Gravette hires new engineering firm

Firm may have less expensive solution to Gravette's wastewater treatment dilemma

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

— A Bentonville engineering firm, EGIS Engineering, is being retained by the city to develop a plan to solve Gravette’s wastewater treatment plant problem.

Joe Tarvin, representing EGIS, spoke briefly to the council and outlined his ideas to develop a plan which could save Gravette’s sewer customers money on their monthlysewer bills.

Tarvin told the council he will have a contract ready in a few weeks to outline his assessment of the project and its possible costs.

EGIS had been retained to prepare a peer study of a plan proposed by the city’s initial engineering firm. If the figures in the peer review hold up, cost of the project could be substantially lower than the estimate of at least $50 per customer per monthmade by McGoodwin, Williams and Yates. The council terminated the contract with MG&Y three weeks ago.

The unanimous council action came at a regular meeting of the council held Thursday night. All council members were present, with the exception of Melissa Smith.

Prior to the meeting, a person who lives in west Gravette said he was challenged by an unrestrained St. Bernard on his property. He voiced concerns that the animal could pose a potential threat to others. The information was to be turned over to the city’s animal control officer.

Other actions taken by the council include:

◊Tabled action on purchase of a new ambulance. The estimated cost of the vehicle is $120,000. Alderman John Rambadt urged the council to use caution at this time in obligating the city for that expensebecause of the uncertainty of the present economic situation.

◊Discussed eliminating the City Planning Commission with the council assuming that function. This will receive discussion at a committee meeting.

◊Approved a two-year contract with the Boys and Girls Club for use of the Civic Center for that period of time.

◊Approved a resolution allowing for online payment of water bills.

◊Discussed and approved Gravette’s participation in the Reverse 911 Alert System. Cost for the city is 39 cents per capita for the first year, prorated to $453 for the remainder of this year. The system is a countywide warning system which the city may also use to alert Gravette residents of special announcements.

◊Tabled action on correction of a rezoning ordinance involving property on 4th Avenue SW.

News, Pages 2 on 05/04/2011