Hartley Re-instated As City Director Of Public Works

Council Overrides Mayor After Hour-Long Executive Session

— Gravette City Council members last Thursday evening voted to reinstate Junior Hartley as Director of Public Works after an hour long executive session.

More than 60 community members attended the evening in support of Hartley who had been terminated by Mayor Bill Howard on July 2.

Hartley had asked for a hearing by the Council and presented his case along with a petition signed by more than 150 citizens asking for his reinstatement. “This is not my doing,” he said of the petition, explaining that others collected the signatures on his behalf.

Hartley Tells Record

Hartley related he began working for the City of Gravette on July 28, 1968, at the age of 16 and after graduating worked full time for the city, taking over the water and sewer department in 1973. He said there were times during the 1970s he worked 48 hours straight to keep the city’s wells running.

He said he left Gravette in 1979 and later worked for the city of Sulphur Springs 18 years, returning to Gravette in 1999. He explained, with the help of the City Council, he has made improvements including adding a shop facility, snow plows, safer machinery for cleaning sewer lines, the new water tower and a 12-in. water loop. “I feel that after what I have done, and the wonderful support I have tonight, that I deserve a little better than a note from the mayor saying I am nolonger needed. I have put my heart and soul into this job.”

After Council member King made a motion to allow citizens to speak, eight citizens addressed the Council, all on Hartley’s behalf, describing him as “professional”, “dedicated” and “an awesome gentleman.” Citizens Speak

John Mitchael reminded the Council they will be making a million dollar decision involving the wastewater treatment issue. “It seems he’s a great asset to the city and an important asset to you as you go through the financing construction and operating of that facility.”

“Simply put, he’s (Hartley) a good guy and knows his stuff. With this sewer project you need him more than ever,” said Richard Wells.

Pamela Russow-Nixon, a third generation resident of Gravette, told the Council Hartley had fixed the lift station behind the house many times, including one time on Easter Sunday when he came and fixed the station on the holiday “I would hope everyone reconsiders to reinstate him,” she said.

Christiana Hartley gave a passionate plea asking the Council to reinstate her husband.

Others speaking on his behalf were Bill Mullen Ann Manos, a former Council member now residing in Bella Vista; Lee Whitlow; Glenn Whitman Sr.; Bob Stinnett and Henry Utecht.

Executive Session

Following the executive session, Council member Brent Cannon moved toreinstate Hartley. After a second by Forrest White, joining them in voting for the motion were Chris Beller, Kurt Maddox and Terry King. Opposed was Byron Warren.

Other Council Action

In other Council business, the group heard from water customer Susan Spear who had questions concerning her dropping her payment July 5 in the city drop box at 4:24 p.m.

with the drive-through window closed. The deadline for payment is 4:30 p.m. She said she was charged a reconnect fee and late charges. The issue will be addressed at a Committee of the Whole meeting August 12.

Mayor Bill Howard requested an amendment to an ordinance involving inspection fees be tabled to the August 12 meeting.

Sewer Project Update

The Council was informed a letter from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission setting September 9 as deadline concerning the sewer project with a report to the sent to the commission by September 13. Mayor Howard was asked to notify ANRC of acceptance of the deadline.

Tabled action on possible purchase of a section of Eighth Avenue SE from John and Amy Rambadt until the August 12 meeting.

After approving a motion to add the opening of bids for sanitation services to the agenda, bids were read from three companies. The issue was also tabled until the August 12 meeting.

Dodie Evans contributed to this article.

News, Pages 1 on 07/28/2010