Committee of whole updated on variety of city's projects

— Discussing a myriad of subjects occupied the two-and-one-half-hour city council committee of the whole meeting last week.

The monthly “work” session does not allow for official council action but provides council members with information on upcoming topics for possible official action.

Among topics discussed was a request to rezone 103 Huntington Street SW from R-1 to highwaycommercial. A public hearing is expected to be held at 6 p.m. June 28, preceding the regular council meeting.

The committee also:

◊Heard a report that redistricting of city wards is awaiting information from the Secretary of State’s office. This will involve including the newly redefined Hiwasse area and the present three-ward structure into three new wards for electing council members, as well as affecting voting in the upcoming general election in November.

◊Discussed an idea proposedby Mayor Byron Warren to upgrade the Christmas lights for the city and possible lighting of the caboose in Centennial Park and lights in Old Town Park.

◊Basically agreed that the annual Christmas parade should be held the evening of Saturday, Dec. 1, a change from the Saturday morning parade time.

◊Heard from Fire Chief David Smith that, according to received documents, the newly annexed Hiwasse area ISO fire rating willbe Class 4 in areas that meet property location in relation to water supply and the fire station. Nearby areas outside the city limits are rated Class 5 by ISO.

◊Heard that securing easements for upgrading water lines on Ridge Road in northeast Gravette must be completed before that project can move forward as planned.

◊Were reminded the city has received a $40,000 state grant which will assist with extension of a sewer line east along Highway 72 to Stagecoach Road.

◊Learned the city has received a $10,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation for upgrading the swimming pool area. This will involve construction ofa “splash pad” after plans are given approval by the State Health Department.

◊Learned that a major storm water drainage project, which impacts southand west areas in Gravette, has been advertised for bids which will be opened this week. The project is being funded by a $200,000 grant from Walmart.

◊Heard that a highway beautification project at the intersection of Highways 72 and 59 at Centennial Park is awaiting final approval from the Arkansas Highway Department.

◊Heard that the caboose in Centennial Park is to be painted by an unnamed church group.

◊Heard estimate proposals for paving Sixth Avenue NW, one of the last remaining streets inside the “original” Gravette area which is unpaved.

◊ Discussed briefly the possible cost of utilizing the city’s water wells and treatment plant as a supplemental water source if that could save the cost of purchasing water from the Two-Ton System. The present cost ranges from about $18,000 in winter months to $25,000 monthly during the summer.

◊Heard reports from the various city departments and commissions. The council was informed that the city’s financial structure remains strong, based on sales tax collections, and also learned collection of sales taxes from the newly annexed areas will begin July 1.

News, Pages 1 on 06/20/2012