Hermiston council tables stop‑sign installation, asks staff to revisit 3‑way vs. 4‑way option

City staff presented Resolution 2402 on Jan. 13, proposing stop signs at two separate locations: the Tamarack/SE 8th area in an established east‑side subdivision and the Columbia Drive/SE 10th intersection near a new subdivision. Staff said the first request originated from neighborhood complaints; the second was prompted by street‑department complaints about potential conflicts as new development comes online.

During discussion Councilor Roberts and others expressed concern that the proposed configuration at Columbia/10th could be confusing and unsafe if left as a three‑way stop. Roberts urged consideration of a four‑way stop, saying a full four‑way configuration would create "less confusion." Councilor Hayward also questioned whether a four‑way stop would be preferable.

Given those concerns, Councilor McCarthy moved to table the resolution and direct staff to return with an amended report (motion seconded by Councilor Hayward). The motion to table carried on unanimous roll call.

City staff said the neighborhood‑requested Tamarack/SE 8th stop sign was recommended after residents reported near misses and that the street department had historically resisted adding stops on snow‑route hills; staff said approaches exist when snow/ice create mobility issues. For the Columbia/10th location, staff described existing signage and the planned additional stops and said they would revisit the traffic control plan with the council’s feedback.

No formal installation occurred at the meeting; staff will return with an updated recommendation reflecting the council’s direction.