Gravette's pool to open June 3

GRAVETTE — The Gravette pool is filled with water and opening date is planned for Friday, June 3, according to an announcement at Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

A free swim will be held for senior citizens three times a week and Red Cross swim lessons and pool parties are being planned. Kristen Dewitt has been hired as pool manager and more information will follow.

Arrangements have been made to transport Gravette’s two new ambulances to town. They are expected to be a real asset as they are larger than the city’s current ambulances and will provide more room to work with patients and more space for emergency supplies. Fire department members plan to sell ambulance memberships at the Senior Center health fair Friday, May 27.

Police Chief Trent Morrison presented his monthly activity report for April. He said the 2001 Durango police cruiser needs some repair at an estimated cost of $1,500. Council members discussed authorizing needed repairs for this vehicle shared by Gravette’s part-time officers but agreed to start looking at options for purchasing another vehicle. The city is also considering purchase of a Cat backhoe.

Mayor Byron Warren reported that Mo Shafii at ADEQ is “officially pleased” with current operations at the Gravette sewer plant and they are ready to issue a permit valid for five years if engineer approval is granted. Warren said a slight raise in city sewer rates would soon be necessary to raise funds for future work on the system.

Library manager Kim Schneider reported that the Gravette Public Library had been approved for a grant from the Libri Foundation and will receive funds for $1,050 in children’s books with a bonus of $350 in math and science books through a matching grant from the community foundation. The library had previously received a Libri Foundation grant in 2007. Schneider also reported that work is progressing on replacement of carpet in several areas in the library and on paving a handicap parking area behind the building.