Gravette resolves to apply for grants

— The Gravette City Council, in recent months, has discussed extension of city sewer services to areas east of Gravette and how financing such a project could be accomplished. Seeking a grant through a state agency has been mentioned as one possible source of funds.

Jay Stallards, grants administrator for the Northwest Arkansas Development District, Inc., spoke to the council at its meeting Thursday night. A part of his visit to Gravette wasto conduct a public hearing for comments from council members and citizens relative to Gravette’s “needs” which might qualify for such grants.

Items mentioned included developing commercial properties east of town, constructing more sidewalks, acquiring land for business/industrial development and developing the public library into a technical clinic to accommodate ever-changing electronics.

Following the hearing, the council approved four resolutions which Stallards said arerequired for grants which might be secured through efforts of NWADDI.

One of the resolutions approved designates NWADDI as a consultant “to assist the city in administration of a grant if such a grant is awarded.”

The preparation and implementation of the grant application will have minimal cost to the city since the resolution notes, “The Arkansas Economic Development Commission will allocate funds to the city of Gravette to pay administrative costs incurred under any such application.”

The resolution notes that the city of Gravette is making a grant applicationto the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for funding; that is, an application for sewer grant extension.

Under the resolution, the mayor is authorized to enter into a contract with NWADDI.

Resolution Approved

One of the resolutions authorized the submission of the above-mentioned grant; another resolution establishes a fair housing policy for Gravette as designated by the Congress of the United States, while the final resolution establishes law enforcement standards. These ordinances garnered unanimous approval.

The meeting, conducted by city recorder Mike von Ree in the absence of Mayor Byron Warren, was attended by all councilmembers. They also approved, on second reading, an ordinance establishing a flood damage prevention program for the city. It will be read the required third time at the council’s April meeting.

Four residents expressed dismay, sorrow and disappointment that Chris Crose is no longer director of the Boys and Girls Club, though the city has no control over who is appointed director. One speaker reminded the council that, when the agreement for renewal of the B & G Club’s use of the Civic Center is due, they might consider a different approach.

It was announced a public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. March 29 at the Civic Center to hear public comment on the voluntary annexation of Hiwasse into Gravette.

News, Pages 1 on 03/28/2012