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Hermiston provides January goals update; HAWK task force narrows sites and plans reuse study
Summary
City Manager Byron Smith briefed council on Hermiston 2040 goal progress and said the HAWK (Hermiston Aquatic and Wellness Center) task force narrowed more than 20 candidate sites to four viable options and will return in April with consultant cost and reuse analyses for the existing outdoor pools.
City Manager Byron Smith presented the council’s January 2026 goals update on Jan. 13, reviewing progress across the Hermiston 2040 framework: growing & prosperous; safe & healthy; sustainable; and connected & engaged. Several items were marked complete or in process, including outreach for the transportation system plan and work on broadband cost estimates with neighboring Umatilla.
Smith spent substantial time on the Hermiston Aquatic and Wellness Center (HAWK) task force. He said the task force began with a high‑level footprint (approximately 67,000 square feet) and evaluated more than 20 sites before narrowing to four viable candidates: a city‑owned 'green property' near the wastewater treatment plant, two sites offered by Good Shepherd, and the existing pool location. Smith said internal scoring considered parking, utilities, site access and visibility. "We took that conceptual box and put it on there," he told the council, adding that the city owns one preferred site which is an advantage.
Smith said consultants will inspect the existing outdoor facility to test whether parts of it can be reused and to produce more reliable cost estimates; he said staff expects consultant findings in April and that any future plan would emphasize partnership options (Good Shepherd has been active in task force discussions and may provide services). Councilor questions focused on prior public votes, cost, public engagement and how operating deficits would be covered. One councilor referenced an approximate $60,000,000 figure discussed in past outreach; Smith said he planned to bring back more precise capital and operating cost estimates and indicated the initial idea he planned to advance would not rely on a property‑tax increase but could use enterprise zone funds and partner support.
Smith said the task force expects to return with consultant cost estimates and a fuller public engagement plan in coming months, and the council scheduled a goal‑setting session for Jan. 22–23 where related topics will be discussed further.
Public commenter Krista Vanveen told the council participants in civic leadership programs were unaware of the city’s goals and asked for clearer public reporting (percent complete, blockers, and where to find updates). Smith and councilors acknowledged the request and noted the city posts goal documents on the Hermiston website.
No formal action was requested at the meeting; this was an information update and staff will return with the consultant report and refined cost/partnering options.
