The Ranier City Council Monday tabled a request from a resident to cover the cost of materials that could help prevent freezing water lines during winter months.
Barry Woods informed the council that a water line on the edge of his property at 2069 Spruce St., where there is a utility easement, is shallow and in the winter he must run water through the line to prevent the pipes from freezing. Woods said he would like to place fill materials on top of the line to serve as insulation, with the undetermined cost to be paid for by the city.
City Clerk Kim Nuthak reported that running water through the water lines in the winter is required, regardless if there is fill present.
Nuthak told The Journal that residents Arden Barnes and Tara Nelson voiced concerns that their properties, which are adjacent to Woods’, could be impacted depending on the amount of fill needed.
Mayor Dennis Wagner said language in the easement says snow cannot be disturbed in the winter to keep freezing water lines from freezing. However, Wagner said more information needs to be gathered and the issue will be revisited when the council meets in August.
In other business Monday, the council agreed to allow Lindsey Goulet, Ranier Rec Club, to apply for a $5,000 grant to place adult exercise equipment at the Ranier Park. In addition, the city agreed to pay $425 toward the project.
The grant, which is available through the Koochiching Community Development Association, would help cover the cost of two pieces of equipment from ExerSkys, a manufacturer of outdoor fitness equipment designed for adults.
The total cost of the equipment and site preparation is estimated to be about $8,175. In addition to the grant and the city’s contribution, the club would provide $1,750 toward the project, and a $1,000 donation was secured to prepare the site.
The monthly operating statement for Ranier’s Liquor Store shows a year-to-date net profit of $40,331, a significant increase from last year’s profit of $18,943 at the same time.
