Here's to the last five years

I recently reached my five-year mark as City Administrator here in Rainier. This milestone has given me the chance to reflect on everything that the City has accomplished in that time and a renewed sense of optimism about its overall direction moving forward.

Not too long after I started this position, three long-time councilors moved out of the City around the same time. The councilors who replaced them were a combination of some who had previously served and others who added new experiences and perspectives to the body.

Citizen participation was enhanced through the reformation of the Library Board and the creation of a Parks Committee. The City also entered into an agreement with local public access station KLTV for the live broadcast of all council meetings.

The long-envisioned riverfront trail project was completed, creating an attraction that is used every day by citizens and visitors to the community. The City’s website was completely revamped, making it more user friendly. Portions of the City’s municipal code have been updated to allow for more types of housing to be built in Rainier.

Russ Reigel took over as the City’s new public works director last year and has done an amazing job. Projects to improve critical infrastructure around town are well underway. The City has gone over a year and a half without any violations of its wastewater permit. Those inflow and infiltration issues in the wastewater system are being addressed through repair work on various sewer lines. During its 2025 session, the Legislature awarded the City $500,000 in state funding for additional improvements to the collections system. The hope is that these projects will sufficiently address the inflow and infiltration and prevent the City from having to take on significant debt to upgrade the capacity at its wastewater plant.

During my stint as administrator, the City has seen the retirement of some veteran police officers and the successful recruitment and training of their replacements. The Rivertime in Rainier summer concert series just wrapped up its second season and has been well received by residents.

After years of efforts, the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum has officially opened. A group of pickleball enthusiasts partnered with a local nonprofit to raise money for a new court at the City park. Similarly, a group of skateboard enthusiasts is hoping to do the same to make improvements to the skate park facility. Improvements will also be coming soon to the City’s disc golf course.

As I look around town, I feel good about the progress being made by council, staff and the community over the last five years to improve the quality of life for the people of this City.