GRAVETTE -- Mayor Kurt Maddox told Gravette city council members at their committee of the whole meeting last Thursday night that the year 2015 was off to a great start with the city taking in a "phenomenal income" so far.
City sales tax revenue was $136,429.72 in January and outstanding again in February. Maddox said he hoped the trend would continue through the year but, even if it didn't, the first two months had provided a good boost for the budget.
Elizabeth Bowen, project manager and regional planner for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, spoke to the council and presented the regional bicycle and pedestrian master plan, including the action plan for Gravette. She explained that the next step was for the city to review and endorse the overall plan and approve the local plan. The accepted plans are to be adopted by December, 2015.
A representative of Heritage Baptist Church reported on the church's plans to do paving for a parking lot across the street from the church. Additional sidewalks, curbs and guttering are also planned. The church board has approved the plans and a church meeting will be held March 22 to vote on the project.
Closing the administration of justice account at the Bank of Gravett and the fire department special revenues fund at Arvest Bank will be on the agenda for the March 26 council meeting. Auditors have informed the finance director that it is not necessary to keep these two funds separate and the funds can simply be added to the general fund.
The possibility of establishing a quiet zone during the nighttime hours was discussed. If adopted, this would mean that during certain hours the trains passing through town would not sound their horns. After a brief discussion it was decided not to pursue the quiet zone and to leave the current practice in place.
Police chief Andy Bower reported to the council that, although funds had been allocated in the budget for installing mobile data terminals in all police vehicles, federal funds are available for this project. Bower is pursuing a grant to obtain some of those funds. A resolution authorizing the mayor to request the grant from the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office will be on the agenda for the March 26 city council meeting.
Chief Bower said the Gravette Police Department had gone digital March 1 and he would like to pass an ordinance soon to allow him to dispose of several records which are now digitized. An ordinance establishing a records retention policy for the city will be on the agenda for the March council meeting. The city has no current policy, but records other than those dealing with violent crimes and sex crimes may be destroyed after an ordinance is passed.
Mayor Maddox reported that SWEPCO had not been charging franchise fees for all customers in Hiwasse. Since Empire Electric, Carroll Electric and Cox Communications are charging such fees, an ordinance comparable to that covering Empire Electric will be on the agenda for the March council meeting to authorize such collections.
Corey Reardon, water-sewer department manager, has been selected as the city's representative on the Two Ton water board. Council member Bob Robinson volunteered to attend the meetings with Reardon. Two Ton meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every other month.
Mayor Maddox reported that there was still some uncertainty as to whether Gravette is a first class or a second class city. A city of 2,500 or more is considered a first class city and Gravette's population is 3,112 but there has been no letter of confirmation from the governor. Maddox said new population signs had been received and signs are being changed. Cities with populations under 5,000 can pass an ordinance to return to second class status.
A first class city must have a full-time mayor and terms of council members must be staggered. It was noted that becoming a first class city might help attract new businesses, so the suggestion was made to operate as if Gravette were a first class city until the decision was made.
Suggestions were made to make the mayor's position a full-time job and to pay council members a flat fee rather than so much per meeting. Ordinances will be on the agenda for the March council meeting to authorize these two changes.
A lot split for property on Bluebird Road will also be on the agenda.
Finance director Patrick Hall presented the financial reports. Council member Bob Robinson suggested consolidating some accounts to simplify the financial reports and Patrick said that is being done but he would still be able to provide an expanded report "at the click of a button."
Dealing with abandoned properties in town has not been given a high priority lately. City attorney David Bailey was asked to again pursue the possibility of paying for the costs of clearing derelict property by adding them to the landowners' property tax. He said he would put this back on his to-do list.
Council member Richard Carver reported there was a problem with getting gas service to the community building at Hiwasse. A meeting had been held there and those who attended had no heat. Fire chief Rob Douthit said this would be corrected right away.
Mayor Maddox reported two area residents had contacted him expressing appreciation for the approval of the Ozark Regional Transit contract. One intended to ride the transit vehicle to go for dialysis treatments and the other needs such transportation because he is losing his sight.
Street department manager Tim Dewitt and city street crews were praised for quickly clearing the roads after the recent snow storms.
General News on 03/18/2015