excuses for remaining true to the values that guide his philosophy and votes.

    February 6, 2012

  • Winter Classic Pig Show Winter Classic Pig Show off to good start

    There was a buzz circulating through the Stephens County Fair & Expo Livestock Pavilion over the weekend, when youth from across the state showed off their swine at the inaugural Winter Classic Pig Show.

    February 6, 2012 2 Photos

  • Rain, high temperatures recorded for Friday

    Rain on Friday helped to make the beginning of February wetter than the beginning of January.

    February 6, 2012

  • Spotlight shines at DPSF Banquet

    For the Duncan Public Schools Foundation and the Duncan School District, Thursday was a night of recognition.

    February 5, 2012

  • How high will it go?

    For a week now, motorists have been paying a bit more when they stick the nozzle into their gas tank. That could be the norm over the next few months, when prices at the pump are expected to continue to increase.

    February 5, 2012

  • Sykes to lead Senate Judiciary Committee hearings

    State Sen. Anthony Sykes said Oklahomans will be hearing a lot of talk this year about bond issues and tax credits during the legislative session which opens Monday.

    February 5, 2012

  • Prep skippers Super Bowl XLVI: Bring it on!

    It’s finally arrived, the biggest game of the pro football season, the Super Bowl. With the 46th edition of the NFL showcase comes a rematch from the 2007 game between the AFC Champion New England Patriots and the NFC representative New York Giants.

    February 5, 2012 1 Photo