By Marla Jones
Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook) The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on October 18th.
Councilman Brandon Freeman brought up the fact that Pavilions in the City Park had been on a first-come, first-serve basis for several years. Due to a recent disagreement at the park over this practice, Freeman suggested that pavilions should be reserved. Freeman stated that he did not feel that making the citizens pay to use the facilities would be right but those reservations could be made at the City Hall to avoid any additional conflict.
Rickey Byrum stated that in previous administrations the pavilions were rented out for a cost of $10 for smaller pavilions and $25 for the larger pavilions.
After much discussion, Freeman made a motion to reserve pavilions at no cost to citizens which was seconded by Arlan “Monk” Blevins. Councilmembers Derek Roson and Monk Blevins voted to require a deposit that was refundable. Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt called for a vote, with some council members not voting.
Southern Torch reached out to Councilman Brandon Freeman and Mayor Lingerfelt for clarification. Freeman stated that the vote was unclear and would be discussed for reconsideration at the next meeting of the Rainsville City Council. At this time, Freeman stated that the pavilions would need to be reserved at no cost at the Rainsville City Hall. At press time, the Mayor had not returned our call.
Police Chief Michael Edmondon informed the Council that the department had been approved for a 50/50 Grant for the purchase of nine new vests and carriers, saving the City $2,800.
In other business, the Council approved the following:
• Hire Dylan Haney, Full-Time Patrolman, starting October 27th at $14.97 per hour
• Hire Caleb McSpadden, Full-Time Patrolman, starting October 27th at $14.97 per hour
• Move Joey Walden from Part-Time to Full-Time Fireman beginning October 20th at $13.06 per hour
• Move Greg Welch for sanitation truck driver to Mechanic beginning October 13th at $16.16 per hour
• Purchase of Camera for the Police Department $514.99
• Trajectory Laser Kit for crime scene investigations for the Police Department $600.00
• Six sets of Turnout gear for the Fire Department in the amount of $17,000
• Sponsorship of $1000.00 to the Stock Dog Association
• Sponsorship of $2000.00 to the Bull Bash
The Council made the following Board Appointments:
• Add Stuart Mitchell—Public Building Authority (Position previously held by Councilmember Arlan Blevins)
• Add Brooke Debtor—Agri-Center Board (Position previously held by Councilmember Arlan Blevins)
The next Rainsville Council Meeting will be held on November 1st, 2021
