Public Works staff gave the Baker City Council an update on Aug. 12 regarding planned street improvements on Cedar Street and associated auxiliary streets and on the current water supply status.

Staff said they will notify affected property owners and begin signage on Aug. 11, with construction starting Aug. 18. The project will proceed in phases: Cedar Street south of H to Campbell Street first, Cedar Street north of H to Hughes Lane next, then work on Hughes Lane connecting Cedar to Lund Lane. After those phases are complete, crews will proceed to Birch Street (overlay), Plum Street (reconstruction/grind and inlay) and Broadway (grind and inlay) in sequence. Staff said Plum Street has deteriorated because it has been used as a truck detour and was not built for heavy truck traffic.

The schedule sent to property owners will include phasing details to limit disruption and provide residents with contact information for project questions. Staff asked councilors to expect inquiries and provided a more detailed schedule for their use when answering community questions.

On local water supplies, staff reported the city’s reservoir storage and diversions are in a slightly better position than the previous year. The city continues to utilize most of its diversions and staff said it does not anticipate the need to implement a curtailment plan for this year based on current data. A watershed map and usage figures were shared with the council for reference.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about scheduling and utilities; staff said Cascade had completed gas-line work in the project area and that crews will sequence work to reduce access impacts for property owners.