Ranier City Council last week accepted the resignation of Municipal Liquor Store Manager Gretchen Coulombe after 19 years.
She will work through late December or early January.
Coulombe said she wants to work with her husband, Todd, at ServiceMaster of International Falls, which the couple purchased about a year-and-a-half ago.
“It was a good gig,” she said of serving as the liquor store manager. “I just think it’s a good opportunity for the city to fill the position with someone fresh. It’s the perfect time for me to step away. It’s just time.”
Coulombe said a new pool table, updated juke box and cash register, and new restrooms have been added during her time at the store.
Mayor Dennis Wagner praised Coulombe for her work and said he appreciates her willingness to train a successor.
City Administrator Sherril Gautreaux said Coulombe has been a nice asset to the liquor store.
“She’s built the business up to be really successful, and everybody’s going to really miss her,” Gautreaux said. “It’s a really important job in our little community. It’s not just the bar, it’s a community center.”
In other business, the city’s Land Use Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Jared and Ashley Baldwin at 3688 County Road 92. They will use an existing pole building as a seasonal commercial business, renting storage spaces for boats and recreational vehicles.
Public Works Supervisor Nick Sears said a water main break near County Roads 20 and 32 must be repaired this week. There has been minimal water loss.
The council will meet in committee Nov. 10, due to the general election.
A special meeting to review the budget has been set for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 15, before the regular council meeting at 6:30 p.m.
