The Hermiston City Council approved a request by the street department to exceed the city’s noise ordinance while it resurfaces Highland Avenue.
While prep work is going on now, much of the resurfacingwill take place at night on Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24 between the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. A total of 19 blocks will be resurfaced – from W. 11th Street, across Highway 395, and up to E. Eighth Street.
The expected noise level will likely be about 70 to 80 decibels, which is equivalent to a vacuum cleaner or garbage disposal. Performing the work at night will mean daytime traffic will be minimally impacted. Cooler temperatures in the evening will also mean a better quality seal on the road.
Also at Monday night’s meeting, the council tabled an amendment to the city’s background check policy for city taxi service. The amendment would have limited the time in which criminal convictions could be taken into account for granting taxi licenses to drivers. The amendment would have made people with convictions at least 10 years old to qualify for licenses.
The council, however, tabled the amendment after concerns were brought up about specific crimes as well as whether expunged records would be considered.
The amendment is expected to be brought back before the council at its next meeting on July 27.
