Committee hears reports on city needs and projects

GRAVETTE - Reports from various city departments consumed the Gravette City Council Committee meeting on July 11 at the city hall. All council members, except Larry Stidham, were present for the meeting conducted by Melissa Smith, committee chair. Among the reports presented were the following:

Public Library: Routine report presented by Kim Schneider, library director. Mayor Byron Warren announced a part-time library worker is being hired to work 8 hours per week. On Friday, Schneider said, effective Aug. 3, the library will be open on Saturdays in addition to the regular weekday hours.

Fire Department: David Smith, fire chief, reported the city will receive $1,000 rebates because of late delivery of two vehicles on order. One of the vehicles is for the fire department, the other for the police department. Earlier, Smith had told the Eagle Observer, the city’s new ambulance and a new pumper truck for the fire department are expected to be delivered in August. The pumper is provided to the Gravette Department by Benton County.

Police Department: Gravette Mayor Byron Warren reported the city’s new police chief, Andrew Bower, is expected to begin his duties in Gravette Monday, July 15. James Rusterholz, newly-hired sergeant, is expected to assume his position Tuesday, July 16.

Street Department: Tim DeWitt, who heads the Streets and Utilities Department, reported mowing of weeds is under way on several unoccupied lots in Gravette in accordance with city ordinances. He questioned the formula for billing the non-resident owners. After discussion, it was determined an interpretation of the ordinance will determine the procedure. DeWitt also reported that repair of all except two of the rural roads with water damage has been completed. He also reported the storm drainage project on Second Ave., S.W., is nearly completed. El Paso Street is now open to traffic. The project, which has been in progress several months, was delayed by rainy weather and installation of a sewer line.

Water/Sewer Department: Corey Reardon reported that smoke testing of sewer lines in Gravette was to begin and those who experience leaks in their lines are advised to call a plumber. The smoke is non-toxic, it has been noted. Leaks in main service lines are the major object of the testing. Work at the waste water treatment plant is continuing but repairs of leaks at one lagoon have been compromised and additional repairs will be required. He estimated the cost at approximately $50,000. He also said a new pump which feeds alum into the sewer treatment process needs to be replaced. Cost of the items is expected to be covered by bond revenue. Work on the new sewer line east along Highway 72 is expected to begin soon. Reardon reported replacement of water meters with a new electronic reading system is progressing. All but about 100 meter covers have been modified and, when that work is completed and new software for the system is installed, the new system will be put into service. The new 6-inch water line has been installed and it will go online at that time.

Planning: Planner Mike von Ree reported that rezoning of the business area in Hiwasse will be discussed at a public hearing which he said will be held Aug. 13, at 6 p.m., at the fire station. All of the Hiwasse area was designated agricultural when the annexation occurred. The new designation will apply only to the present business area, with the remainder remaining agricultural.

City Attorney: City attorney David Bailey advised the council the city is covered by tort immunity and is not responsible for injuries recently suffered by a swimmer at the municipal pool. He added that “not responsible” signs are not required but are in place.

Finance: Tracy Sewell, business director, advised that “overall,the city is in good (financial) position,” although most revenue from property taxes is not expected until the October payment deadline. It was noted that repair costs for roads in the rural area have exceeded the budget, but some of the costs will be reimbursed by the state. She recommended two little used accounts at the Bank of Gravett be closed since those have been transferred into general revenue line items.

A question arose concerning adjusting pay scale for the water/sewer department. It will receive further discussion at the next committee meeting.

Community News, Pages 8 on 07/24/2013