City Council Says ‘No’ To Purchase of City Hall

GRAVETTE — Agenda items which were addressed at last Tuesday’s special City Council meeting, other than the annual budget, included the following:

A motion to purchase the City Hall building from Arvest Bank for $207,050 with funds from the capital improvement account failed by a vote of 4-2. Voting for the measure were council members Byron Warren and Chris Beller. Those voting nay were Kurt Maddox, Patrick Hall, Brent Cannon and Terry King.

Maddox noted the capital improvement should be held in reserve at this time in case of possible emergencies, noting street repairs that might be needed. The fund is collected through a one-quarter cent sales tax and is reserved for capital improvements.

An ordinance to repeal Ordinance 8-06, which sets dates and procedures for water meter reading, etc., was tabled for further discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting.

Approved a resolution for a public hearing to close a portion of Charlotte Street SW west from Fifth Avenue SW to Westfield Subdivision developed property. The hearing will be held Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center.

Tabled for committee discussion hiring independent contractors for building inspection.

Approved opening an account at Arvest Bank for credit card water/sewer payment transactions.

In Council comments, Terry King lauded the police and fire departments and city workers for their diligence during the recent ice/snow storms.