Resident urges Decatur to remove garbage from exposed Lake Decatur bed as drought lowers levels

During the public comment period, Jason Martin of 741 Shorewood Drive described a growing problem as Lake Decatur’s water level has dropped: acres of exposed lakebed revealing decades of debris, including steel barrels, tires, a television, scrap metal and broken glass.

"As the water has receded, many acres of the lake bed are now exposed, showing decades of debris," Martin said and provided handouts with representative samples. He said he first contacted the city on Jan. 16 and again on Feb. 10, and that city staff indicated some areas are inaccessible by boat or on private property. He asked the council to inspect the shoreline and urged a swift response, proposing the municipal barge or volunteer groups as options.

Council members responded that volunteers might help with smaller items and that some shorelines are difficult to reach by boat. Councilman Horn recommended engaging volunteer organizations for community service projects, while Councilwoman Gregory asked the city's marketing team to place a call for volunteers and cautioned that rocky shorelines could limit access.

No formal council action was taken; speakers encouraged staff follow‑up and possible coordinated volunteer efforts.