Ronan discusses possible subdivision
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RONAN — Discussion of a possible subdivision in Ronan continued during a recent Ronan City Council meeting on April 12.
Previously presented as a possibility by local surveyor Marc Carstens on Nov. 9 of last year, he returned with more progressed plans in order to keep the city apprised of the development and gain feedback.
The subdivision, which would combine two properties – one city, one county – currently has plans for approximately 217 total lots south of the Mormon Church. However, the development would be phased, with the first phase made up of only a few lots as dictated by the market. Additionally, to help avoid the “cookie cutter” phenomenon of some subdivisions, developers would potentially be able to decide whether they wanted to build single family homes, townhouses, duplexes, or possibly even apartment buildings to increase housing. The proposed map would also link backroads to improve connectivity in town.
The question of how sewers would work was addressed, as the north portion of the area, where the project would start, would be able to gravity feed toward the existing sewer system. The southern portions would be able to gravitate toward a different area, which could potentially use another lift station when the time comes.
Carstens plans to work with Public Works Director Dan Miller to bring a pre-application for the city lots to the council in the near future. “I think my map is showing me that they’re all functional, practical lots. There’s still the alleyway versus walkway (question) and curbs and gutters (to consider), but that’s kind of going to be coming through the planning board as well as it comes up. I’m not asking for any kind of decision; I’m trying to keep you apprised of what I’m doing next door to you.”
In other news:
- The City of Ronan reminded attendees that the town clean-up project is April 19 and all are invited to join.
- Police Chief Robert Jacobson recognized Officers J. Gilliland and B.S. Barber before the council. Officer Gilliland has completed one year of his probationary period on the team. In the last year both officers recovered a distribution amount of methamphetamine, and during another response, Officer Gilliland resuscitated an individual suffering from an overdose before EMT’s arrived.
Gilliland commented, “I just wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you guys … for giving me the opportunity to serve the community. This has been a dream of mine for several years and it’s cool to see how it’s come to life. Doesn’t seem very long ago for me (that) I used to ride my bike down this street.”
Officer Barber officially rejoined the department to serve the community after some time away considering his career direction. “This is not only where I want to be, I need to be,” Barber stated. “I’m excited to be back in the community helping everybody out.”
With one officer currently in the academy and anticipated to return toward the end of January, the Ronan Police Department is now operating with a full roster. “I know it was a little slow going, but I wanted to make sure we got the right people in here representing the department and out there in the community, leading with integrity and honesty and I think we’ve got a good crew,” Jacobson said.
“From the clerk’s standpoint, I want everybody to know this is very good, the way things are going,” City Clerk Kayleen Melton added. “The departments are getting along so good, we can trust each other … we’re all very happy. It’s really a nice bunch of people to work with.”
