It’s official. The town of Rainelle has a zero drug paraphernalia ordinance.
The second and final reading of the ordinance took place during the Monday, June 14, meeting of the Rainelle Town Council. There was no public comment regarding the decision.
The ordinance’s unanimous approval by the council now makes it unlawful for anyone to have possession of various items designed or marketed for the use of controlled substances in town limits.
Acting Mayor Bill Bell told Rainelle Police Patrolman Randy Sizemore, who was in attendance during the meeting, that he had a new ordinance to “get to work on.”
In other business, Zach Wright with Thrasher Engineering told council members that he had submitted proposals to Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito to hopefully get some earmarked funds to fix stormwater drainage issues throughout the town.
The senators announced earlier in May that they were accepting applications from communities and non-profits who hope to receive funding through congressionally directed spending, also known as earmarks. The deadline to apply was May 14.
Wright also said that he is trying to get community development block grants for the project, as well.
“We are asking for money and turning over pots to try to get your stormwater problems fixed,” Wright said. “We don’t have any answers yet . . . but we will stay with it.”
Bell responded that after the recent heavy rain, pools of water had developed around town. “Citizens are frustrated. We just gotta make a move somehow.”
Former mayor Andrea Pendleton was in attendance and said that roads are deteriorating with each rain.
“People are suffering,” Pendleton stated. “This has been going on since I was mayor. I had hoped I could get this done.”
Following discussion, the council approved a plan to submit a Region 4 Small Cities Block Grant application to help receive funding for the stormwater project. However, the city is still in a wait-and-see period until they hear word from state officials.
Pendleton also reviewed with the council the original project for the proposed visitors center, as written by former town grant writer Doug Hylton before his passing.
According to the proposal, the visitors center was planned to be a 2,500 sq. ft. building with restrooms and space for information, exhibits and special meetings. It was to be placed near the Meadow River Rail Trail. Additionally, the town wanted to construct a community center, but plans for these projects failed following the 2016 flood.
The construction of the visitor’s center and the community center had been estimated to cost $410,000. Donors, including the Hollowell Foundation and the Dr. Cales Foundation, have already given $175,000 for construction, Pendleton said.
“We had high hopes for all of this, I must say,” Pendleton noted.
Unfortunately, Pendleton continued, she was just told by Department of Highway officials that they may be able to assist the town financially as they build the visitors center, but not the community center.
“I am very disappointed,” Pendleton said. “I don’t know what to do. It’s still in the ballgame, but they don’t want the community center.”
She added that of the two buildings, the community center would be the most beneficial to local residents.
Councilmember Danny Milam stated that the town should get people to donate to the project instead of going to the state to ask for funding. However, the price of lumber has “went through the roof.” The cost to construct a building would be double the originally quoted prices.
Bell responded that the town could look into purchasing an already existing building to be used as a community center.
After some discussion surrounding the positives and negatives of purchasing a building, council decided to take the matter up at a future date.
The next meeting of the Rainelle Town Council will take place on Monday, June 28, at 7 p.m. at Rainelle Town Hall. This will be the last meeting of the current council before the new council and mayor take over on July 1.
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