GRAVETTE — Following the taking of their oaths of office as new members of the Gravette City Council last Thursday evening, Gravette’s governing body “got down to business” as a Committee of the Whole.

It was an informational type meeting, initially presided over by incoming Mayor Byron Warren, with the five council members, who selected Councilman John Rambadt as chairman of the committee. Melissa Smith was selected as chair of the finance committee.

Reports from various city departments were presented, including fire, police, library and planning directors.

Jason Steele, owner of the firm which dismantled the old citywater tower to erect a new communications tower, reported progress in obtaining a firm that will utilize the tower, which will result in additional money for the city coffers.

Business Conducted

The committee discussed an employee personnel manual which has been in preparation for several months.

It was noted an ordinance hiring a city attorney, passed at a recent council meeting and vetoed by then-mayor Bill Howard, was moot.

The group modified an ordinance to increase salaries for the mayor, city recorder/treasurer and council members to become effective July 1, if thecouncil approves the measure at its Jan. 27 meeting.

The council then agreed to change meeting times for both the committee and the regular council meetings to 6 p.m. The committee regular meeting will be the second Thursday of each month at City Hall; the council meeting, the fourth Thursday of each month at the Civic Center. These dates are subject to change to accommodate holidays such as Thanksgiving, or for other reasons.

The council was informed the swimming pool repairproject is on track. One of the modifications will require installation of a chair lift to meet ADA approval. Budgeting for staffing andother expenses is in place for opening the pool this year, following the closure of the facility last year because funds were not available forrepairs. A $40,000 state grant has been secured to assist with the cost of repair, which may include extensive work on the filtration system.

News, Pages 1 on 01/12/2011