Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for the Completion of the A Street Project Oct 10

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of the A Street Project is scheduled to take place Saturday, October 10 at 11 a.m. at the plaza area between 1st and 3rd streets. City officials will be present for the ceremony, and Sen. Betsy Johnson will be the keynote speaker.

Applications Sought for Rainier City Council Vacancy

City Council

Applications are currently being sought to fill a vacancy on the Rainier City Council for a term that expires in January 2023. Applicants for the volunteer position must currently reside, and have been a resident for at least one year, within the city limits.

Councilors are expected to attend one regular meeting per month, which typically takes place on the first Monday at 6 p.m. Other meetings may also be scheduled, as needed.

Those interested in applying may pick up an application Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. at City Hall, 106 West "B" Street or call 503-556-7301. The application deadline is October 18. Council will appoint the new member at its November meeting.

Planning Commission Vacancy

Planning
Commission

The Rainier City Council is currently accepting applications for the Rainier Planning Commission (volunteer position). The Planning Commission advises the Mayor and City Council on planning, zoning, land use and development matters. Applications are available at City Hall, 106 West "B" Street, Rainier, Oregon 97048 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 503-556-7301. Applications accepted through October 18.

Commissioners are expected to attend one regular meeting per month. Other meetings may also be scheduled, as needed.

The Planning Commission will consider applicants at its November meeting and make a recommendation to the Council. Council will then vote to appoint the new commissioner at its subsequent meeting.

Rainier, Oregon Mayor Jerry Cole has declared a state of emergency Mar 16, 2020

Rainier, Oregon Mayor Jerry Cole has declared a state of emergency for the city of 2,000 residents that sits along the Columbia River in Columbia County.

The declaration will not only streamline assistance to residents and businesses to weather the unprecedented viral outbreak, but allow the city government to expedite actions needed to protect individuals and businesses in the city as well as use special procedures to expedite the purchase of goods and services needed by city departments to maintain safety, health, and wellbeing in Rainier.

"I want to assure everyone that Rainier is as safe, secure and protected as possible during this challenging time of COVID-19. This infection is being more fully understood every day, and more specific preventative measures are being formulated daily. Until we understand the full picture of the disease and the best responses to it, we must follow the broad preventative measures as directed by the President, Congress, our Governor, Columbia County, and State health officials."

"While these declarations are often used by cities when there is major disruption from a highly visible natural disaster such as a flood or earthquake, we are now threatened by in invisible and sometimes lethal threat," said Mayor Cole. "We have little experience with a contagion and what damages it may bring to our community and how long the measures needed to attempt to stem its rapid growth may take. This declaration, along with those of the President and the Governor, are part of a coordinated effort that will aid in our ability to tap into outside resources and ease the process to receive any possible Federal reimbursement for costs incurred."

"I ask that you all help us by following the guidelines, rules and recommendations that the City, County, State and Federal governments issue - these are the best directives to keep you safe and to limit the impacts of COVID-19," said Cole. "There is information and links to the Small Business Administration and the CDC on the city website, cityofrainier.com that are strong resources available 24 hours a day."

The declaration took effect at midnight on March 16, 2020 and will stay in effect through April 30, 2020.