Rainsville to Upgrade Wastewater Plant

Rainsville to Upgrade Wastewater Plant

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

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Monday, The Rainsville City Council approved improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  

The various upgrades include five manhole extensions that need to be repaired due to heavy rains recently, and a valve replacement for the plant through Living Water Utilities, LLC in the amount of $2,851.00. The Council voted to empower Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt to negotiate a lease for a screw press in the amount of $14,900. The press is used to reduce sludge by separating the water content. 

Tara Kirby Parental Engagement Specialist with the DeKalb County Board of Education spoke to the Council regarding their new Parenting Partners Program. The program provides educational instruction to empower parents to be skilled and positive leaders in their homes, schools, and communities. 

Councilman Brandon Freeman announced that the City would be taking applications for a second manager position at the Rainsville City Pool. This position will pay $10 per hour and will be for approximately 30-35 hours per week. Those interested may apply at the Rainsville City Hall.

Rainsville Fire Chief Willimac Wright announced that the no-burn ban in DeKalb County will be from May 1, 2021, through November 1, 2021, as part of the efforts from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to protect air quality.

Rainsville Assistant Police Chief Matt Crum stated that through the department’s drive to clean up old warrants and tickets, over $37,000 has been collected. The amnesty period will be extended through the month of April. 

In other business, the Council:

  • Empowered the Mayor to negotiate the BFI Sand Valley Landfill contract and the Section Dutton Water Contract 
  • Approved the pay scale change for the City of Rainsville Swimming Pool Managers from $9 to $10 per hour and eliminated overtime
  • Hired Christy Cooper as one of the Rainsville Swimming Pool Managers
  • Empowered the Mayor to move forward with Raymond James Public Finance to refinance the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center under a bond issue
  • Promoted Gerald Mount to Sergeant with the Rainsville Police Department with a pay of $15.63 per hour
  • Hired Austin Langley as a patrolman for the Rainsville Police Department and send him to Police Academy at a cost of $2,200. He will sign a contract with the City. 
  • Hired Doug Combs as a CDL driver with the Sanitation Department at the rate of $15.63 per hour
  • Approved the purchase of (20) dumpsters from Waste Quip in the amount of $12,865.00
  • Approved repairs at Terrace Drive in Rainsville in the amount of $16,278.00
  • Approved repairs to the Lions Club Building.  The total cost of repairs will be $14,500 with the Lions Club pay $6,300 and the City paying the remaining balance.
  • Sponsored the Liberty Learning Foundation in the amount of $1,000
  • Sponsored the Parenting Partners Program $500

The next Rainsville City Council will be held on April 19, 2021, with the workshop beginning at 4 p.m. and the regular session at 4:30 p.m.

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