GRAVETTE -- Several citizens attended the city's second public forum, held just before last Tuesday's committee of the whole meeting, to discuss features of the proposed bond issue that will be on the March 1 ballot. Representatives of BiLD Architects PLC attended the meeting and gave a slide presentation outlining suggested improvements that could be funded by the bond issue.
Display boards were set up with drawings of projects involving Main Street upgrades, Old Town Park and Pop Allum Park improvements, pedestrian trails, civic park improvements in Gravette and Hiwasse. A few citizens asked questions, mainly seeking more specifics on certain projects and inquiring about a timeline for the improvements.
Mayor Kurt Maddox said when the bond issue passes work with engineers would begin but no actual construction on projects could be expected before early 2017. He said sales tax revenue was not expected to drop much because of Walmart's departure but the improvement projects would be funded by a three-quarter cent of whatever the sales tax is.
Bryan Johnson, of SportsWired, commented that the city needed to make improvements to attract industry and he felt passing the bond issue was "a step we need to take." Maddox replied that the city's intent is to work on upgrading infrastructure first, then work on quality of life issues. He pointed out that the bond issue will cover four different issues and voters will be asked to vote on four separate sections, sidewalks, street improvements, parks improvements and sewer upgrades.
"We hope to offer people what they want, then people will come. As more people come, more businesses will come," Maddox said.
Several city department heads gave reports at the committee of the whole meeting. Kim Schneider, library manager, reported that the library had opened for business at the new Main Street location on Monday. Open house at the library is being planned for May 7. Rob Douthit, fire chief, reported the fire department would provide citizens walk-throughs of their homes to assess safety issues and that smoke detectors would be available from the department soon. Andy Bower, police chief, reported that two new police cars had been ordered and were expected to arrive about March 1. He also said that donations and grant money had been received to finance a canine unit and that would be added when the new cars are received. A written annual report was received from the museum commission.
Corey Reardon, water department manager, reported he had been notified the city was out of compliance with ADEQ requirements because of ammonia violations from March through June of 2015. Ammonia levels must be within limits by April, he said, or the city will be subject to a fine. He has been taking samples throughout the system to try to determine businesses where additional ammonia may be entering. Reardon said engineers agreed the ammonia level requirements are too stringent. If his corrective action plan is not successful soon, he hopes to go before the ADEQ and speak during the comment period in an attempt to get the limits lowered.
Tim Dewitt, street department manager, said he would be attending a meeting with FEMA on Feb. 17 for a training session on paperwork. Chris Speights, city finance director, will also attend.
A resolution authorizing the mayor to spend up to $50,000 for emergency services in case of a catastrophic event and a resolution providing city insurance coverage for the medical director on the emergency response team will be on the agenda for the Feb. 25 council meeting. A proposed lease of the old bus barn property to JD's Dirt Work will also be on the agenda.
David Bailey, city attorney, brought up several issues to be considered regarding the sale of the Russell-Pierce Cemetery to the Alexander family. He recommended having a meeting with the Alexanders for further discussion before deciding to sell.
Mayor Maddox reported a certified letter had been sent to Waste Management giving them until April 1 to address the complaints about trash pickup in the city. Council member Richard Carver recommended the city also contact Inland, which handles the city's commercial accounts, and attempt to keep residential and commercial trash pickup with the same company.
Mike von Ree, city clerk, reported that he would start procedures soon to get the issues of staggered terms and four-year terms for council members on the November election ballot.
Chris Speights was unable to attend but submitted written financial reports. Mayor Maddox reported that spending for most departments for January was pretty much in line with the budget. Chief Bower explained that a large expense for the police department was due to paying for new uniforms in January.
General News on 02/17/2016