GRAVETTE — An ordinance setting billing procedures and payment arrangements for the city water system prompted the city to drop the required additional deposit for people who pay late too many times in a year.

During Thursday night’s city council meeting, several council members and Mayor Byron Warren admitted to often paying late because of the timing of paychecks.

Margo Thomas, who attended the meeting and was allowed to speak from the audience, spoke of the plight of senior citizens who do not receive checks until late in the month. Many already have difficulty stretching their paychecks to cover all expenses, she noted, and this would only penalize them further.

The ordinance stated that people paying late three times during the year would be required to pay an additional water deposit.

The requirement was deleted and the ordinance approved on a first reading. Water bill payments will still be due on the fifth of each month with a penalty assessed between the fifth and the 15th. The penalty will increase from the current 10 percent to 20 percent.

The council reviewed an ordinance that establishes a cross-connection control program for the city water system. It outlines requirements for backflow prevention assemblies and types of businesses which are affected. These assemblies, which preventback-flow of water from a customer’s service into the city system, are designed to prevent contamination.

Council member James Denver pointed out this ordinance is simply a housekeeping measure to bring the city into compliance with state regulations regarding water systems.

The ordinance was approved on a first reading.

The city plans to begin an inspection program soon.

The mayor reported on a visit by representatives of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to the Gravette wastewater treatment plant. Warren said the representatives were generally quite pleased with the current operation of the plant.Their main concerns were that the city make sure discharge effluent limits are met during the winter months and that it fix two current leaks in the holding lagoons.

Announcement was made of a vacancy on the city council created by the death of Bill Howard. A vacancy exists for Ward 3, Position 1, which is the area of the city north of Main Street and east of Arkansas Highway 59. People interested in the position are invited to apply at city hall. Information may be secured by calling 787-5757.It is hoped the position can be filled by the next regular council meeting.

A resolution approved by the council allows communications director Allyson Ransom to use software from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office to prepare maps needed for redistricting city wards. Ransom emphasized that workers from the Secretary of State’soffice will come to Gravette and provide the software training free of charge.

Councilman Denver publicly thanked Gravette wastewater plant operator Larry Buffer and city employee Cory Reardon for the good job they are doing running the plant. He acknowledged the hard work they did preparing the plant for the ADEQ visit and their general emphasis on keeping the operation in top shape.

Allyson Ransom reported that H&K Heating and Air’sbid had been accepted for installing an air conditioning system at the Gravette Boys and Girls Club. She reported city workers are installing a pool cover at the Gravette city pool to prepare it for winter. Mayor Warren reported that the stage used for Gravette Day events would be stored in the city shop and reassembled as needed.

All council members were present at the meeting, as well as city recorder/ treasurer Mike von Ree and city attorney Tom Smith.

News, Pages 7 on 09/28/2011