GRAVETTE — After hearing reports from city department heads and discussing several city topics, the Gravette City Council Committee of the Whole heard an update concerningeconomic development ideas for the city.

Formation of an Economic Development Committee, a project of Mayor Byron Warren, is underway with the purpose of fosteringand promoting economic development to better Gravette and the community.

Ken Foxx, who Warren said will be a member of the committee, presented an informative and challenging program. The presentation envisions businesses, organizations and citizens working in partnership with the city. He referred to such a coalition as an Economic Development Alliance.

His 30-minute presentation focused on one possible scenario which he envisioned could conceivably bring great potential to Gravette and the area.

“This is not a plan,” he emphasized, “but ratherone idea which could be developed into a plan.”

The idea, as it unfolded before the council and several citizens in the audience, involved theformer Gravette Shelling Company building and property. Foxx said it is a “great building” and it and the property might be developed into an entertainment, shooting and culinary center.

He cited the vision of former Rogers Mayor Steve Womack, now aU.S. Representative, as a visionary with a driving force which helped create Rogers into the city it has become.

“What does Gravette want to be?” Foxx asked.

“Could Gravette become a regional business and entertainment destination for northwest Arkansas and the region?” he questioned in answer.

During the presentation, Foxx, who was a mayoral candidate two years ago, complimented all who have helped in seeking a solution to Gravette’s wastewater treatment facility problem.

At one time, he reminded the audience, it was estimated it might cost as much as $13,000,000 for the facility to meet the state mandated requirements.

A most recent cost estimate was mentioned earlier during council discussion, that the costnow may be estimated from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000, he said.

Alluding to the original proposed plans, “Gravette would have been bankrupt!” Foxx declared.

Warren indicated the formation of the Economic Development Committee/Alliance is progressing.

Regular Council Business

Besides hearing department reports earlier in the meeting, which began at 6 p.m. at City Hall, the council discussed the voluntary Hiwasse annexation.

Mayor Byron Warren, who chaired the meeting in the absence of committee chair John Rambadt, reported that no action can be taken on County Judge Bob Clinard’s decision to allow Hiwasse to annex into Gravette until the end of a 30-day appeal period.If Bella Vista, which opposes the plan, files and appears in Circuit Court, that action will further delay any action of acceptance by the Gravette Council. The Council, earlier, had approved support for Hiwasse and area citizens’ petition to annex into Gravette.

In a status report of the wastewater treatment facility project, Larry Buffer reported the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality has given approval for repairs and upgrades of the present system. Work on leaks in lagoons is to begin soon, and pumps and other additional equipment are being purchased to improve the system.

Buffer noted the system continues to meet and exceed effluent discharge requirements required by the state. As an example, the required 4-6 parts per million ammonia levellast month measured 1.82 ppm.

He said it appears an expenditure of only $1 to $2 million is expected to upgrade the system rather than the multi-millions previously estimated.

Cory Reardon gave updates on possible costs for replacing electronically read meters. Engineering on plans to enlarge a water line on Northeast Detroit and an upgrade on the Ridge Road water line are progressing. A project to extend a sewer line east on Highway 72, at this time, hinges on a possible grant.

Tim DeWitt reported dirt work has been completed at Pop Allum Park, that cleaning of culverts and work at Hillcrest Cemetery is progressing and that additional lights have been installed in Old Town Park. He requested the council consider replacing two old mowers with a new one for mowing this year.

Fire Chief David Smith’s report showed a decrease in activity, and Police Chief Trent Morrison reported a full-time and part-time officers are being hired to fill vacancies in the department. Morrison also said four drug arrests were made, three of them juveniles, and that a second new police car, purchased through a grant, will soon join the other new car purchased by the city.

Allyson Ransom reported the status of several grants that are or may be sought. A report from the Public Library was included in the packet from library director Kim Schneider, who was on vacation.

News, Pages 3 on 03/21/2012