HCC will consider a new bidding method

HERMISTON – The Hermiston City Council meets at 7 p.m. tonight (Monday) following a 6 p.m. work session to hear updates from Hermiston Energy Services. A public hearing and possible vote are scheduled for approving a design/build method of contracting for construction of new structures.

Currently, the council bids out a design for a new project in one step and then seeks bids form contractors to build it. The alternative that is under consideration this evening allows the city to hire a contractor and design professional at the same time. The single firm designs and constructs the project. A staff report states that project of building welcome signs to the city makes sense because sign companies often have in-house designers.

Also on the agenda, the council will consider accepting a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to create a community court. Along with grant funding, the Bureau of Justice will offer support and assistance as it launches the program which is designed to connect offenders of quality-of-life crimes (like theft, criminal trespass, and unlawful camping) connections with social services to help break the cycle of recidivism.

The city is hoping to partner with providers like Community Counseling Solutions and Stepping Stones to help those who are struggling with homelessness, substance use, and mental health services who face criminal charges.

Hermiston Community Court is in the planning stage and must be renewed by the bureau before it can begin. The grant of $500,000 over four years comes with a requirement of 25 percent matching funds. The match will be made by the cost of the court staff and judge time that is already budgeted.

The meeting will be in council chambers of Hermiston City Hall and will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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