RANIER — The Ranier City Council Monday approved the replacement of 360 feet of the main water line.
The council approved a $22,000 bid from Shannon’s Inc., a local contractor, to replace main line from the water plant to the second bridge.
Randy Hell, an excavation supervisor with Shannon’s, estimates that it would take approximately a week to replace the line with weather as a factor. He was present to explain several issues he encountered with old valves and eight inch pipe that would be replaced with standard 12 inch pipe made of durable and flexible materials.
Mayor Ed Oerichbauer explained that Shannon’s agreed to defer payment until the city receives the funds from a CD investment.
The meeting was suspended for a public hearing to allow Dick Grabko, the principal of Short Elliot Hendrickson engineering firm, and Denny Reagan, regional sales manager, to review the Ranier water main system and finance options for its replacement project.
Oerichbauer said that it was a good overview of the current status of the water predicament and will help decide action in the near future.
Darrin Kittleson, a state conservation officer, and Bill Best, a wetlands specialist with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources office, were present to discuss local responsibility for the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act.
The meeting was initiated by Kittleson after reports of recent wetlands violation involving the destruction of public property in the city. Kittleson and Best explained to the council that responsibility for administration of the MWCA outside of metro areas is with the cities and counties.
Best explained that cities must either adopt the MWCA as the local government unit, or adopt a resolution that delegates the responsibility to the county.
They explained that if a city chooses to adopt the MWCA, it would appoint and train an individual to administer to city, residents and developers regarding wetlands issues. They also discussed the creation of panels with local, state and federal representation that could review development applications and approve wetlands criteria at all levels before a project can begin.
Kittleson said experts can identify the hydrology and ground soil of a wetland when it may not be obvious to someone at first sight. Without going through the process, he said enforcement, whether by complaint or activity, could result in a cease and desist order, and at times require the complete restoration of wetlands at the violators expense. They also mentioned that developers can hire surveyors with an MWCA consultant.
The council approved an agreement to establish the Koochiching Community Development Association. The agreement provides a planning and funding resource organization where local units of government and business can access $50,000 in funding from the county.
Oerichbauer provided an update on the Canadian National Railroad meeting last July. He said the railroad has not yet responded to concerns about public safety, noise and air pollution. After consultation with the county, Ranier will begin discussion on the development of ordnances regarding the issues, he said.
Gretchen Cole, liquor store manager, presented the September operating statement with a profit of $483, and the annual profit of $34,238. The council approved the statement along with a motion to hire Bob Boelter as liquor store cleaning staff. The Liquor Store committee reviewed applications and recommended Boelter on Oct. 14.
The council approved a request to renew the on sale liquor license for Woody’s Pub. It also approved payment of monthly bills totaling $72,710.
