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Residents complain about utility right-of-way clearing; seniors press council on space and accessibility
Summary
During public comment, several residents accused Newport Utilities contractors of clearing beyond right-of-way, damaging trees, culverts and water lines and leaving debris; council advised taking complaints to the utility board. Senior center members asked for improved access and more space at the Tanner Building; staff said door retrofits are scheduled and an open house is planned for Sept. 26.
Multiple Newport residents used public comment to raise concerns about vegetation-clearing and property damage they attribute to Newport Utilities or its contractors.
Phil Bone and Rick Demmer described recent clearing activities that they said removed century-old rhododendrons, heavily pruned ornamental and pear trees, and left branches and debris on private property. Speakers said contractors sometimes worked on private property beyond the right-of-way without advance notice, blocked driveways and damaged culverts and water lines. One speaker said a contractor threatened him while operating heavy equipment. Council members and staff told residents that Newport Utilities operates with its own board and recommended bringing complaints to the utility board; staff said they would also note the complaints at upcoming utility-board meetings.
Senior center members and the center director urged the council to address doors and the amount of space available for senior programming at the Tanner Building. Speakers said the senior center was previously allocated the entire bottom floor but now has only one room and a half kitchen; staff said Lakeway Glass has been contacted to retrofit existing doors and that electrical work for automatic door components is in place. The senior center director announced a National Senior Center Month open house scheduled for Sept. 26.
Next steps: residents were encouraged to file complaints with the Newport Utilities board; city staff said they will report the citizens’ concerns to the utility board and continue work on door retrofits at the senior center.
