Ronan council considers future expansion
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RONAN — The Ronan City Council met for their regular meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 11.
Mayor Chris Adler said: “We normally don’t get this full so if anyone needs a chair let us know.”
Once seating had been dealt with, agenda items were covered, including law enforcement concerns and affordable housing.
Ronan Police Chief Robert B. Jacobson announced that the department’s newly purchased vehicles had all the necessary safety features as well as roll cages. Council members stated that they hope the cages won’t be utilized.
The department’s older vehicles continue to pose a challenge as many are out for repairs on a consistent basis. St. Ignatius’ Police Department faces similar problems with their vehicles.
“We have had a couple of police cars go down so it makes us question the reliability of those vehicles,” Jacobson said. He added that public safety is a concern without dependable vehicles.
City development was next on the agenda with concern for waste management. The council has a couple of projects in the works to expand the amount of wastewater Ronan can manage. One possible solution is to add another holding pond for added wastewater from town.
Once the city is able to expand their capacity for wastewater management, they hope to increase affordable housing options. The council began discussing cost and zoning for the possibility of an expansion project during the meeting and plans to continue the discussion during future meetings.
City Clerk and Treasurer Kaylene Melton was recognized during the meeting for her work on the budget for new police cars and general city tasks, and in mentioning her, council members added that she also cares for the two cats who roam City Hall. Tiger and Max are long-haired brothers who have been considered part of the council for the past 13 years. Both cats received affection from community members during the meeting. “There are times when people come into meetings just to see the cats or they just come in randomly to see them,” Melton said.
The brothers aren’t the first council cats. Melton said the first cat passed away 13 years ago. “She came in on a rainy day and took a seat on one of the nice chairs and just made it her home from there.” On the anniversary of her death, a previous police chief brought in the brothers after his cat had kittens. The council said the cats are a part of the community.
