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 May 28. Council will appoint the new member at its June 7 meeting.

City RV Park Closed

At its Monday, May 3 meeting, the city council voted unanimously to indefinitely close the city's RV Park property at 696 West A Street. This closure came at the recommendation of city staff.

Rainier City Hall Ballot Dropbox Open

The ballot drop box outside of City Hall is now unlocked, so you can drop your ballots off.

In order to be counted, ballots must be dropped off by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18.

Honoring Richard Sanders

Rainier City Councilor Richard "Rick" Sanders passed away the evening of April 18, surrounded by loved ones.

Sanders was a 25-year resident of Columbia County, with 15 of those being in Rainier. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and was an honorably discharged veteran.

Following his military service, Sanders spent most of his career working for Portland General Electric. He dedicated much of his post-retirement life to public service, with stints on Rainier's Planning Commission and Budget Committee.

Sanders successfully ran a write-in campaign for a City Council seat in the November 2018 election. He served on the council ever since.

In his spare time, Sanders enjoyed being with his grandchildren, recreational boating and riding his motorcycle. The flag at Rainier City Hall is at half mast in his honor. There will be a moment of silence for Sanders at the council's May 3 meeting.

Local Matters on KLTV

Mayor Jerry Cole and City Administrator W. Scott Jorgensen appeared on the March 31 edition of Local Matters on KLTV.

Click the link below to watch the video:

KLTV Local Matters!!

RAINIER MAYOR'S TASKFORCE FOR COVID VACINATIONS Mar 17, 2021

Have you tried finding a Covid Vaccination but are having a hard time figuring it out?

Please call City Hall between the hours of 09:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday and leave your contact information with staff. A local dedicated volunteer on the Taskforce will help you schedule a vaccination.

Please note we do not give the vaccination.
We will do our best to help you find one.

Household Hazard Waste Collection Event May 15, 2021

City of Rainier's FREE
Household Hazardous Waste & Used Paint Collection
Next to Rainier Sewage Treatment Plant 690 West A Street
SATURDAY May 15, 2021 from 8am - noon

Water Meters

Public Works will be changing water meters throughout the City in the next 6 weeks beginning March 11.

Road Closure

The portion of 1st Street between the 500 and 600 blocks
has been temporarily closed to through traffic.

Sand Bags Available

Sand bags and sand are available free to the public and located at the city's waste water treatment plant at 690 West A Street and across from the Fire Department at the intersection of West 2nd and C streets. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

The City has Partnered with Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA)

The City has partnered with Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA), a provider of home emergency repair solutions to homeowners nationwide, to offer Exterior Water Service Line Coverage and Exterior Sewer/Septic Line Coverage to Rainier homeowners.

Many homeowners are not aware that they are responsible for certain repairs. For example, many Americans don't know that they are responsible for repairs to water service and sewer/septic lines on their private property. Many homeowners are not prepared to handle the high costs of unexpected water service or sewer/septic line breakdowns.

Optional plans from SLWA can help protect you from the potentially expensive repair costs of water and sewer/septic lines inside and outside your home.

You can visit www.slwofa.com or call 1-844-257-8795 for more information or to sign up for coverage.

Project Planned for West 4th to West 3rd Between E and F Streets

The City is planning on conducting a project from West 4th to West 3rd between E and F Streets. This project includes the lining and repair of the main sewer line, the replacement of the water line with a six inch line, fire hydrants and service lines to the water meters, storm drainage and resurfacing of the road with payment approximately 28 inches in width.

Planning for the project is currently underway, and the inspection of the sewer line and requests for quotes have been submitted.

The water line replacement is estimated to take place in the fall of 2020. Repair of the sewer line would then follow in November or December of that year. Storm drainage work would occur around January 2021, with road preparation and paving anticipated two months afterward, with the streets ready to be paved by June 2021.

For more information, call Public Works Director Sue Lawrence at 503-396-1736 or City Hall at 503-556-7301.

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.