Shari Johnson, Ronan city engineer, and Dom Goble and CR Leisinger, project engineers from Morrison Maierle, presented the water system preliminary engineering report.

The preliminary report evaluates the condition of the existing infrastructure, identifies deficiencies, presents ways to address them and provides a plan for completing projects. Thanks to proactive maintenance and upgrades completed as needed, the report said, the town’s storage tanks' condition and capacity are good, as is the booster storage tank. The preliminary report is also necessary for grant applications.

Goble and Leisinger did a water model of Ronan for the city to use for planning. Working with Johnson and Dan Miller, Ronan public works director, they figured there are 232 equalized dwelling units or hookups available in Ronan “before the DEQ asks ‘where is your next well?’” Johnson said. The city needs to start planning now for well funding, according to the preliminary report.

As far as projects, Miller has a priority list of two — replacing aging water mains around town; and on the south end of town, dead-end and undersized water mains that can’t provide the required fire flow. 

Grant funding is limited and highly competitive. The report listed possible funding sources: City Development Block Grant $750,000, requiring a 25% local match; Renewable Resource Grants and Loans $125,000, with its next cycle in 2028; Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, a low-interest loan; Rural Development, for which Ronan has an existing loan for the wastewater system; and Montana Coal Endowment Program for a rate increase.  

The current rate is $63.00. A water rate increase will probably be necessary. Part of the hope is for subsidization for the rate increase.

In other business, the council approved the Ronan Chamber of Commerce’s request for a street closure on First Avenue Southwest to the alley for the annual Harvest Fest on September 19. 

Karl Sutton from Mission West Community Development Partners presented an idea for a phase 3 electric vehicle fast charger in Ronan, on or adjacent to city property, connected to a 3-phase power supply. Sutton said there is no such charger from St. Regis to St. Ignatius to Kalispell. 

“Charging time would be 30 to 60 minutes,” Sutton said. “Giving visitors time to walk around and explore Ronan. 

Council also voted unanimously to renew the mutual aid fire assistance agreement between the Ronan Rural Fire Department and the City of Ronan Fire Department.

City clerk/treasurer Kaylene Melton also asked that council authorize $27,121.76 for the Main Street Fund to be issued to Mission Valley West and $ 27,181.76 for the Adaptive Use Grant. 

The funds “pass through” the City of Ronan’s account to Mission West.

Mayor Ryan Corum introduced Clifford Hayden, a newly hired Ronan city attorney from Whitefish. 

The next council meeting is scheduled for September 9 at Ronan City Hall.