Rainier City Council recap

The Rainier City Council met on Monday, Dec. 1 and swore in officer Michael Hernandez to the Rainier Police Department. City administrator Scott Jorgensen read a statement into record by the executive director of the Columbia 911 Communications District, expressing intent to undertake the repair and restoration of the radio communications network currently in need of service. The scope of intended work includes, but is not limited to, identifying and replacing faulty components, including transmitters, receivers, antenna and cabling; reconfiguring and optimizing network settings for improved signal clarity and range; testing and verifying system performance to ensure compliance with operational standards; providing documentation and recommendations for ongoing maintenance for the user agencies.

A public hearing was held for Ordinance 1104 about vacating an alleyway between East Norwood Street and Fisher Street. Discussions were held around the proposed preliminary skate park redesign. It’s estimated that $600,000 in funds will need to be raised, but suggestions were offered on ways to cut expenses with in-kind work from local providers. The parks committee will meet in January to discuss further and pursue grant applications. The council also discussed how to allocate and update various spaces in the City Hall building to incorporate on-site visitors and local events.

There are ongoing discussions with River Cities bus transit to drive ridership and also connect access to the various senior centers together. Rainier Winterfest is taking place Sunday, Dec. 7, and Council President Mike Kreger gave an overview of activities. At 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28 is an annual Christmas Ships event at Rainier’s docks.