von Ree leaves two city posts

— Mike von Ree, Gravette city recorder/treasurer, resigned from two city commissions of which he was a member.

Letters of resignation from von Ree were submitted to Mayor Byron Warren Monday, tendering his resignation from the City Planning Commission and the Hillcrest Cemetery Commission. The Eagle Observer received copies of the letters.

von Ree said he has served on the planning commission “off and on” for 17 years. “I nolonger have time to perform planning commission duties for the city of Gravette,” he wrote to Mayor Warren.

A similar letter to the mayor concerning the cemetery commission stated the same words: “I find that I no longer have the time required to perform the duties of the cemetery commission.” This is a position he has held for several years.

von Ree told the Eagle Observer that handling the day-to-day operations of a city planner which he has been performing requires much time. This involves long-range planning, maps, street plans and the like. Commission members receive no compensation except $25 for monthly meetings they attend.

von Ree will continue in his elected position as city recorder/treasurer. He also said he will remain on theGravette Museum Commission.

“I just need to spend more time with my business and my family,” he said.

Mayor Responds

Gravette Mayor Byron Warren told the Eagle Observer he was surprised when he received the emails Monday. “It’s a shock,” he said.

“We’re losing a lot of experience and knowledge, particularly on the planningcommission concerning interpretation of ordinances, zoning and other planning issues.

“I hope he (Mike) has trained someone to take over the position of planning commission chairman. We’ll just have to keep an eye on things,” Warren said.

The mayor also noted the city council has been in the process of proposing changes concerning overseeing Hillcrest Cemetery.

News, Pages 1 on 10/12/2011