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La Pine Archway project delayed as electrical and title issues stall permitting
Summary
Agency staff said a misidentified electrical component and conflicting property records involving ODOT have paused permitting for the La Pine Archway Project, likely adding time and cost and requiring easements or conveyance corrections before construction can proceed.
Agency President Geoff Wullschlager told the La Pine Urban Renewal Agency on April 7 that the La Pine Archway Project is on hold after contractors and Midstate determined a component previously assumed to be a transformer is actually a switch, and that a transformer will need to be purchased and installed to complete the electrical connection.
Wullschlager said one possible solution is to connect to an electrical pedestal across 4th Street, but that pedestal is on private property and the Agency must determine whether existing easements authorize use or whether it must negotiate a new easement with the property owner. He said the City surveyor is reviewing historical surveys and records to confirm rights-of-way and easements; without that resolution, the permitting process remains at a standstill.
Wullschlager also reported a discrepancy between ODOT’s ownership documentation and county recorded information for a portion of the transit center that ODOT holds for snow removal purposes. He said that discrepancy will likely require ODOT to amend or rewrite a conveyance document, a step that will add time to the schedule and increase costs by extending Open Concept’s involvement in the project.
Deschutes County Building Department staff, Wullschlager said, are not opposed to construction in the road right-of-way, but the Agency cannot move forward on permitting until the electrical connection and property documentation issues are resolved. The Agency discussed prior surveys and historical survey information as part of considering next steps.
The Agency did not take formal action on the project at the meeting; Wullschlager said Open Concept is drafting the RFP and that staff will return with updates once easement and electrical questions are settled.
