GRAVETTE — Members of the Gravette city council, in a special meeting preceding the regular committee of the whole meeting Tuesday night, passed an ordinance annexing property belonging to Jeff Hendren into the city. They also voted to approve granting a special use permit for JoAnne Manovsky to operate a day care center in a residential area in Patriot Park.
Jacob Ashford, a member of the audit staff for Przybysz and Associates accounting firm, attended the committee of the whole meeting to report on the firm's 2013 and 2014 audits of Gravette's water and wastewater departments. The company's summary paragraph noted that all financial statements were in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. "Everything looks good," Ashford said. "This is the best outcome for your audit."
Corey Reardon, water department manager, reported a water line had washed out between Black Street and Strawberry Ridge Road after recent rains. He said it was back in and getting covered. He reported that 76 water meters are still to be installed.
Tim Dewitt, street department manager, reported that the county road department was in town and paving would begin on 6th Avenue N.W. on Wednesday. Paving is planned on White Oak, N.E., Redbud, N.E., Detroit St., N.E. and possibly part of Main Street as crews are available. The city is paying for materials, with labor provided by the county. Dewitt also submitted bids for leasing a grader that the council had requested.
Kim Schneider, library manager, reported that tickets are now available for the library gala August 6. Trey O'Dell, season 10 finalist on "The Voice," has been secured as entertainer.
Rob Douthit, fire chief, reported that the fire department had recently purchased new software and was transferring data so he could begin submitting written reports again soon. He also said he was looking for an updated pumper truck that could possibly be purchased with grant money.
Andy Bower, police chief, expressed thanks to Sonic for gift cards and to others for providing lunches for the officers and dinner for the night shift, saying "support has been tremendous." He reported that Gravette was hosting the Benton County chiefs on Wednesday and tazer recertification and shooting certification classes are coming up soon.
Bower reported that he had been researching the manufacture dates of the Glock pistols in use by the department. The oldest dates back to 1999 and he recommends upgrading and said he may be replacing seven pistols at a cost of $100 per pistol with trade-in. He is also looking for sources for upgrading some of the older shotguns. He estimates cost for the shotguns at $400 to $600 with some trade-in options.
Officer Henry has been hired by the Bentonville police department, and officer Edgmon has been on military deployment for 90 days and will be out 30 and possibly 120 more days, leaving the department with seven full-time officers. Council members discussed the possible need to hire an additional officer since the city is committed to provide two school resource officers when classes begin in August. Councilwoman Margo Thomas said she believed the fire department and police department were important services of the city and both should be kept well-staffed.
In new business, council members discussed the bond money and setting priorities for how to spend it. $5.4 million is available to spend and plans are to divide options into phase 1 and phase 2 projects. Kurt Maddox, mayor, displayed a picture prepared by BiLD engineers showing proposed Main Street and Second Avenue improvements. They include guttering and drains to control runoff on Main Street and addition of diagonal parking.
New baseball and soccer fields were listed as phase 1 projects at Pop Allum Park, with new fencing, lights, walkways and paving as phase 2 projects. $971,000 is the architect's estimate for Main Street improvements alone, Maddox noted, and some projects may have to be scaled back since Main Street has been identified as top priority. Sewer upgrades are definitely needed on Birmingham and El Paso streets, he said, but the line to the hospital could wait, he said. On the plus side, he doesn't believe Old Town Park improvements will be as expensive as estimated, especially since engineers are not required on parks projects.
Remodeling of the civic center, addition of a splash pad and upgrading the restrooms and concession stand at the pool were additional options discussed. Richard Carver, council member, suggested having a planning session to further identify priority projects.
Chris Speights, financial director, presented the monthly financial reports. She noted that revenue was up in other areas but property tax and sales tax collections are still low. All city department heads are doing really well at keeping expenses down, she said.
Council members went into executive session to discuss personnel at the end of the meeting and mayor Maddox reported when they returned to regular session that no action would be taken.
In comments following the meeting, mayor Maddox announced that two new businesses are coming to Main Street and a Shipley's Donuts shop is going in at the strip mall.
Ron Teis, council member, expressed his appreciation for the police and fire personnel and said he wanted to thank them for all that they do.
General News on 07/20/2016