Progress continues on Ronan water project

The Ronan City Council meeting on April 10 was so short and sweet it should have been on Valentine’s Day.

For the city’s water system improvement project, commissioners approved two checks: one for the contractor’s application for the sixth payment in the amount of $57,771.82 and another for the ARPA grant draw for $77,306.29, which also helps fund the water system improvement project. 

Dan Miller, director of Public Works, told the council that “with an exception of a few little things, the water project for the school is pretty much done.” 

He added that the project is waiting for an okay from the Montana Department of Transportation to cut into Round Butte Road. They are also waiting for a permit to tie up the portion around DynoMart since there are some wetlands involved.

The next area for the water project is between NAPA Auto Parts and Arnie’s Gas and Tire Center.

Also approved was payment of $23,704.96 for the Montana Main Street program. The competitive grant helps communities implement projects directly related to downtown revitalization, development and historic preservation. 

According to Miller, the preliminary drawing for downtown Ronan showed many trees, which elicited a council discussion about maintenance of trees, gardens, etc. 

The council then passed the last agenda item: dropping the agriculture restriction for the Mission Range Event Center.

They also scheduled Ronan’s annual Clean-Up Day for May 4.

The city council’s next meeting is April 24.