Sewer update discussed at council

Although this tank was erected to hold thousands of gallons of water for the Gravette rural water system, it has never been put into service because of an elevation foul-up.
Although this tank was erected to hold thousands of gallons of water for the Gravette rural water system, it has never been put into service because of an elevation foul-up.

— The Gravette City Council, at its Thursday committee meeting, received an update on the city’s sewer project from Larry Buffer, operator of the wastewater treatment facility.

Buffer said attempts continue to find a more cost-efficient solution to meet requirements of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality rather than construct a new plant modifying the existing facility.

Buffer said the present system is meeting state discharge limits of phosphorus and nitrates during warm weather but the ADEQ wants assurance the limits will be met during winter months.

The city is continuing to seek an answer to the discharge limits problem which, if one can be found, could substantially lower the costs by several million dollars.

Buffer also discussed the status of the Water West tank near Shady Grove Road, about one mile west of Gravette. It was not put into service since it was installed about five years ago. He said the tank was constructed on property that is about 20 feet lower than the original site selected for the tank. The lowerelevation makes the tank incompatible with the rest of the system and limits the available water pressure. The tank could be made usable by adding an additional 20 feet to the tank.

Why Is It Dry?

Why the tank location was changed and its engineering not changed is unknown. Committee chair John Rambadt said, “We need an answer” from city engineers McGoodwin, Williams and Yates.

In other council activities at the discussion-type meeting, about 30 minutes were spentdiscussing the police department with Chief Trent Morrison.

The council was told the city has eight full-time officers, which include two school resource officers, an animal control officer and five patrol officers. The department is operating with only four patrol officers because of an officer injury. Morrison provided information that indicated this does not meet the nationally recommended standard of 4.8 officers per thousand population.

The council learned that a new patrol car on order has arrived at the dealership in Little Rock and when installation of decals is completed will be put into service in Gravette.

Meth Cleanup

Morrison also said costs of cleaning up meth lab locations is now borne by the city because state funds are no longer available. The chief said the Bentonville department has been cooperating with Gravette in the cleanup operations.

The council heard reports from other city departments before turning to new business items. These included determining that disbursement of payment to council members and volunteer firefighters would be done on a monthly basis rather than annually. This is to meet suggested tax reporting guidelines.

The city’s governing body briefly discussed possible guidelines for water customers concerning late payments and reviewed the monthly financial reports.

Frank Wallace was present at the meeting concerning filling the unexpired term of the late Alderman Bill Howard. He had not submitted any personal information or resume. Mayor Byron Warren advised him, or any others who are interested in being considered for the position, to provide information to city hall. The council is expected to fill the position at its regular meeting Oct. 27.

Margo Thomas, who was also present at the meeting, is the only person who has provided information for consideration at this time. The person selected must live in the area of the city north of Main Street and east of Highway 59.

News, Pages 1 on 10/18/2011