RONAN - The City Council moved to amend the first reading of the new solicitor's license ordinance during Monday's meeting.

After first creating the ordinance, the council did not address the penalties solicitors will face if they do not buy a city permit, mayor Kim Aipperspach said.

Aipperspach recommended different levels of fines. The first offense would incur a fine double the permit fee, the second would quadruple the permit fee and the third and subsequent offenses would be the maximum penalty allowed for a misdemeanor offense. The requirement of a permit will not go into effect until July 1, Aipperspach said, and at first, those without a permit will be warned and informed of the new law. He said that something will be posted on the door of city hall informing solicitors of the new changes.

Ronan Police Department Asst. Chief Art Walgren recommended putting up signs on the highway near the city limits, as well, so potential solicitors will know of the ordinance immediately. The council moved to amend the first reading of the ordinance.

In other news, Walgren and Chief Dan Wadsworth came before the council to ask for its approval of a sexual assault investigation contract between the RPD and St. Luke Hospital. Walgren explained that when the hospital examines a sexual assault victim, the norm is for the police department to foot the bill.

"We've technically been skating by because we should have to pay for these [exams]," he said.

The exams will include a sexual assault examination kit and a trained nurse for $300. Walgren said that the cost is significantly cheaper than other area hospitals charge other departments. The city hasn't had too many assaults recently, Walgren said: six in 2008, three in 2009, and thus far, none in 2010. He said the costs would probably require $1,000 of money each year for the department's budget. The council approved and passed the contract unanimously, with councilmember Paul Soukup abstaining because he is employed by the hospital.

The council also approved Aipperspach to negotiate with the Lake County Community Development Corporation to be the city's water project administrator. The selection came down to the LCCDC and a group in Helena, but ultimately the council voted for the local group.

"A local person is ultimately going to care more about Ronan," Aipperspach said during the discussion. The vote passed 3-1 with Soukup and councilmember Cal Hardy abstaining. Councilmember Penny Ross was the lone dissenter. Soukup abstained because he is on the board of directors for the LCCDC.

The council will next meet on Monday, May 10.