Committee reviews planning, zoning maps

GRAVETTE -- Approximately 25 citizens attended a public hearing preceding last Thursday night's Committee of the Whole meeting. Copies of the proposed master street plan, master land use plan and zoning map were on display for citizens to review and mark changes they felt should be made. A few adjustments were made on the maps before sending them back to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission.

Kurt Maddox requested that anyone owning five or more acres be notified by certified mail if the new zoning map would change their property from agricultural to residential.

Mayor Byron Warren said there was no change from the current land use map.

Councilman Bob Robinson noted that some citizens might prefer to have their land zoned agricultural because it was taxed at a lower rate. Council members realized not everyone was going to be happy, but he felt they had done what was legally required.

An ordinance adopting a new zoning map was reviewed and passed on its first reading. The vote was 4-2, with council members Amy Rambadt and Richard Carver voting no and council members Margo Thomas, Melissa Smith and Bob Robinson voting in favor. Mayor Warren cast a vote in favor since Ron Theis was absent and four votes were required. The map will be subject to changes resulting from adjustments made to the maps at the hearing. A resolution adopting the 2014 comprehensive plan for the city was tabled until the next meeting.

The public hearing was closed at 6:35 and the regular Committee of the Whole meeting was convened at 6:50.

Written reports were received from all department heads. Mayor Warren reported that the city has a potential renter for the old city hall building and a storage building might have to be rented to hold the library furniture that is now in the building. Warren said $10,000 was spent last year for a new roof, but work still needs to be done on the ceiling.

Tim Dewitt, street department manager, reported that Hutchinson Construction was in town, had completed resurfacing work on Dallas Street and Irving Street and would complete work on 8th Avenue Friday. He provided copies of the Hiwasse community signs and said they would be installed within two weeks on Arkansas Highways 72, 279 S. and 279 N. They will be in white lettering on a green background and will be attached to the population signs.

Corey Reardon, water department manager, reported easements were being secured for the proposed sewer line upgrade and construction will begin soon. Once work is begun, it should be completed in about 60 days. He said Seven Valleys Construction is working on renovation of the filter at the water plant and renovation should be complete by Jan. 15.

The annual resolution setting millage rates for taxes collected in 2015 was reviewed and will be on the agenda for passage at the Oct. 23 council meeting. The city is required by law to pass a millage resolution each year and send a copy to the county clerk. The city plans to continue the current millage levy of five mills.

Council members discussed the water billing late charge and agreed to delay assessment of the charge. Monthly water bills will still be due on the 25th of the month, but the late fees will not be charged until the 3rd of the following month. Shutoff will be on the 5th.

Copies of the 2013 water and wastewater department audit were distributed. The audit showed that assets increased from $6,801,043 at the end of 2012 to $8,204,699 at the end of 2013.

A resolution declaring certain structures as public nuisances, providing for their condemnation and providing a time period for property owners to respond will be on the agenda for consideration at the Oct. 23 council meeting.

An ordinance providing for staggering the alderman terms so all council members will not be elected at the same time will also be considered.

Monthly financial reports were reviewed, and Mayor Warren noted that the general fund was down about $30,000 last month, the cemetery fund was down $1,000 and the streets fund was down $340. Councilman Bob Robinson said that council members needed the financial reports in a more timely manner so they would have more time to study them before the meeting. Mayor Warren said people are free to come to city hall any time to check finances.

General News on 10/15/2014