At their meeting last Wednesday night, the Ronan City Council discussed a proposal from Ronan Police Chief Rob Jacobson to add two more full-time police officers to achieve 24-7 patrol coverage for Ronan, thereby minimizing the city’s reliance on county officers.

Chief Jacobson also asked the council to transfer funds originally allocated for premium pay for Police Canine Sandor’s position to cover supervisor pay costs for Sgt. Smith. The council approved that reallocation.

In other police-related matters, the council voted to renew the 12-month lease with Ray Aylesworth for the portion of a downtown building that houses the Ronan Police Department. They also voted to extend the lease on the back room, break room, and locker room with an increase in the lease from $60 to $150.

“The public likes to see the police presence on Main Street,” said Public Works director Dan Miller.

In other police-related matters, Ronan Police Chief Rob Jacobson asked the council to review a proposal for adding two additional full-time police officers to achieve 24-7 patrol coverage for Ronan, thereby minimizing the city’s reliance on county officers.

Chief Jacobson also asked the council to transfer funds originally allocated for premium pay for Police Canine Sandor’s position to cover supervisor pay costs for Sgt. Smith.

Karl Sutton from Mission West reported on findings from the Brownfields Project Phase 1 Site Assessments. A copy of the 484 -page document is available to read at Ronan City Hall.

Brownfields projects are defined by the U.S. government as “abandoned, idled or underused industrial and commercial properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.”

The council also approved the Friends of the Children’s application for a Community Development Block Grant, program requirements, and sub-recipient certifications for renovations on the organization’s new clubhouse at 124 Main Street. The grant will be handled by Mission West Community Development and the Friends group. Improvements are already underway in the former Summit Independent Living office.

In other business, the council discussed 2nd Chance Saloon’s request to ignite fireworks on city property at the Adams Street parking area, directly next to the establishment for an Independence Day Bash, 7-11 p.m. July 4. Members requested more information before they make a decision.

The council approved Ronan Cooperative Brewery’s application for an open container permit and sidewalk closure (with pedestrian access) from 2-9 p.m. beginning June 12, 2026, through Sept. 12, 2026. As in the past, the brewery puts small chairs and tables on the sidewalk but does not block the walkway.

The council also approved the brewery’s request for an open container permit and street closure on 4th Ave. from Main Street to Round Butte and from 4th Ave. W to 5th Ave. (contingent on the approval of the fronting businesses) for a Gears and Beers Car Show, 2-9 p.m. July 17.

The next city council meeting will be held June 22, which is a Monday, at 6 p.m.