Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Updates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Umatilla planning staff reports 16 applications in 2024 and updates on infrastructure, pedestrian bridge and business center
Summary
Planning staff presented the commission’s 2024 annual report—16 applications in 2024—and updated commissioners on several infrastructure and development projects, including a large water line, a nearly complete pedestrian bridge, monument improvements and the business center rebuild.
Planning staff presented the Umatilla Planning Commission’s 2024 annual report and several project updates during the Jan. 28 meeting, reporting continued development activity and infrastructure progress.
Brandon (planning staff) said the commission considered 16 total applications in 2024, one short of the city’s record in 2017, and provided attendance and application-type summaries. “We were once again very busy this year. We had 16 total applications in 2024,” Brandon said.
On infrastructure, Brandon updated the commission on a major water transmission project: the pipe from the Columbia River to the depot has been installed but is not yet operational. “It’s a 32 inch pipe. Out of that entire capacity, only about 5 of that is reserved from the city,” Brandon said, explaining that the line runs to the depot and the city’s ownership begins near Power Line Road; he said staff expects the line to be operational in the spring once pumping begins.
Staff also reported several local capital projects: the pedestrian bridge construction is 95% complete, with paving and a ribbon-cutting expected in the spring; the monument improvement at Highway 730 and 395 is near completion with lighting and finishing landscaping; and the business center project required demolition of an existing building that was found to be in poor condition and will be rebuilt with the same footprint and floor plan. Brandon said federal grant work and prior planning produced the current construction start.
Finally, staff reported the City Council’s approval of the UEC transmission line application was appealed to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). City staff compiled and submitted the administrative record to LUBA but the city has chosen not to participate in the appeal at this time.
Staff said it will return with updates as projects progress and advised the commission that continuing coordination with county and regional partners is ongoing for utilities to support anticipated commercial development near the depot.
