Fall Leaf Reminders
Leaves are falling. The City reminds the community that it is the property owner’s responsibility to keep sidewalks adjoining private property in safe condition. If there are leaves on the sidewalks, please remove them. Owners are liable for damages and injuries resulting from unsafe sidewalks adjacent to their property. For more details on owner responsibility, please see Hood River Municipal Code: HRMC 13.20.
Leaves should not be raked or blown onto the sidewalk, gutter, or streets as they can plug storm drains and cause flooding (a violation of the Hood River Municipal Code). If there are catch basins near your property, please help keep them clear of leaves and debris to keep water draining and streets from flooding. Also, please make sure all garbage cans are placed in a safe place off the street to allow access for street sweepers. The City Public Works department appreciates the community’s help keeping Hood River clean and safe.
Fall Leaf Drop-Off at Public Works
The City is providing leaf drop-off to City residents at its Public Works facility from November 1st to December 5th as a free fall season service. City residents may drop leaves between 8:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Residents will be required to empty any bagged leaves. This service is for City residents only (no landscaping businesses) and only leaves can be accepted. Other yard debris (including grass clippings, branches and other brush) must be placed in organic waste roll carts for pick up by Hood River Garbage Service on regularly scheduled pick up days, or delivered to Hood River Garbage Transfer Station at 3440 Guignard Road (541-386-4676).
The City of Hood River Public Works department is located at 1200 18th Street, Hood River. For further information, contact City of Hood River Public Works Department at 541-386-2383. If you would like to have leaves for mulch, please call 541-387-5201.
Rich Rice promoted to Public Works Director
Following an extensive search process, the City of Hood River has selected Richard Rice as the City of Hood River’s new public works director.
Since March 2020, Rice has served as public works project manager for the City, which involved managing all aspects of public works projects including project design, development, and implementation, project budgeting and performance. In his role, he also managed the City’s 10-year Capital Improvement Plan and served as construction inspector and project manager of construction projects.
Prior to joining the City of Hood River, Rice was facilities manager for One Community Health in Hood River for nearly four years, managing the design and construction of the new building on Pacific Avenue. He came to Hood River from Maryland, where 13 years of professional experience ranged from managing ecological construction projects, including stream and wetland restoration, shoreline stabilization and Low Impact Development, project management for asphalt and grading operations, and manager of concrete construction projects.
“Rich has been a key manager for several of the City’s operational, maintenance and capital projects already,” said City Manager Abigail Elder. “His skills and knowledge have been an asset to our organization and we look forward to his continued service to the community.”
City Water-Sewer Project first phase nears completion
The first phase of the City of Hood River’s Water/Sewer Pipe Reconstruction plan to replace aged, deteriorated clay sewer pipes and lead-jointed drinking water pipe is nearly complete.
The final of three projects in this initial phase is located on Prospect Avenue from 1st to 7th Street. The installation of new waterlines and sewer pipes has been followed by sidewalk and curb repairs, re-grading of the street and paving. The base lift of asphalt paving is currently scheduled for the week of November 7th, weather dependent. The contractor and City will be monitoring the weather for a window to do final paving. Remaining curb work for ADA ramps will continue after paving, and this work will also be weather dependent.
Unfortunately, numerous delays occurred for the Prospect Avenue project due to material availability, unknown utilities that were discovered while digging, and unexpected boulder excavation which cut productivity almost in half. “I want to thank the affected neighborhood for their patience during this project, I know it’s been challenging for everyone,” said City Public Works Director Rich Rice.
The first section in this phase was Cascade Avenue from 15th to 18th streets, while part two covered sections of Sherman Avenue. Construction for the Cascade Avenue project included approximately 879 linear feet of new water main and 865 linear feet of sewer main, and services. The Sherman Avenue project included approximately 975 linear feet of water main and 2,100 linear feet of sewer main, plus services. The Prospect Avenue project included close to 2,035 linear feet of new water main plus 1,604 linear feet of sewer main, and services. All projects included sidewalk and curb surface restoration, and road reconstruction.
The City appreciates the cooperation and patience of the neighborhoods as projects were underway. Multiple water-sewer projects are planned over the next 10+ years. Where possible, this work will use trenchless methods to minimize traffic disruptions.
All City of Hood River clay pipes and lead-jointed waterlines are slated for replacement or rehabilitation by 2030. Despite their name, City-owned lead-jointed water lines pose no risk to public drinking water; however, they are past their useful life and mandated to be replaced.
Free Parking on Wednesday afternoons
Free parking is available in Downtown Hood River from 3 to 6 pm every Wednesday (through Wed., May 24, 2023).
This program is a partnership with the Hood River County Chamber, City of Hood River and Hood River Downtown Business Association to make it easier for locals to shop, dine and enjoy our downtown. Vehicles are still subject to tickets if parked illegally, such as over the line, in handicap spots, or in a permit parking area without a permit.