Roseburg board approves Knife River bid to build temporary gravel parking lot at high school

The Roseburg Public Schools Board of Education on a unanimous vote approved the purchase of gravel and site work from Knife River for a temporary parking lot at Roseburg High School, accepting Knife River’s bid of $52,505.

Board members and staff described the project as a student-safety measure intended to increase on-campus parking and reduce students’ need to park off campus where lighting and pedestrian conditions are worse. Danielle Littlefield, director of finance and operations, told the board the district bought an adjacent property last year, has cleared it and is seeking approval under board policy to put gravel on the site to add parking spaces.

The board heard details about permitting from Tracy (staff member). Tracy said the district initially applied for a conditional-use permit but, following a pre-application meeting with city planning, was advised to pursue a temporary-use permit instead. City staff, she said, asked the district to show a longer-term vision for the site because planners want to avoid setting a precedent for gravel lots; a temporary-use permit would be valid for one year and may be refiled twice for up to three years while the district develops a larger plan.

Board members asked for specifics. Littlefield said the district expects the lot to be completed before the start of school in August and estimated the layout could provide about 94 to 106 parking spaces depending on final striping. She said Knife River’s price includes grading and compaction; the district will perform striping using its own equipment and plans to reuse surplus fire hose or similar materials to mark stalls and install bollards or chains to control non‑school access. Littlefield also said the project may include minimal stormwater measures the city requires and that lighting, if added, would be directed to minimize impacts on neighboring renters.

Tracy explained city planners’ concerns that a gravel lot could later be expected to remain long term; that prompted the recommendation for a temporary permit so the city and district could see a phased plan. She also noted that compacted gravel is treated as impervious surface in the city’s permitting rules, meaning some stormwater controls may be required.

Director discussion included enforcement and public outreach. Board members asked about ADA parking, and staff said gravel does not qualify as accessible surfacing but the city was not, at this time, requiring additional ADA spaces for the temporary lot; the district retained a plan to add accessible spaces if required.

The motion to accept Knife River’s bid and purchase the gravel and associated site work for the RHS lot passed unanimously. The motion as recorded: “purchase of gravel from Knife River accepting their bid at $52,505.” No named mover or seconder was recorded in the transcript. Yes votes recorded: Andrea Minor; Rod Cotton; Ann Kremets; Keith Kubik; Brandon Bishop.

Board members and staff said the temporary lot is intended to reduce student parking off campus, improve safety for students walking to and from school and allow safer access for first responders along nearby streets. The district will continue permitting work and will return with additional documentation as needed for city approvals.

Votes and next steps: the district will proceed with the Knife River contract and continue the temporary-use permit application process with city planners; staff aim for construction and striping to be complete before classes begin in August.