City of Ranier, Koochiching County, Minnesota

City of Ranier, Koochiching County, Minnesota May 18 th , 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

A regular meeting of the Ranier City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. in the Ranier Community Building.

Members present: Mayor Ed Oerichbauer. Trustees: Brenda Bauer, Fred Woods, Dan Klocek, and City Clerk: Kim Nuthak

Members absent: John Walls

Ranier employees: None

Others in attendance: Arden Barnes, Ed Woods Jr., Andy and Laurie Hedlund, Lloyd and Diane Parsons, Bill and Terri Lahmayer, Marjorie Brenning, Mike Lessard, Tara Nelson, Susan Congrave, Tom Hall, Jerry Jenson from the International Falls Fire Department, Paul Jones

Mayor Ed Oerichbauer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Motion by Trustee Klocek, second by Trustee Bauer and carried to approve the council agenda.

Motion by Trustee Bauer, second by Trustee Klocek and carried to approve the minutes from the previous regular council meeting.

Liquor Store Business

The Council reviewed the Ranier Municipal Liquor Store operating statement for the month of April 2009 with a monthly profit of $2,057.22.

Motion by Trustee Klocek, second by Trustee Woods and carried to approve April 2009 Ranier Municipal Liquor Store operating statement with a profit of $2,057.22.

Budget Committee Business

Regarding the proposed taxing district for the upgrade of the ambulance service, the committee met and made the following recommendation.

Motion by Trustee Klocek, second by Trustee Bauer and carried not to support the taxing district for the upgrade of the ambulance service.

Clerk Nuthak will draft a letter to notify the representatives regarding the decision. Motion by Trustee Woods, second by Trustee Bauer and carried to approve the hiring of Judy Rosten for cleaning the Ranier Community building.

After review of the list of bills for the month of April 2009 the following motion was made.

Motion by Trustee Bauer, second by Trustee Klocek and carried to approve the payment of the bills as presented.

Water $ 18,573.54 General $ 7,524.15 Rec Club $ 00.00 Liquor $ 28,019.93 Total $ 54,117.62

BUILDINGS, STREETS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE

Motion by Trustee Klocek, second by Trustee Bauer and carried to approve the extensions of Building Permits through May 31st, 2010 for Jim Bruggeman, Joanne Finstad, and Ed Woods Jr.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Motion by Trustee Klocek, second by Trustee Bauer and carried to approve the hiring of Teddy Pearson for the fulltime maintenance position.

OLD BUSINESS

No old business to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS

No new business to discuss.

OPEN FORUM

Mayor Oerichbauer recommended all comments be kept short and respectful.

Andy Hedlund addressed the council regarding the annexation and stated he hasn’t gotten any information regarding the situation. Hedlund explained the protocol from Boise Cascade and requested more information about the annexation. Hedlund’s second point was this is such an important item and he believes the residents of Ranier should have a vote on annexation. Mayor Oerichbauer stated there is a packet of information in the Clerk’s office for the residents to pick up if they contact the Clerk to request one. Ranier resident Terry Lahmayer addressed the council regarding Finstad Lane and when would it be replaced. Mayor Oerichbauer stated Bowman recently contacted the clerk’s office and will be replacing the alley in July of 2009. Trustee Klocek stated he is aware of the high traffic and explained the reconstruction of the alley in detail.

Ms. Laymayer also requested the council members explain their thoughts on annexation. Trustee Woods stated that financially annexation would be a positive solution for the city. Trustee Klocek also stated the water lines outside the boundaries of the city are a major concern if a catastrophic water break occurred it could tragically affect the city and states this is the best for the city of Ranier. Laymayer stated she has never been aware of the meetings in the past about annexation.

Ranier resident Diane Parsons questioned the council about the proposal from Dennis Wagner. Mayor Oerichbauer stated the proposal was to replace the water lines in French and Jamison and adding water to Three Points North and to assess the water customers to complete the replacement. The City of Ranier is pursuing a loan and grant from Rural Development that would not impact the water customers financially.

Ranier resident Ed Woods Jr. stated annexation was not brought up until November 2007. Trustee Woods questioned why Ed Woods was against annexation. Ed Woods replied he has no facts about the proposed annexation and he doesn’t agree it is in the best interest for the City of Ranier.

Ranier resident Arden Barnes commended the council with the decision of not supporting the taxing district for a upgraded ambulance service. Barnes also stated the council should eventually revisit the vision plan to address the water system.

Mike Lessard questioned if the annexation goes through, what type of changes might occur. Mayor Oerichbauer indicated that it is very difficult to answer but hopefully no negative changes.

Ed Woods Jr. questioned why the Ranier Council chose Orderly Annexation. Mayor Oerichbauer explained that the county is partnering with the City of Ranier to help with the financial part until the tax levy and local government aid are recieved.

Andy Hedlund asked if he could request a motion on the floor to for a vote from the people whether they are for or against the annexation. Mayor Oerichbauer stated he would take Mr. Hedlund’s request under consideration

Laurie Hedlund stated that she would really appreciate more information regarding the proposed annexation before she is able to make a decision.

Ed Woods Jr. questioned Ranier’s financial state. Mayor Oerichbauer stated currently there are not enough funds in the County escrow to handle a catastrophic water break. Tara Nelson does not appreciate the insinuation that Ranier residents do not care for French and Jamison residents. Ms. Nelson questioned if this proposed annexation is a water issue or how much is this Int’l Falls coming to bare on French and Jamison Addition. Mayor Oerichbauer stated that mainly it is a water issue.

Marge Brenning from Ranier stated that years ago they talked about getting water from Fort Frances.

Mike Lessard questioned if there is anything on the down side with annexation. Mayor Oerichbauer does not foresee any negative impact with annexation.

Arden Barnes questioned that if the annexation goes through, could there be separate wards created for the city council. Mayor Oerichbauer assured Ms. Barnes this would be considered.

Tara Nelson questioned if there are going to be more expenses if we annex the different areas. Mayor Oerichbauer explained to Ms. Nelson there is information at the City Clerk’s office to help explain her concern.

Tara Nelson Stated the Post Office would be a place to provide information for the Ranier residents along with the City Clerk’s office.

Diane Parsons questioned how the county will affect the city of Ranier with the proposed annexation. Mayor Oerichbauer attempted to explain. Ed Woods Jr. interrupted and stated his understanding.

Marge Brenning is requesting this should go to a vote of the people

Mike Lessard questioned the hiring of the new maintenance position. Mayor Oerichbauer explained we combined the two part time positions to create one fulltime position and Ted Pearson was hired for the job.

Ranier resident Paul Jones stated he hopes the council is not being expedient for expedience sake. Mr. Jones stated the council should really research this issue and that this type of a decision requires a lot of clear thought.

Motion by Trustee Klocek, second by Trustee Bauer and carried to adjourn the regular council meeting at 7:20 p.m.

______Mayor Oerichbauer Date

______City Clerk Nuthak Date