GRAVETTE - Gravette City Council members, in a special meeting Monday evening, July 15, spent most of the hour and one-half session discussing “issues” concerning the city’s governing body.

The meeting was also called to discuss administrative rules and regulations and roles of council members. At the request of the mayor, Byron Warren, council member Melissa Smith presided.

Discussion was informal and members, the mayor and several of about 25 citizens present spoke freely and frankly.

City attorney David Bailey explained the procedures and duties of the council and mayor as outlined by state laws as well as those included in the city’s employee handbook.

Bailey told the group, “You (council members) are legislators who make the decisions, and it is up to the mayor to enforce them.”

He, and others, also noted that the chain of command should be followed when needs and problems are addressed or grievances settled.

Updating and clarifying the city’s employee handbook was suggested in round-table talk.

Issues discussed involved controversial items placed on Facebook on the Internet, the lack of response to citizen and employee questions, fear by some employees of losing their jobs if they spoke or questioned, a perception of inaccurate and incomplete information, misunderstanding and, in some cases, negative innuendo comments, information and opinions.

Another topic was the perception of negativism, the damage it does to the city as a whole among those serving, as well as creating misunderstandings, lack of trust and respect among those serving, and the danger of those feelings being perceived and adopted by the citizenry.

It was pointed out repeatedly that, if citizens have questions, the city should provide an open door policy and should communicate that policy to citizens and employees. It was noted that very few people attend council committee and regular sessions, which are always open to the public, and a public comment time is always allowed. It is at those sessions that ideas, suggestions or problem areas can be voiced without repercussion.

The discussions during the evening proceeded in an orderly fashion with only one or two briefly raising their voices. It was repeatedly pointed out that lack of communication, as well as inaccurate or slanted information, are at the root of many problems.

In essence, solving the communication problem can be a giant step toward creating a more cordial and efficient city government/ citizenry relationship, was the final comment of the evening.

Council members Melissa Smith, Margo Thomas, Jim Denver, Richard Carver and Bob Robinson were present. Council member Larry Stidham was unable to attend. Also in attendance was city recorder/ treasurer Mike von Ree.

News, Pages 1 on 07/24/2013