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

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, February 18.

According to Councilmember Rickey Bryum, Rainsville has approximately 40-50 structures that are deemed unsafe.  He went on to say that it was important to prevent rodents and to clean the areas that were overgrown with tall trees and grass. 

The Council voted unanimously to pass Resolution 02-18-2021 (D) that will allow certified inspectors to test the unsafe buildings for asbestos or other banned materials so that the structures could be safely burned. 

In other business:

• Approved a low bid for Jason Wright in the amount of $2,800 to repair damaged culverts on Everett Road.  The Council also gave the Mayor authorization to negotiate during an emergency situation for repair or replacement of culverts
• Went over plans with Tree City USA to plant (6) Water Oak Trees in the Plainview School parking lot on Arbor Day, April 22. 
• Approved traffic signs posting weight limits on Dilbeck Road at a cost of $414.39
• Approved training for City Clerk Kelly Frazier on February 23-26 in Montgomery.
• Approved Police Department training for Chief Michael Edmondson and Assistant Police Chief Matt Crum 
• Promoted Jimmy Brooks to Public Works Director
• Posted a CDL Driver position for the Public Works DepartmentApproved a match of $5,854.76 for the grant that purchase air packs for the Rainsville Fire Department 
• Voted to buy a replacement badge maker for the departments to use in the amount of $1,188.
• Purchased bookcases in the amount of $2,500 for Rainsville City Library
• Purchase of handicapped accessible doors in the amount of $5,539 for the City Library
• Appointed Carleen Bell to the Libary Board
• Passed Resoultion 02-18-2021 C  to surplus a bucket truck at the Street Department and to purchase a 2007 Ford bucket truck
• Passed Resolution 02-18-2021 B to match TAP funding for sidewalk rehabilitation with Councilmember Bejan Taheri abstaining • Declared unused computers, monitors, and keyboards as surplus
• Approved lease agreements with Cornerstone Christian Academy for use of Bethune Park and a pee-wee practice field
• Purchased a bulletproof vest for Sandy Little at a cost of $559.98
• Brought a drag from Southeast Turf Equipment for the Field of Dreams in the amount of $7,800
• Approved a $1,000 sponsorship for the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Gold Tournament on March 20

The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on Monday, March 1 at 4:30 p.m.