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

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 5.

To begin the meeting, Councilmember Brandon Freeman brought forth the need for a 15-member board to transfer the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum from the City to the DeKalb County Board of Education (BOE). 

The members of the proposed Public Athletic Board (PAB) were: Chris Hampton, Sandy Goff, Joey Graham, Rodney Williams, Melissa Ledbetter, Arlan “Monk” Blevins, Scott Timmons, Sammy Smith, Kelly Bunch, Scott Kirk, Donnie Fraiser, Steve Bowman, Eric Samples, Bubba Johnson, and Skeeter Logan. 

After much discussion about the purpose of the board, DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett explained that the original board, which was formed in 1981, had not been reappointed in several years; therefore, many of the original board members were deceased. He went on to state the only need for the new board was to dissolve the outstanding board, so the final transfer of the Coliseum’s deed to the BOE could be made. 

Councilmember Derek Rosson questioned Barnett, expressing his desire to table this decision until he could become more familiar with the situation. 

The motion to create the PAB failed, 3-2. The following councilmembers voted in favor of the transfer: Marshall Stiefel and Brandon Freeman. Those voting against were Ricky Byrum, Derek Rosson and Bejan Taheri. 

“It is unfortunate that the process of transference has taken the time that it has. A lot of work has been placed into the process, but I am optimistic that this will reach a resolution soon,” said Barnett. 

Councilmember Stiefel stated that he was in agreement with Dr. Barnett. “Hopefully this can be resolved before the next insurance premium of $13,000 becomes due,” he said.

During the meeting, Stiefel made the motion to amend Ordinance 10-15-17, Section 22, which lowered the price of rental units from $50 to $25. After two years, the price will be reevaluated.

Rosson asked if the fees would go toward the Fire Department account. Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt responded no, stating that it was a regular tax that would feed into the general account. 

“I am glad the Council approved this ordinance,” said Stiefel. “It helps keep more money in the pockets of Rainsville citizens. Hopefully, in the next administration, we can eliminate this ordinance completely.” 

“Any time, you have an opportunity to cut taxes or regulations, it’s a good thing,” Stiefel finished.

Eric Samples of the Public Building Authority (PBA) reported to the Council that the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center is in “good shape” with $22,174 in the bank (which is an improvement from the $5,000 deficit of October 2018) and is improving with the new director, Rafe Starkey, in charge. They have 19 shows thus far with 17 scheduled for the rest of the year.

In other business, the Council: 

• Discussed high bids for Boozer Bridge, so the project will be re-bid.
• Approved resurfacing Park Lane; Park Lane was inadvertently left out of the original contract with Wiregrass. The addition price will be $14,145.00.
• Approved asphalt repair (by TNT for $6,000) in the alleyway behind Black’s Tire.
• Approved the renovation of the City Court Clerk’s office by Jimmy Traylor Construction for $9,500.
• Approved the removal of asbestos ceiling tile in City Hall by Jimmy Traylor Construction for $2,000.
• Approved the repair of a sewer line on Vista View Drive at an estimated cost of $2,000.
• Approved the replacement of a sign on Parker/Hwy 35 with square tubing.
• Approved training: City Clerk Training (August 28-30), Revenue Officer Conference (October 2-4), and Fire Chief’s Conference for Chief Willimac Wright and Derrick Summerford.
• Approved Derrick Summerford as Secondary Safety Director with a pay increase of .50 per hour.
• Approved requirement of all department heads to attend a monthly safety meeting.
• Hired Jacob Owens as a Police Officer starting August 14.
• Accepted Chance Williams’ resignation from the Fire Department.  
• Approved the advertisement of the open position in the Fire Department beginning August 6.
• Approved the hire of three part-time positions at the Fire Department

At the end of the regular session, Councilmember Bejan Taheri called for the meeting to go into executive session to discuss the name and good character of a City employee. After being called back into order, no action was taken. 

The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on Monday, August 19 at 5pm with a work session beginning at 4:15.