Marla Jones, Managing Editor
RAINSVILLE, Ala.--The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 6.
Kay Guffey addressed the Council on the digital billboard that has recently been installed by New South Outdoor, in front of the Tom Bevel Center in Rainsville.
New South Outdoor is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
She requested verification regarding why the Council allowed the billboard without the knowledge of Rainsville citizens.
City Attorney Nikki Scott advised Guffey that the Council voted in Executive Session to hire a Constitutional Lawyer to help advise on the proper procedure in handling the request for the billboard.
The Council stated that they had been playing “defense” since October of last year trying to prevent the billboards. The company that found a “loophole” in the Sign Ordinance originally wanted five billboards across the City. The Mayor and Council agreed to not pursue a lawsuit if only two were allowed in the City. Southern Torch reached out to Rainsville Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt. The other billboard is projected to be placed on Highway 35.
Guffey stated to the Council that small towns and cities had fought against the billboards and had won and she questioned why Rainsville did not fight against it.
“This is not something I wanted, I don’t like it” stated Councilmember Derek Rosson. Rosson went on to tell Guffey that there was “A lot you don’t understand” and that “It is what it is” regarding the billboard issues.
Councilmember Ricky Byrum stated that he had heard of threats of lawsuits from others regarding the billboard issue, to which he said “bring it on”.
In other business, The Council approved Resolution 07-06-2021 to accept the American Rescue Plan. The plan also called the Covid-19 Stimulus package was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021. This plan will help speed up the recovery from the economic and health effects due to the pandemic and the ongoing recession. The Council also approved opening an account at First Southern State Bank for these funds.
The Rainsville Fire Department applied for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). This grant will reimburse for supplies needed for firefighters. The Council approved a $4,400 purchase from Nafeco for Covid supplies. The AFG will reimburse the City for these supplies.
The Council also approved $15,000 for repairs to the Ladder Truck and Firetruck. These repairs will be paid for out of the Fire Truck and Equipment account.
The Council passed Ordinance 07-06-2021 which pertains to sewer rate adjustments for industries and for those who do not presently have a water bill.
In other business, the Council approved:
- Tar and Gravel for Boozer Road in the amount of $22,400.00
- (2) Headwalls on Boozer Road in the amount of $4,000.00
- Replacement of fencing at the Rainsville City Park Entrance in the amount of $9,661.00
The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on July 19 with a work session beginning at 4:00 p.m. and the regular session beginning at 4:30 p.m.
