November City Council meeting recap

Rainier City Council met Monday, Nov. 3, at Rainier City Hall. Mayor Jerry Cole encouraged the community to join the Columbia County sheriff in putting out a green light between Nov. 4 and Nov. 11, as an initiative to honor Veterans. President of the Rainier Senior Center Jan Rich spoke during visitor comments regarding financial shortfalls due to the government shutdown and the potential impact to serving meals at the center during the week. She also highlighted the success of the recent live auction fundraiser, which raised almost $11,000. This money will help the center stay in operation serving meals to the community. Rachael Barry spoke on behalf of the Lower Columbia River Watershed Council regarding a Fox Creek cleanup event happening on Saturday, Nov. 8.

There has been a private citizen petition for vacancy of a 306-foot alley lying within block two, Vogel track between East Norwood Street and Fisher street. A public hearing will be scheduled for the next meeting for further discussion. Council discussed the collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 58 regarding cost of living adjustments for two Rainier police department officers and the motion passed. As part of the DEQ agreement,Rainier needs to conduct rehabilitation work on seven manholes. The bid awardment passed a motion of approval.

Council discussed the parking ordinance. The chief of police relayed there had been 92 parking violations in the past 30 days. Ordinance requires removal within 72 hours. Council relayed this is not applied to home owners parking cars but abandoned, hazardous, or suspicious vehicles with the majority of requests made from community members requesting removal. Councilman Scott Cooper brought up regulations around incumbent candidacy for City Council and requirements that “any incumbent may not file or be elected to a different Council position while serving a term unless they first resign their currency prior to filing.” An update of DEQ agreements to fix infrastructure was provided with repairs to the entire drain system to happen next summer. The sewer plant is handling the latest rain storms adequately. Discussions were had about forthcoming meetings regarding upgrades to the skate park at Rainier City Park. Recorded sessions of Monday’s meeting are available at kltv.org.