Rainsville City Council Meeting
By Sherri Blevins
The Rainsville City Council welcomed several visitors to the February 18, 2021, Rainsville City Council meeting. They heard presentations from Kayron Guffey, Jonathan Phillips, and Rod Hall.
During the work session Kay Guffey, Chairperson of the Tree City Committee, explained an Arbor Day project her group was orchestrating. She stated, “We are going to do a project at Plainview High School to replace some water oaks that were taken down in 2009. It will be a joint project with the City of Rainsville and the DeKalb County Board of Education. We are going to plant six water oaks next to the parking lot sometime this month. Then we will have an Arbor Day Ceremony on April 22, where we will dedicate the trees.” Guffey then announced the results of the State Tree City Poster Contest. Brinley Summerford, the DeKalb County winner, placed second in the state competition. She will join the other state winners and Governor Ivey in Montgomery to plant a tree. She will also tour the state capital.
Next, Jonathan Phillips, Director of the DeKalb County Career Tech Center, informed the Council that February is Career Tech Month. He stated, “We have always appreciated the support you have given us in the past. Thank you for allowing us to recognize some of our top students. We have our current State Skills USA President, Elizabeth Cornelius, here with us today. She is a Plainview senior. Rod Hall and his FFA Officers are also joining us.”
Elizabeth Cornelius addressed the Council to explain the importance of Career Tech Month and the Shills USA Officers’ activities. She expressed the idea that even though many of the normal activities Skills USA Officers participate in had to be modified because of COVID restrictions, she still enjoyed the experience and learned some valuable lessons. She said, “I am grateful to Mr. Phillips and Mr. Holt for allowing me to run for Skills Officer and for allowing me to go on the trips I was able to take.”
Rod Hall, the Agriscience Teacher at Plainview, introduced his Officer Team – President Lauren Hall, Rachel Wells, Joshua Dukes, Jacob Yates, Hasten Jones, and not present, Kaitlyn McBride. Hall explained that the team had worked extremely well this year despite several COVID-19 related disappointments. They kept a positive outlook and worked at home. They even sponsored a blood drive.
The Council expressed their appreciation to all the visitors, finished the work session, and then proceeded with the regular meeting.
During the meeting, the Council approved the following items:
- City Clerk Training for Kelly Fraizer in Montgomery, February 23-26
- Lease Agreement at Bethune Park for Cornerstone Christian Academy
- Lease Agreement at the Pee-Wee Football Practice Field for Cornerstone Christian Academy
- $559.98 for Sandy Little’s Bullet-Proof Vest
- Electronic Sign Location Lease Agreement
- Resolution 02-18-2021(A) Surplusing various unused computers, monitors, keyboards, etc.
- Resolution 02-18-2021(B) TAP Matching funding for sidewalks
- $2,500.00 for the purchase of bookcases
- Naming Jimmy Brooks as Public Works Director
- Adding a part-time patrol position to the payscale
- Posting a CDL driver position for the Public Works Dept.
- $150.00 for Police Training for Chief Edmondson
- $99.00 for Police Training for Assistant Chief Crum
- $1,188.00 for ID Badge Maker
- Handicap Doors at the Rainsville Library/Cherokee Glass Co.
- $5,854.76 to Match AFG Grant for Air Packs at the Fire Dept.
- $414.39 for Traffic Signs on Dilbeck Rd.
- Bid three culverts on Everett Rd.
- Resolution 02-18-2021 declaring a Bucket Truck at the Street Department as surplus
- Purchase a 2007 Ford Bucket Truck for the Street Dept.
- Resolution 02-18-2021 (D)Regarding unsafe buildings and structures giving authority to remove and clean area
- $7,800.00 to Purchase a Drag from Southeast Turf Equipment for the Field of Dreams
- $1,000.00 Sponsorship for the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament
- $1,000.00 Sponsorship for the DARE Program
- Naming Carleen Bell to the Rainsville Library Board
The next regular Council meeting is Monday, March 01, 2021.