October City Council meeting re-cap

Rainier City Council met Monday, Oct. 6, at Rainier City Hall. Mayor Jerry Cole presented two proclamations declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, tied to nationwide initiatives. Visitor comments included discussion around the Domestic Violence Awareness March, which took place Saturday, Oct. 18. There was a request for no trespassing signage in a game preserve area where a citizen encountered hunters, as well as a request for a bench near newly planted memorial trees in the Rainier City Park. Feedback was given regarding city ordinances of burning inside city limits, as well as comments about the challenges for large-acreage land owners to adhere to the limitations given requirements for land management during fall and winter seasons.

Charleen Ratke was confirmed as newest city council member before addressing additional agenda items. There was discussion regarding a Mill street at C street repaving project and applying for grants to cover costs. One of these was a $5,000 mobilization fee regarding sewer line flow monitoring from December to February for DEQ reporting to help inform estimates regarding sewer plant capabilities. It was relayed that there is a goal to fix the collection system and reduce intake to get the system to a level the sewer plant can handle while loans are repaid prior to starting a new surplus or upgrades. There was discussion about accurate monitoring tied to unpredictable weather patterns within the given timeframe, and a motion was passed to award the vendor contract.

Resolution 25-10-01 was passed to appoint the city budget committee as the REDCO budget committee. There was a second reading of Ordinance 1102, dealing with regulating open burning within city limits and establishing seasonal restrictions, providing for enforcement, and declaring an effective date. After much discussion, a motion was passed to establish a one-time resolution for the time being for legal burns in October and November with potential for other periods as established by resolution of the city council as long as the lots meet setback requirements. There was also a second reading of and motion passed of Ordinance 1103 regarding permitting and regulating the use of utility vehicles (UTVs) and golf carts on city streets and discussion around the wastewater plant and agreement with DEQ and ongoing plans and proposals which will be an ongoing agenda item at the November city council meeting. Recorded sessions are available at: https://kltv.org.