GRAVETTE — Bids for two improvement projects in Gravette were opened by the city council at a committee meeting Thursday night. One involves an extensive project to correct drainage problems in the central parts of the city; the other is a highway beautification project.

The drainage project involves a large area where, in times of heavy rain, Highway 59 and Second Avenue S.W. sometimes become flooded. Four bids were submitted: Fochtman Enterprises, $161,050; D&R, LLC, $199,850; Crowder Construction, $197,057; NEC, Inc., $156,802.

Only one bid, with alternate, was received for the highway project. Rodden Landscaping submitted a bid of $9,000/$6,000 for landscaped beds at the south entrance to Centennial Park at the Highway 59/72 intersection.

Bids for both projects will be researched, and the highway bid must be approved by the State Highway Department before final action can be taken.

Other Council Business

In other council discussion at the monthly committee of the whole meeting, members heard from Sam Green of Green Heart Real Estate, who requested a study of the city’s sign ordinance. That will be pursued.

The council discussed changing Loyle Subdivision, located east of Hiwasse from A-1 (agriculture) to R-1 (residential).

The council heard a report on the procedure for condemning derelict properties and discussed reforming acity planning commission which the council had dissolved earlier this year.

The council also heard reports from the various city departments: fire department, police, street and utilities department, parks, the library commission and planning.

Since the committee meeting is held for informal discussion of business items, those which require official action will be addressed at the regular monthly council meeting scheduled for 6 p.m., Aug. 23, at the Gravette Civic Center.

Opinion, Pages 8 on 08/15/2012