Sewer bid approved

GRAVETTE - A bid to extend a sewer line east of Gravette along Highway 72 was accepted by the Gravette City Council at a special meeting Thursday evening. The special session preceded the scheduled Council Committee of the Whole session.

Seven Valleys Concrete, LLC, of Cassville, Mo., submitted the low bid of $88,216 to complete the project which has been on the drawing board several months. Morrison Shipley, engineering firm for the project, recommended acceptance of the bid, which was below the estimated $117,000 cost. The six council members gave unanimous approval.

Mayor Byron Warren said $40,000 of the cost will come from Kim Hendren, the remainder from the city’s three-quarter cent sales tax revenue.

Committee Discussions

Action at the Committee of the Whole which followed the special session involved numerous issues and hearing departmental reports. No official action is taken at committee meetings.

During a report by fire chief David Smith, the council learned Gravette sometime later this year will receive a new combo tanker/pumper fire truck from Benton County as part of the county’s fire protection plan. The 2013 model unit will cost $221,000, Smith said. Equipment from one of the city’s older trucks will be transferred to the new unit.

Mayor Byron Warren reported that Speed Estep, who has been serving as interim chief, is retiring after more than 20 years on the department.

Warren said the city has received eight applications for the position since the retirement of former Chief Trent Morrison several months ago. The mayor said a selection process will begin immediately to fill the position.

Bill Reynolds, chair of the Library Commission, reported the group has selected a Fayetteville architectural firm, deMx, to work with the commission and the city on updating or replacing the current library facility which has outgrown its space. More information, including costs, will be forthcoming.

Street/Road Work

Tim DeWitt, who heads the street/utilities department, reported a new roof has been completed on the former city hall building on Main Street. He said repair of water damaged rural roads in the Hiwasse area is continuing with all roads now passable and with additional work including culvert replacement scheduled. DeWitt noted that the city of Gravette will not receive any property tax revenues until next year because of the state taxing structure. Gravette has assumed upkeep of the roads and he reported several persons have complimented the city for the quick work being done. He said FEMA is expected to reimburse the city for a portion of the expense of the repair work.

DeWitt asked about the status of Russell Cemetery, located about two miles west of Gravette, as to whether the cemetery is city property. Discussion indicated uncertainty, so the answer is in question.

Mayor Warren said equipping the new skate park in Pop Allum Park is expected to begin as soon as the poured concrete has properly cured. He indicated it will be open by the Fourth of July when the annual fireworks show in the park will be held.

Corey Reardon’s report from the water/sewer department included information that “smoke” testing of the sanitary sewer system will be held the week of July 15. Water customers received such notification in their current water bills.

He requested some salary adjustments for employees and was advised to secure comparative figures from other towns such as Gentry and Pea Ridge before the question could be considered.

Reardon noted the monthly cost of alum used in treating effluent could be lowered with an additional modification of the plant operation.

Boys & Girls Club

A new contract for the Boys and Girls Club use of the Civic Center was discussed briefly. It is expected to come before the council for final action at the group’s June 27 meeting.

A service-area agreement between the cities of Bentonville, Centerton, Highfill, Gravette and Bella Vista Property Owners Association was discussed. The first three cities have already approved the document and it is expected to be addressed at the regular meeting.

A request to the state from Dollar General seeking a permit to offer beer and wine in their business was announced for discussion. No comments were received from council members and the state will be so advised.

Approval was given to temporarily close Fourth Avenue at the west side of Kindley Park on June 22 for the second annual “Rally for Christ” event. Gairy Osbourn, who made the request, said the rally will be held between noon and 4 p.m. No opposition to the proposal was heard.

News, Pages 6 on 06/19/2013