Ranier hires Belanger as deputy clerk

“As mayor, I am grateful for her dedication and for her effort and thanks for a job well done,” said Oerichbauer.

The council approved the appointments of Oerichbauer and Trustee Dan Klocek as Ranier representatives to the newly formed Koochiching Community Development Association. The first meeting resulted in the election of officers and an agreement to rotate future meetings in various communities throughout the county.

Littlefork Mayor Shane Williams was appointed president. Oerichbauer was appointed vice president, and Big Falls City Council member Laura Larson was elected secretary/treasurer.

Oerichbauer represented the city of Ranier in a July 23 meeting with Canadian National Railway and Koochiching County. He said the informal three hour meeting with Kevin Soucie, CN government affairs representative, allowed for mutual concerns to be discussed.

The issues raised included noise pollution from the long train whistles and grinding wheels, air pollution from lengthy idling of immobile engines, and lengthy trains blocking intersections for long times creating a possible hazard for emergency vehicles. City officials are also concerned with some bridge operations, the need for crossing lights and gates, the condition of tracks and grounds and garbage.

Trustee Fred Woods said earlier that he was concerned that the bridge is left in the down position when not in use. As an international crossing, he said it would be in the best interest of national security to have the bridge up.

Woods also felt it would be in the best interest of boating safety for larger craft with engine failure to have the bridge open. The current pulls them under the bridge, he said, and it would avoid serious accidents to have the bridge open.

Oerichbauer said the meeting was constructive and “time well spent,” and that CN will respond to the concerns in the near future.

The council approved an agreement with the Arrowhead Regional Development Center to help the city create a vision plan. The city will issue a press release for an event to announce the start of work on community plan that will serve as guide for city in coming years.

The council reviewed a request from the area’s Convention and Visitors Bureau for approval of the appointment of William Dougherty to represent area attractions. A motion was passed to send a letter of non-commitment, so as not to endorse the proposed candidate for what appeared to be a possible conflict of interest.

Nuthak will serve as the head election judge for the 2008 primary and general elections. The council appointed day and evening election judges, and is still seeking an additional day judge for the primary election.

The council passed a motion to make the Community Building available at no charge to Koochiching County Soil and Water Conservation District for a tour luncheon on Sept. 11.

A motion to send a letter to Shirley Borgen of Minneapolis was passed, to commend her progress in taking immediate action to removed buildings on her property following a June letter of condemnation. The buildings were removed over the Independence Day holiday.

Other council business included approval for payment of $44,774 in monthly bills, and of the Ranier Municipal Liquor Store operating statement, which showed a net profit of $5,658, with net sales of $33,833 for the month of June.

Ron Peterson was present in the open forum to thank the council for its silent approval of his county permit application to blast a rock ridge near the Highway 11 overpass in Ranier. By not opposing the request, Peterson said he can crush the rock and free the area for a possible rail service center in the foreign trade zone.

Peterson said that in appreciation, he would like to decorate Ranier park and the Community Building prior to the centennial celebration in August.