GRAVETTE — In a two-anda-half-hour session Thursday evening, the Gravette City Council Committee of the Whole conducted a public hearing, heard two presentations, received reports from city departments, reauthorized city millage and discussed numerous other items.

Late in the meeting, Mayor Byron Warren reminded the council that Gravette Police Chief Trent Morrison submitted his notice of retirement to become effective Nov. 1.

Morrison’s letter was received Sept. 28 in which he noted he is “turning the page” after more than 21 years as the city’s Chief of Police. He wrote, “The decision to retire from a job I love so much has been a difficult one. It comes after a lot of careful consideration and mixed inner feelings. However, a new employmentopportunity has been presented and it is the most beneficial decision for my family and me.”

Warren said he will appoint David Smith as interim chief until a new chief is selected. A hiring committee will also be appointed to process applications and interview prospective candidates as the selection process proceeds.

The public hearing involved closing an alley between 901 1st Ave. S.W. and 904 2nd Ave. S.W. The alley, not in use, is located at the west edge of property where a mini strip mall is expected to be built. It will include a Subway sandwich shop. No citizen comments were heard. The council is expected to approve the request at its regular meeting Oct. 25.

Trash Rate Discussed

A presentation was given by Mindy Becker, director of sales for Deffenbaugh Industries,the firm which provides the city’s trash service. A discussion followed concerning how best to integrate the newly-annexed Hiwasse area land into the system.

Citizens in the original Gravette area pay $9.86 per month for the service and, after discussion, the council proposed a cost of $10.96 for regular residential customers. This low-volume option does not include commercial dumpster pricing.

If approved, this will lower costs to residents in the Hiwasse area for residential service and will unify the pricing structure for the entire city.

Becker said, “My goal is to work out an agreement that is fair and balanced and that will hopefully unify the city with the newly-acquired Hiwasse region.”

Discussions will continue, pending Deffenbaugh’s consideration of the city’s proposal.

Recycling Promoted

The council also heard a presentation by Louise Mann, who is working with the Gravette Community Recycling Coalition to promote more recycling in Gravette. Mann is employed by Benton County to coordinate such efforts throughout the county. She showed pictures describing a working recycling plan and noted the local coalition is working with an educational system through the school to promote recycling and also will be promoting composting.

Reports involving the various city departments included a number of items. Installation of new filters at the pool will begin soon. The city received $30,000 for the county to assist with ambulance operation. The Detroit water line project is completeexcept for two hookups. Pipe for Ridge Road water line project will be ordered so work can start soon. The Shady Grove Water West tower is now operational. The new million-gallon water tank has been drained for maintenance work. A video of sewer lines has revealed a problem area at the Highways 59 and 72 four-way stop and on El Paso Street. Work continues on the lagoon repair project at the sewer plant.

Reaffirm 5 Mill City Tax

The council postponed action on acquisition of the Duffield building for the library, pending more input from the Library Commission. The governing body okayed the annual 5-mill city levy. Official approval will be given at the Oct. 25 meeting.

The council was advised an updated city map is being prepared to include the recent addition of two properties which are now part of the city of Gravette.

News, Pages 1 on 10/17/2012