Gravette's city council holds short but busy meeting

GRAVETTE -- Several items of business were quickly dispatched in a half-hour meeting of the Gravette City Council last Thursday night. All council members and city attorney David Bailey were present.

An open public hearing was held prior to the meeting to discuss a lot line adjustment, a lot split and a parcel split.

Sharon Bower was sworn in as a new member of the library commission at the beginning of the regular business session.

A quit claim deed was approved to Empire District Electric Company to grant it land at its substation at 4th Ave. and Akron Street. The easement to be deeded over to Empire was there for access to the old water tower which no longer exists.

Council members gave unanimous approval to a $2,500 contract with Ozark Regional Transit. The city's $2,500 contribution will be matched by Benton County. Ozark Regional Transit will provide transportation for $2.50 a trip from a resident's home to any destination they choose within the county.

Unanimous approval was also given for fire chief Rob Douthit to submit his application for a SAFER grant. The grant, which will be for two years, will provide salary and benefits for two additional fire department-ambulance personnel.

Council members voted to advertise the surplus old ambulance for sale. It is drivable but needs expensive repairs. Selling this older vehicle will help pay for maintenance on the two ambulances currently in service.

Approval was given to a contract with Morrison-Shipley for a lagoon study on the holding pond at the wastewater plant. Bids will be sought for installation of a liner in the holding pond. Cost of the project will be paid from the bond fund for wastewater repairs and upgrades.

A resolution was passed approving the adjusted city budget for 2014 and closing out the budget for the year.

Ordinances were passed adjusting a lot line for land owned by Jerry Melot at 209 3rd Avenue S.E., splitting a parcel of land owned by Glen and Helen Wylie on Fruitwood Road and splitting a parcel of land owned by Terra and Nathan Melanson on Horman Road.

General News on 03/04/2015