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Council directs staff to pursue Portuguese Bend siren site with geologic study to check stability
Summary
Council agreed to move forward with the Portuguese Bend location for an outdoor siren but required staff to obtain a geologic evaluation of site stability and to minimize visual impacts and easement intrusion before final siting and contracting.
After extensive technical discussion and resident input about visual impacts and land movement risks, the council directed staff to continue pursuing the Portuguese Bend siren location with an explicit requirement for geologic and soils evaluation.
Staff and HQE said Portuguese Bend offered adequate sound propagation to fill coverage gaps in the southern portion of town but acknowledged neighbors’ concerns about the site sitting within a 40-foot easement, proximity to a recently relocated above-ground gas line and recent utility work. Kevin Quimby, HQE project manager, told the council that pole footings vary by site and that a geotechnical review would be advisable at sites with potential land movement.
Council members stressed the need to push siting as far from the road and properties as the easement allows, and requested HQE investigate soils and foundation requirements. A motion to move forward with Portuguese Bend passed with a second and a roll-call vote; the motion included the caveat that staff secure a geologic evaluation for site stability before final placement or contract amendment.
