Gravette Council Committee of the Whole meeting

GRAVETTE -- The Gravette City Council Committee of the Whole meeting was held Feb. 18 with all council members present except Melissa Smith. Written reports were submitted by all department heads.

Police chief Andrew Bower distributed copies of a proposed ordinance regulating discharge of firearms within the city limits and an ordinance setting the number of police officers for the city. These will be placed on the agenda for the Feb. 27 council meeting.

Ken Foxx, representing the planning commission, gave a presentation urging the city to develop a strategic plan and promote projects to bring new businesses and investment into Gravette. He suggested the baseball organization as a source of possible income and encouraged the development of the necessary streets and sidewalks to accommodate bicycle riders. He said that proper land use and zoning is important and urged those present to submit input on these areas. He said he hoped the city could soon have a full-time project manager to focus on these issues and be accountable for their development. He announced that a meeting was to be held here March 11 with the Northwest Arkansas Planning Commission regarding establishing bicycle trails.

Julie Storm, of Bella Vista, gave a presentation on revamping the city's website. All departments need to get updated information to her as soon as possible so she can get the current data online.

Review of city wage scales was tabled since Melissa Smith was absent and she was the person who compiled the research for this study.

Cory Reardon, water and sewer department manager, said filters had ruptured at the sewer plant. He outlined the repair process. Current filters were manufactured by a firm in Wisconsin but it is hoped repair will take no more than a month. He noted that work on the sewer plant upgrade project extended beyond the scheduled completion date because of rain delays and the fact that the contractor pulled out for three weeks to work on another project. Punitive damages will possibly be assessed against the contractor.

Installation of signs in the Hiwasse community was discussed. Councilman Richard Carver said one landowner on Highway 279 will donate land for the installation. The city will pay for one sign. Another sign by the arena is desired if funding develops.

Mayor Byron Warren announced that the annual citywide cleanup will be held May 6. A trailer will be in place May 2-9 for disposal of electronic items.

Business manager Tracy Sewell presented January financial reports. She noted the general fund was down as all annual dues and subscriptions are paid at the first of the year, police and fire department uniforms were purchased and city employees were given three paid holidays. She said the city was seeing a little better sales tax revenue and explained that a deposit entry in the water department budget was a refund from a utility company that overcharged. She said the online bill pay system where customers can charge their water bill to their credit or debit card is very successful and several customers are paying this way. She also noted that the city's investment in newer vehicles has paid off because the total parts and labor expense for city vehicles for all of 2013 was only $28,000.

Councilwoman Amy Rambadt asked if some cleanup could be done at the community garden. Since it is on a main highway, its current condition gives a bad impression for visitors to the city, she said.

Sports on 02/26/2014