By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday.

James Payton with Ladd Environmental addressed the Council on the recent violations and fines issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).  The City received a $4,400 fine for a wastewater overflow and spill, due to pump problems at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  

“This is something that we have to work through,” stated Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt. “We self-reported as soon as the incident happened.” 

According to Lingerfelt, the problems that involved two pumps that have since been repaired and fixed.  There was also a tank, where some bolts were loose, while someone was working on them. The infiltration into the system could be something as simple as animals digging into the lines. 

Repairs were made to the problematic areas and will be reported back to ADEM.  

Despite not being on the agenda, Councilmember Ricky Bryum brought forward a plan to remove the three-way stop signs at the new Chavies Bridge and install speed tables.  The Council approved the measure, with Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt voting no.  Lingerfelt stated to Southern Torch that  his thought was “ if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” 

Another item that was not on the original agenda, was the purchase of a GradeAll in the amount of $12,500. According to the Council, this was a quick purchase that would have to be made before the equipment was put up for auction.  

The Council accepted the resignation of Rainsville Police Chief Kevin Smith and issued him his service gun.  “I like Chief Smith, I hate he resigned but it was kinda out of my control. I  didn’t have control of the situation and I didn’t have much input” stated Mayor Lingerfelt. 

In other business:

• Awarded the cleaning of headworks at the Wasterwater Treatment Plant to Jones Utility Service in the amount of $4,100.
• Proclaimed October as Dwarfism Awareness and Acceptance Month  
• Proclaimed November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

The next meeting on the Rainsville City Council will be held on November 2, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Tom Bevil Center. This will be an organizational meeting to swear in the new Rainsville City Council.