GRAVETTE — The Gravette City Council, at its meeting Thursday night, approved a resolution in support of Hiwasse’s voluntary annexation into the City of Gravette.

The unanimous action came as several Hiwasse area residents in the audience listened and then clapped when the roll call vote was taken.

The resolution, in part, states, “The City Council of Gravette, Arkansas, endorses the petition of annexation filed by citizens of Hiwasse and property owners between Hiwasse and the city of Gravette” and that annexation “is in the best interest of all parties involved.”

Mayor Byron Warren then pledged that Gravette “offers all the support we can” in the process that was scheduled to be determined byCounty Judge Bob Clinard in a meeting which occurred on Monday of this week.

Byron also noted that “this will be a time of understanding and learning” between all involved.

In other action at the meeting, following a 25-minute executive session to discuss “department head consideration,” the council reconvened and it was announced no action will be taken.

The council unanimously repealed an ordinance approved in 2005 establishing a cemetery commission for Hillcrest Cemetery. The new ordinance, approved on three readings, declares the city council is vested with the responsibility for the operations, care and maintenance of Hillcrest Cemetery.

Warren noted that a “Friends of the Cemetery” group is forming to work with the council in implementing the upkeep and operation of the cemetery. Persons who may be interested in becoming a part of this group are asked to contact city hall at 787-5757.

The council approved, on the first of three readings, an ordinance establishing a flood damage prevention program for the city. Approval after two more readings of the ordinance will satisfy federal and FEMArequirements governing the floodplain areas in the city.

Also approved by the council was a list of the city’s bank accounts which are assigned to the Bank of Gravett and Arvest Bank. The listed noted, “Overview of changes: Bank accounts that have daily, weekly or monthly interaction will be moved to Arvest Bank. Accounts that have little or no interaction and all certificates of deposit will remain at the Bank of Gravett. Furthermore, grant accounts that must be kept segregated from operating funds will be deposited into the Bank of Gravett. Division of accounts equates to approximately 1/2 of all funds per banking institution.”

News, Pages 3 on 02/29/2012