RANIER — The Ranier City Council Monday approved the rental of the Ranier Community Building free of charge for the Rural Fire Protection Association to hold periodic meetings through 2010.
The RFPA notes in a letter to the council that it is forming its own fire department, which would be the provider of fire protection for the city of Ranier and surrounding rural areas in Koochiching County.
The RFPA, the Koochiching County Board and the International Falls City Council have been in discussion recently about creating s new fire department and which entity — the city or RFPA — would provide service to rural residents.
Councilors also voted to approve spending $350 for a one-eighth page advertisement in the Convention and Visitors Bureau Vacation Planner.
The council also voted to give a $1 per hour increase in salary to maintenance personnel Teddy Pearson, who completed a six-month probation period mandated in the city’s pay policy.
Ranier Municipal Liquor Store Gretchen Cole remarked to the councilors to “keep the holidays in mind” and a brief discussion on the politically correct verbiage for seasons’ greetings was held.
Ranier resident Arden Barnes asked if a street light in the city was on a timer or was on permanently. She was informed by Mayor Ed Oerichbauer that the light was solar powered and was not on during the day.
