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

PHOTO: Will Rainsville Freedom Fest happen this year? Do you think it should? (Craig Ruttle | Associated Press)

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full video on our Facebook) The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference on Monday.  

The main item up for discussion was whether the Rainsville Freedom Fest would be held as scheduled in June.  Councilmember Derek Rosson brought up the matter to the council and stated that he would like to carry on with the Freedom Fest as planned and social distance if needed.  The majority of the council, along with Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt was in agreement that the event should still be held. 

After a brief discussion,  it was agreed that more research was needed to be done to make sure the City was following the orders of Governor Kay Ivey.  As of press time on Wednesday afternoon, a decision had not been made. 

Councilmembers Marshall Stiefel and Bejan Taheri have asked for a Special Called Meeting to be held on Friday, May 22 at 4 p.m.  to make a decision. Southern Torch will update as soon as a decision is made. 

Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Director, Sandy Goff stated that “this was a short notice to pull such a major event together but people are anxious to find out” whether the event would be held.   

Goff also informed the Council that thirteen students from the  Plainview Class of 2020 were awarded a $1500 scholarship from the Chamber. 

An item that was not on the agenda but was brought forth was the desire to resume council meetings at the council chambers.  It was decided that on June 1,  the council would meet with a limited audience and with adequate spacing between the council and mayor.

The Rainsville Library will have a modified reading program that will begin on June 1.  All details are posted on the Rainsville Library Facebook page.  Curbside pickup is also available at the library and computer usage in the library lobby is available by appointment.

Councilmember Brandon Freeman advised that the tentative plan was to open the Rainsville City Pool on June 1 with limited numbers.  This will be researched to ensure that the City is following all guidelines set forth by Governor Kay Ivey.  

Freeman also stated that as soon as a decision is made by the Governor regarding summer youth sports programs was made, he would make that information available. 

In other business, the Rainsville City Council approved the following:

• Resolution 05-18-2020 (A) Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Progam- that pertains to wastewater
• Resolution 05-18-2020 (B) passing the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday for July 17-July 19
• Gave Mayor Lingerfelt the authorization to sign a lease agreement with Berry & Dunn for a copier for the Rainsville Police Department at a cost of $50 per month/$600 per year until 2024. 
• Approved a culvert at Grimes Street and two at Church Street to get ready for paving in the amount of $10,000 with Boozer Construction and the City of Rainsville doing the necessary work
• Updated the Tax Revenue Enhancement Agreement with Avenue

The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be June 1 at the Rainsville Council Chambers.  Workshop to begin at 4:15 and regular session at 5 p.m.