HERMISTON, Ore. — The Hermiston City Council on Aug. 25 voted to declare intent to form a local improvement district to pave Northwest Second Street and complete associated sidewalk and drainage work, moving the project toward a public hearing and possible construction in 2026.

Assistant City Manager Morgan told the council the LID would cover a small set of adjacent parcels where prior commercial development was allowed without full city street improvements in exchange for non‑remonstrance agreements. An apparent defect in one owner’s earlier agreement had left the LID vulnerable to contest, staff said; after months of negotiation that owner agreed to withdraw opposition in exchange for a $75,000 city contribution to reduce that parcel’s assessment.

Why it matters: council members said the paving will improve circulation and safety ahead of planned Oregon Department of Transportation changes on Elm Avenue that will alter access patterns in the neighborhood.

Key details
- The proposed LID area includes five properties along Northwest Second Street; three parcels were developed previously without city‑standard streets and had non‑remonstrance agreements on file.
- Staff said ODOT plans to install raised median elements on Elm Avenue in spring 2026 that will divert some traffic onto local gravel streets if the local streets are not improved.
- The city will pay 100% of the cost to build a segment of West Dogwood between Spruce and Second; the LID would fund the Northwest Second Street improvements, with property owners allowed to pay assessments in a lump sum or in ten annual installments at the city’s available financing rate.

Process and vote
- The council voted to adopt resolution 23‑92 (intent to form LID) by a 7–1 roll call; Councilor Linton cast the lone no vote earlier in the year when the project lacked unanimous remonstrance clearance, but the Aug. 25 action followed the signed withdrawal by the previously opposing property owner.
- If council forms the LID at the public hearing scheduled for Sept. 8, staff expects to complete design, bid the project over the winter and construct in summer–fall 2026, with final costs reconciled and assessments assigned after project completion.

Procurement and local participation
- Council discussed whether family‑owned contractors in the affected area could bid; staff said the project will follow state public‑works procurement laws, and any lawful local participation will be allowed within those rules.

Next steps
- The council’s Aug. 25 vote moves the item to a public hearing on Sept. 8, when the council may form the LID and authorize design and bidding. Property owners will then be notified of final assessments after the project closes out.