Gravette approves annexation of lands

— A public hearing and a special city council meeting preceded the monthly council committee of the whole meeting in Gravette at 6 p.m. Thursday night at City Hall.

The hearing involved a request to rezone property now occupied by the Senior Housing Complex on Irving Street SW from R-1 (single family) to R-3 (multi-family) residential. Apparently, the zoning was improper when the complex was constructed many years ago. The change corrects the error. No one spoke against the proposal, and it is expected the council will give official approval at its regular meeting Sept. 27.

Following the hearing, a special council meeting was convened to accept approximately 138 acres of land into the city of Gravette. Approval for the change was given by County Judge Bob Clinard last month.

The land, owned by Cynthia Hingle and Donald Puryear, is located along the north route of the Bella Vista Bypass, including the northern-most interchange. According to information at the hearing, Puryear has already listed his land for sale for commercial development; the Hingles indicate they plan to do likewise.

The council unanimously approved an ordinance on three readings, annexing the land into Gravette. Mayor Byron Warren then welcomed them into the city.

The council went into sessionfor its monthly committee meeting. Many items were discussed and, if necessary, will be presented at an official council meeting for approval.

Reports from various city departments were received and briefly discussed:

◊Discussed a proposed ordinance to change the water meter reading cycle from the 10th of each month to the 30th. This will coordinate with reading by Two-Ton, the city’s water supplier. If eventually approved, the new reading date is expected sometime before the first of the year.

◊Heard a report that the Gravette Community Foundation has pledged $18,000 to assist in purchasing the Duffield Building on Main Street. An additional$12,000 is being sought from the city to complete the $30,000 purchase price. If approved, that building and the former city hall building will be combined as the home of the Gravette Public Library which has outgrown its present location. A hearing will be held September 25 at 6 p.m. at City Hall to hear comments from the public concerning the proposal.

◊Heard a request for closure of the alley between 904 2nd Ave. S.W. and 901 1st Ave. S.W. This land is located behind the lots which are the planned site for a mini shopping mall. A public hearing will be required, date to be announced.

◊ Heard the water line extension on Detroit Street is completed and awaits Health Department acceptance before individual service lines can be connected.

◊Waiting on engineer plans for extension of a sewer line east to Stagecoach Road.

◊Were told easements have been secured for replacing an existing 2-inch water line with a 6-inch line east along Ridge Road.

◊Learned a storm drainage project is on hold until additional funding can be secured.

◊Waiting approval of a beautification project at Highway 49 and Atlanta intersection. Specifications were changed by the Arkansas Highway Department.

◊Defined wordage inan ordinance governing Hillcrest Cemetery and setting new burial plot costs.

◊Discussed the annual fall cleanup set for October 16 in Gravette and heard requirements by Deffenbaugh for pickup in Gravette on that date and in the Hiwasse area Oct. 18 and 19. Information on acceptable items, etc., will be published in the October 3 issue of the Eagle Observer.

◊Gave tacit approval for new Christmas lights and announcement was made that the annual Christmas parade will be Saturday, December 1. The parade will start after the new lights are turned on at 6 p.m. More details about the lighting and parade plans will be announced.

The meeting adjourned shortly before 9 p.m.

News, Pages 1 on 09/19/2012