Council schedules meeting on MREC annexation

The saga of the Mission Range Event Center continued last Wednesday as the Ronan City Council unanimously passed resolution 2024-48 approving the purchase of the MREC property from Lake County.

A public hearing to address annexation and the request by Pioneer Days that the council lift the ag restriction on this property will be held at 5:30 p.m. July 10 prior to the city council meeting.

Mayor Chris Adler delivered a check for the property to Lake County on June 20, which has already been repaid by Pioneer Days. 

Ronan City Attorney Ben Anciaux noted that “it’s a hybrid situation. The city will still own the land, but Pioneer Days will lease the property.”

Anciaux said he would forward copies of the lease agreement Lake County has with Polson Fairgrounds Inc. He recommended each side – the city and Pioneer Days – look at that agreement and decide what they each like or don’t like so a lease agreement can be created and signed. 

In the meantime, project designing can begin, such as culverts, road access, and contacting  Mission Valley Power about installing power for the site. 

The City Council Property Committee, comprised of Ellen Kaphammer,chair, Lindsay Myers, and Ryan Corum, will meet with Pioneer Days members before the next meeting to work on terms of the lease agreement. 

In other business, the council approved an open container permit for St. Luke Foundation on Sept. 13 for a dinner and auction at the Community Center.   

They also approved use of Bockman Park by Tribal Waves for a Fourth of July celebration. The group will be giving away free hot dogs and have a bouncy house for kids.

The next council meeting will be held July 10 at 6 p.m.