Newport council approves LID hearing, OSU dredging IGA, franchise extension, labor contract and multiple public works contracts

The Newport City Council on the evening’s agenda approved a package of administrative and capital actions, including forming a next-step process for a local improvement district, an intergovernmental agreement to expand a pond dredge by Oregon State University, a three-year extension of a telecommunications franchise, a labor agreement for public‑works employees, and the award of several public‑works and design contracts.

Local improvement district: The council accepted a petition to form a wastewater local improvement district (LID) for properties at 2305 and 2328 Northwest Pacific Street (three tax lots on assessor map 101132 DC). Community Development staff said the petition proposes extending roughly 200 feet of gravity sewer and that property owners may finance their assessment over 10 years after formation. Councilor Emond moved to accept the petition and direct staff to schedule a public hearing on formation; the motion carried.

OSU pond dredging IGA: The council authorized an intergovernmental agreement with the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Oregon State University for the dredging of the Southeast Fortieth Street storm-detention pond. Staff said OSU is building a 77‑unit student housing project and will direct runoff to the pond; the city will contribute "a little over $54,000" to expand dredging so the city receives roughly double the material removal (about 500 cubic yards total). Council approved authorizing the city manager to sign the IGA.

Telecommunications franchise: The council adopted a resolution extending the city’s telecommunications franchise with Astound Broadband LLC for three years, keeping the 5% gross‑revenue franchise assessment unchanged and moving the franchise term to better align with municipal standards.

Labor contract: The council authorized the city manager to execute a labor agreement with the Newport Employees Association, which represents roughly 30 public-works employees. Staff said the tentative agreement includes wage increases, updated vacation accruals, administrative leave for new hires aligned with non‑represented staff policy, and increased on‑call pay; the contract runs through June 30 (standard three‑year term) and the association tentatively approved it.

Sister City committee: The council approved a resolution shortening Sister City Committee member terms from five years to two to align with other city advisory committees and made roster updates including naming Councilor Steve Hickman as council liaison.

Contracts and procurement (local contract review board): The council, sitting as the Local Contract Review Board, authorized multiple awards: - Underbay/Bay waterline project: awarded as a progressive design‑build contract to the Michaels Trenchless Inc. and Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. team, not to exceed $1,500,000; staff cited partial grant funding and contract flexibility to address grant timing. - Airport AWOS replacement (FAA AIP 35 AWOS 3P/T improvements): awarded to Conner Electric LLC in an amount not to exceed $326,043. Staff said FAA grant funding of $450,000 and a city match of about $38,650 are available, with an estimated total project cost near $488,650. - Big Creek Road bridge repair: awarded to HP Civil Inc. for $174,744.44 for a temporary fix estimated to last roughly five years while a permanent solution is developed; the adopted budget for the project is $533,000. - Northwest 10th Street Fire Station storm sewer realignment: awarded to Pacific Excavation in the amount of $249,200 to raise and reroute a deep storm line that runs under the fire station; staff said the work should be completed before the rainy season. - West Olive ADA and street improvements (design): awarded to AKS Engineering & Forestry LLC for professional engineering and design services; the staff report and motion contained inconsistent numbers in the transcript; council approved the contract (design-phase award). The transcript contains two different figures spoken during the motion; staff will confirm the executed contract amount in the city records. - Newport main tanks (design/permitting): authorized a professional‑services agreement with Harper Hoof Peterson Rigelus Inc. (HHPR) for $498,662 to complete design and permitting for a seismic mitigation project (phase 1 design; FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant reimbursement expected). - 50 Fourth Street pump station (design, activity 1): authorized a professional‑services agreement with HHPR for $77,155 to complete the pump‑station design; the project is also part of a FEMA reimbursement process. - Stormwater master plan update: awarded to Civil West Engineering Services Inc. for $185,917 to prepare the 2026 stormwater master plan (city budgeted $517,470 for the project).

Votes at a glance: a majority of these items were approved on motions moved and seconded in council; most were voice votes recorded as "aye," and contract awards were approved with unanimous consent in the record available from the meeting.

Why it matters: The procurement approvals advance multiple public‑works projects (water, sewer, stormwater, airport) and preserve project schedules tied to grant funding; the LID petition initiates a process that could extend sewer service to homes on septic; the labor agreement secures terms for public‑works staff. Several projects rely on reimbursement grants (FEMA, FAA, OEM) and staff highlighted the need to manage reimbursement timing and potential funding risk.

Implementation notes: Staff indicated they will return with engineer reports, final cost allocations for the LID, and finalized contracts for executed amounts. For the West Olive design item, staff acknowledged inconsistent figures were spoken during the meeting and said the city record will show the executed contract amount.