Council directs developer to design Ninth Street median changes; fire chief emphasizes turning radiuses

DUNDEE, Ore. — Councilmembers on April 1 reviewed proposed modifications to medians and stormwater infrastructure on North Ninth Street tied to the Dundee Terrain project and directed the developer to prepare permit-ready drawings for the option staff and the council favored.

Staff and the developer presented three alternatives: (1) shorten existing median islands and leave the vault in place; (2) lower the water-quality vault and place a traffic lid so the paved surface is continuous over it; and (3) build a different stormwater system and extend or fill islands (a hybrid). Staff said option 2 — lowering the vault and detailing turning radiuses — appeared feasible and provided the most flexibility while minimizing disruption and long-term cost.

Fire Department concerns and council feedback Dundee’s fire chief told council the department’s primary concern was ensuring the turning radiuses for aerial apparatus and other fire apparatus would be met. Council discussion focused on preserving adequate apparatus movement while minimizing impacts to neighboring property access and the streetscape. Several councilmembers said they preferred option 2 for the flexibility it offers for apparatus movements and for minimizing curb geometry changes that could confuse motorists and residents.

Council direction Council signaled consensus for option 2 and asked the developer and city engineer to update the public-works permit drawings accordingly. No formal vote was required; staff said the next step would be to update plans, submit a public-works permit application and address any outstanding land-use conditions tied to the original land-use decision.

Ending Staff and the developer said they will prepare the updated drawings for permit review; the council asked staff to ensure fire apparatus turning templates are included in the submittal.