Soap Lake eases restrictions on tower

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council adjusted the policy for the tower intended to support the LavaLite.

When the tower was approved, council members decided not to include moving parts or anything other than LED lighting. Now that the Soap Lake Conservancy is taking control of the project, Mayor Wayne Hovde asked the council to lift the restriction.

“It’s the conservancy who’s spending the money,” he said. “They should have the flexibility to do what they want.”

Councilmember John Cline said he was concerned about what would happen if the city had to take responsibility for the tower.

“Those moving parts cost a lot of money to operate,” he said. “If something goes haywire (with the deal) it will cost the city.”

— Staff Report