Fred Meyer and Applebee’s are two retail chains identified as possible additions to Hermiston in a just-released retail market analysis presented to the city council Monday.

The study updates a 2006 analysis with better census data and a revised trade area.

According to Ray Jones, Hermiston’s assistant city manager, the study was designed to help Hermiston attract retail outlets that will best fit the area.

The study didn’t show everything I was hoping it would show, Jones said, pointing out Hermiston is still a little smaller in terms of trade area population than some national chains would like to see.

Following the 2006 study, Hermiston officials approached Fred Meyer in an effort to induce the national retailer to place a store in Hermiston.

We didn’t have quite the number they needed, Jones said, adding the city plans to approach the chain again, along with Applebee’s. We are going to be contacting them.

The report, which Jones said the city will post online, did add that some of the chains, like Old Navy, will be a challenge to attract considering the smaller than hoped for population figure. However, several niche markets for local businesses were identified, including a specialty grocer and a computer store.

The city council also approved $1.8 million in monthly expenditures during the council meeting and approved a recommendation by the recreation projects fund committee to spend roughly $30,733 on various projects, including:

$2,000 to help fund the ARC summer recreation and inclusion program.

$3,050 to the Desert Arts Council for the 2012 Art Walk.

$400 for arrows they city’s outdoor program to buy arrows for archery classes.

$15,000 to help purchase lights for the youth baseball field at the Field of Dreams.

$2,500 for the city’s summer movie festival.

$2.500 to the New Year’s Eve fireworks festival at Butte Park.

$5,000 for the city’s summer music festival.

The committee also recommended putting aside roughly $10,000 to help fund projects in the 2012-2013 fiscal year.