RANIER — The Ranier City Council will seek $33,000 from Minnesota Rural Water Association.
Mayor Ed Oerichbauer explained the city has already expended the money for a water replacement project and needs to bill the association, which is serving an interim financing partner with the city..
Resident Arden Barnes was confused by the words used to describe the arrangement by city officials. Ranier City Clerk Kim Nuthak explained that the non-profit association helps communities around Minnesota. It will work with Ranier until the water project is complete and then the city will get additional funding from US Department of Agriculture Rural Development of Minnesota.”
“So they’re paying us money?” asked Trustee Fred Woods. “Yes,” Oerichbauer assured.
In other business, the council agree to adopt Arrowhead Regional Development Commission's option 2 of a hybrid universal development code and transportation evaluation at a cost of $38,000 to the city.
Option 2 was one of two recommendations given to the city by Josh Bergstad of ARDC. The organization was contacted by a Ranier citizens committee to act as a guide on how to establish appropriate land use and transportation in the city during the establishment of the “new” Ranier, created through annexation. Option 2 will allow the city to create its own zoning ordinance and is intended to meet the needs of the city and its residents.
Oerichbauer said that although the project will cost $38,000, grants of $15,000 are already in place to contribute, and more is expected to become available.
The council also agreed to wave the 45-day public notice for the North Koochiching Sanitary Sewer District public hearing.
According to Oerichbauer, NKSSD will hold a public hearing April 26 to discuss a proposal to rehabilitate the sewer plant in International Falls.
“That has some direct impact on the city of International Falls and if their monies go through, it will obligate the city for $118,000,” he said.
Nuthak received council approval to purchase a new computer for the clerk’s office for up to $2,000.
She said her current computer was purchased in 2005, and is showing signs of age. She said before it fails, she encouraged the council to purchase a new one. a
The Ranier Liquor Store’s year-to-date net profit of $8,007 has increased from last year’s profit of $6,873.
