The Umatilla Planning Commission had its eyes on the ground recently as it discussed upcoming projects and potential changes to the roadways in Umatilla.
Two representatives from the Oregon Department of Transportation – Area Manager Craig Sipp and Region 5 Planner Patrick Knight – met with the Umatilla Planning Commission to discuss the planned re-alignment of Powerline Road.
Motivated by safety concerns of drivers turning onto Highway 730 from Powerline, the re-alignment moves that intersection west and allows turning lanes. In the past, city officials have questioned the lack of sidewalks on the new roadway, and ODOT representatives have said the project funding would not allow for the additional cost to add sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
Instead, ODOT and the city are working through a memorandum of understanding to show both sides are committed to adding those features when it is feasible.
Most of the discussion focused on the memorandum of understanding, a non-binding agreement between ODOT and the city. Planning Commission Chairman Boyd Sharp questioned why the agreement was not binding. Knight and Sipp said the document is standard and serves as an official handshake on the deal.
Sharp questioned the risk of someone “down the road” wanting out of the unofficial commitment to eventually add sidewalks along the project.
“It’s our partnership with you today, tomorrow and in the future,” Sipp said. “I may not be standing here, you may not be here in five years, but the MOU will be … We wouldn’t push this if we didn’t think it was the best option.”
The project will include a walking/bicycling path along the current roadway, which will be closed to motorized traffic.
The memorandum of understanding and other plans form the basis for ODOT to move forward with the project because that document, along with approval from the Umatilla City Council, show community support for the project.
“In order to have a successful project, we need to have the support of the community. If we don’t, we don’t have a project,” Sipp said.
ODOT hopes to have the project out for bid in spring 2015 with construction taking place within the next year. Powerline will remain open during the construction: the new road will be built first, then traffic tied in and moved to the new road, then the old road removed and the walking path put in.
Community feedback is also a priority for the planned downtown revitalization project on Sixth Street. The $5 million project will beautify the downtown area and encourage foot and bicycling traffic.
The city plans to release some information about the project design in the first quarterly newsletter and will schedule an open house sometime in the coming weeks.
To round out its road discussions, the commission also brought up a planned land swap between the city and Umatilla County. As part of the deal, the city would take over management of three roads in the Port of Umatilla: Bud Draper, Roxbury and Beach Access Road.
Sharp reminded the commission if the city does accept those as city roads, according to the codes, each road should have curbs and sidewalks installed. Sharp said the city has, however, provided a waiver for that requirement for industrial properties within the port.
“I just hate to have codes that we ignore,” he said. “If we’re going to have them, we need to enforce them. Or we need to get rid of the codes.”
The commission, as well as Sipp and Umatilla County Planning Director Tamra Mabbott discussed making a site plan or code changes that would specifically impact industrial areas. That plan could mimic what has been done with the Port of Morrow, including walking trails, or allow for beautification of the port property along Highway 730.
“I think you’re moving in a great direction, and the county is here to work with you,” Mabbott said.
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