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Residents press Lebanon leaders to force contractor cleanup after Hunter/Somerfield work
Summary
Residents told the council that recent Hunter and Somerfield street work left mounds of dirt, blocked drainage and created safety hazards; council staff said contractors must return to complete restoration and the city is holding contingency funds.
Several Lebanon residents used the public comment period on June 2 to urge the council to force cleanup and restoration after recent utility and street work on Hunter and Somerfield (Summerfield) streets.
Don Tempensson, a Hunter Street resident, said heavy equipment was moved out May 30 but left a mound of dirt about three feet high in front of his property, incomplete drainage, and a trimmed branch taken from his tree without prior notice. “Your construction signs are gone and there is nothing to show down traffic,” he said, and asked the council to require either the contractor or the city to restore landscaping and drainage.
Other residents described short‑term road closures that impeded access, raised concerns about emergency responder access and said contractors left sites without proper signage or cleanup. One commenter said the street closure lasted less than two hours; another reported being unable to enter her residence for a longer period. The public also raised potential OSHA/EPA compliance concerns and said they have photographic evidence.
Council members and staff responded that the contractor will return to finish restoration. City staff reported the project included a manhole and sewer tie‑in that required temporary road closure, and that restoration work is a contractual obligation; the city is holding contingency funds and will withhold final payment until the site is restored. Staff emphasized they have documented the contract provisions and will follow up with the contractor to complete the landscaping and drainage work.
No formal enforcement action or payment release was recorded at the meeting; residents were advised to follow up with city hall and, where applicable, the police for safety or criminal complaints.
