J.P. Stevens will once again serve as Rainelle Police Chief.
Mayor Robin Williams stated during the Monday, Sept. 27, Rainelle Town Council meeting that his first day will be Monday, Oct. 4.
In an interview following the meeting, Williams told The West Virginia Daily News that the return of Stevens will be beneficial for the town.
“I am excited to have him come to work with this administration,” Williams said. “I think he will do a lot of work for the town.”
She added that she worked with Stevens while she served as a councilmember in a previous administration.
“He did a good job then, and I am sure it will be the same,” she said.
Now that Stevens will once again serve as chief, the town must still find two officers, in addition to Officer Doris Vandall, to create a full Rainelle Police force. Williams said that she is currently accepting resumes from interested persons. Resumes may be sent to mayorrobinwilliams@gmail.com.
In other business,
– Todd Rawlings, owner of Alder Mobile Home Park on Ohio Avenue, was in attendance to discuss issues that the town is having with the park. He said that he came from his home in Chesapeake, VA, because he had heard the council was looking at pulling his permit to run the business.
“I have owned the park now for about 10 years,” Rawlings began, speaking of his investment in the town. “During that time, I have paid over $20,000 in taxes . . . I have also spent over $30,000 between Red Star and Ace Hardware.”
He explained that five residents of the park own their mobile home, while he owns nine. Some of those who own their own residence are elderly and handicapped. He said he only charges them $110 a month. Rent for the other mobile homes range from $375 to $400 per month.
“Those are relatively cheap,” Rawlings said. “I don’t know what Rainelle has as far as rentals . . . so that people of that income level can have a place to stay. Most small towns, they don’t.”
In regards to the drug complaints and residents waving guns around at the park, he added that he has had a challenge with law enforcement officers not arresting people or responding to calls, but didn’t elaborate, stating that he would do so in a private meeting with town officials. He further stated that he has had trouble finding a reliable manager to take care of the property.
Recorder Eddie Midkiff responded that “There is always something going on,” at the park. “You talk about the law not being there, I know better. They are usually there twice a month for somebody.”
“Or more,” Williams interjected.
“Three weekends ago, they were there twice,” added Councilmember Jimmy Matheney.
Williams then shared photos of the dilapidated conditions at the park with Rawlings.
“This is unacceptable,” Williams said. She continued that trash is “piled up everywhere” and that local residents must deal with rodents coming from the property.
Further, she stated that it is a “manager’s responsibility” to take care of property and that he should be finding ways to maintain the park.
“Something is going to be done,” Williams said. “The residents around that park have lived with this much too long. This administration isn’t going to allow it.”
“We are not against you or the trailer park,” Midkiff told Rawlings. “But we want it cleaned up. We have a nice community and I would like to have it back.”
Councilmember Rick McCall said that the council is trying to “resolve the problem that is going on with the citizens.” He said he wanted those who live in that area to have a “nice, peaceful, pretty little area” because that is what they deserve.
Rawlings told council that he was unaware of the conditions at the park and that he will do what he can to take care of the property. He noted that he was interested in selling the park and that he might have a few people in the area willing to buy it.
Williams concluded that once J.P. Stevens is back as police chief, council will be in touch with Rawlings to further discuss the matter;
– Midkiff said that he has been pricing keyless entry locks for the doors at town hall.
“We need to get it done as quick as possible,” Matheney responded. “I think there are too many keys out to this place that people don’t need”;
– Council approved the purchase of a used bucket truck for $15,000 after a $2,500 trade-in value for the town’s current truck.
“I think it will be a good truck for a long time for this town,” Midkiff said;
– Council approved a $101,780.21 Region 4 Planning and Development Council resolution for the water storage facilities upgrade project.
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