GRAVETTE -- The Gravette City Council Committee of the Whole meeting was held Thursday at city hall. Council members Amy Rambadt and Bob Robinson were absent. Written reports were submitted by all department heads.
The meeting was preceded by a short special council meeting at which two ordinances and one resolution were passed, all by unanimous vote. Ordinance 14-07 was to approve annexation of property between Hiwasse and Bella Vista along Highway 279. The 412 acres includes existing businesses and a future cell tower site. It is mostly highway frontage and ideal for potential commercial development. Ordinance 14-09 was to approve a lot split for Tony Smith in Hiwasse. Resolution 041014-A was to authorize the police department to apply for a grant from the Arkansas Rural Development Commission to complete the sally port next to the police station and do repairs on the women's restroom and other improvements at the police station.
Two representatives of Source Gas Company attended the meeting and gave a presentation regarding their interest in expanding their natural gas transmission lines in the Hiwasse area. They are seeking new customers, both residential and commercial, and said the cost is approximately half that of propane. Source Gas will put in 100 feet of main line free and Rich Davis, manager of community and government affairs, said the more requests they have for new service the more emphasis they will place on the project. Brochures and cards with an 855 phone number for the new customer specialist are available at city hall for anyone desiring further information.
Tim Dewitt, streets/parks/cemetery manager, submitted copies of a job description he had compiled for the cemetery maintenance crew, a cost comparison of contractor services versus having city employees do the work and three bids he had received for mowing/cemetery maintenance. Approval of a contract with the lowest bidder and possible budget adjustment to fund it will be on the agenda for the April 25 city council meeting.
Corey Reardon, water department manager, reported the state bid price for a new mower is $12,755.66 with tax. The mower, a Hustler Super ZHD, is on order and is expected to arrive right away. It is a 72-inch mower with a 35-horsepower motor and a 6-foot cut.
Police chief Andrew Bower reported the need for a new police car. His recommendation was to purchase a vehicle through Smith Auto Group, which features a lifetime warranty and service through Pineville. Cost would be $28,000 equipped ($24,000 plus $4,000 for special equipment.) He said the school is considering adding a third SRO (school resource officer) and a vehicle would be needed for that officer.
In new business, Mayor Byron Warren announced that an ordinance establishing procedures for calling a special meeting will be on the agenda for the April 24 council meeting. Amending and closing out the 2013 budget will also be on the agenda.
In a brief discussion regarding the monthly financial reports, council member Richard Carver suggested that perhaps these reports could be presented in a different format that would be more understandable, especially to new council members. Margo Thomas suggested having a special meeting specifically to address the financial reports and how to read them.
Mayor Warren reported that the reimbursement from FEMA for road repairs resulting from 2013 storm damage was 200 percent over the city's estimate. FEMA has reimbursed the city $42,000 and they were expecting only $21,000.
He reported that an audit of the water department had been held earlier in the day and auditors had given the city an excellent report. The A series bond issue, which was for the wastewater treatment system upgrade, has been paid off through the 3/4 cent sales tax and only the B series is left to be paid.
Mayor Warren also reported that the old Westfield Hardware building is for sale and there was some interest in having the city purchase it for a community/recreation center. That possibility will be discussed at the upcoming council meeting. There has been no response from the Gravette school system about their willingness to sell the old bus barn property.
A review of the city wage scale was discussed again as Mayor Warren reported city employees are leaving for higher paying jobs, including assistant business manager Lori Leonard who has recently given notice. He told council members three department heads had offered to forego raises so that others in their department could have them. He said retaining good employees is important and urged the council to look at implementing the recommended higher pay scales. Richard Carver suggested having a special meeting devoted to discussion of the wage scales when all members could be present.
Mayor Warren apologized to a customer who was unable to find the city's emergency number when the web site was down. He said they intend to send out a magnet with the city's after-hours emergency number in next month's water bills. He said the Hiwasse welcome sign and Gravette's LED signs were coming along and should be up in about a month. He reported he was hosting Senator Boozman and the mayors from other area towns for breakfast at city hall on April 22 and invited council members to attend.
City recorder Mike von Ree, who coordinates the city's annual fireworks display, reported April 25 was the deadline for ordering the fireworks. He said he would place the order and solicit donations from local businesses to help pay for them. Cost will be $4,500. Musicians have been secured for this year's July 4 celebration and free hot dogs and possibly snow cones will be served.
General News on 04/16/2014