The town of Rainelle has received its first allocation of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. According to Mayor Robin Williams, the town received $395,414.79.
“We are waiting for a list of what this money can be used for,” Williams stated. “I’m told it could be roads, sidewalks. We are not really sure what all, but we will find out. It’s there for us to use for the town.”
She said that as soon as the list is received, the town will figure out how to spend the money.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, was signed into law by President Joe Biden in March. Through the act, federal grant funding is being provided to state and local governments to improve infrastructure and to help recover from the Coronavirus pandemic.
In other business,
– Barbara Gwinn, Rainelle resident, was in attendance to once again discuss the trailer park on Ohio Avenue. She said that she is tired of watching residents use the bathroom outside, tired of dealing with the continuing trash problem, concerned about the ongoing drug activity and so much more.
“The town should be doing something,” Gwinn stated. “You all hold the key to put a stop to that. Something needs to be done.”
Councilmember Rick McCall told her to call 911 every time she witnesses something take place.
Gwinn responded that she has a long list of calls that she and others have made to 911 that she could provide to the council at any time.
Williams added that the owner of the park has not been paying business and occupation taxes and that she is going to work with town attorney Mike Anderson to solve the problem and possibly have the owner’s license to operate the park revoked. In response to a question about getting a Rainelle Police force together to put a stop to this type of activity, Williams said that former Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Deputy Doris Vandall will soon be a full-time town police officer. This was met with a round of applause from audience members.
“It’s a problem trying to get officers that will work,” Williams said. “She will be on board soon.” She noted that she is working on getting other officers;
– Council received one estimate for street paving projects from Southern WV Paving for $96,950. Council decided to reach out to other companies to see if they could get a lower estimate;
– Councilmember Jimmy Matheney asked council if they would be willing to change the locks on the doors at town hall from keyed entry locks to code-enabled locks. According to Matheney, the locks would cost about $300 each. Council decided to research this further before making a decision;
– Council recognized former mayor Andrea Pendleton for her work in getting “Hometown Heroes” banners placed throughout the town;
– Council broke into an executive session to discuss employee matters.
The Rainelle Town Council meetings are open to the public. They take place on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at Rainelle Town Hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
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