GRAVETTE -- Gravete city council members, in their May 4 committee of the whole meeting, heard reports of damage resulting from heavy rains and thunderstorms the last weekend of April. Tim Dewitt, streets and parks department manager, reported many roads were washed out and needed repairs. He also said new lights recently installed at the baseball field in Pop Allum Park were hit by lightning.
Corey Reardon, water and sewer department manager, said the heavy rains would make it possible for his department to conduct a leak study. He reported that flooding had exposed about five feet of the main water transmission line south of town and gravel was being hauled to fill it in. He also reported that hydrants at Highway 59 and Main Street and at Third and Main will be shut down because of Main Street construction.
Reardon reported he planned to meet with the Centerton water committee at its next regular meeting to further discuss the sale of Centerton water rights. He said, after a recent lunch with the Centerton mayor, he felt Centerton might be more open to selling.
Karen Benson, library manager, reported the library had received its new telescope and she had planned several programs focusing on space and astronomy. These topics will be incorporated into preschool storytime sessions, the Saturday Scientists program and the summer reading program.
Chuck Skaggs, chief of police, reported that the purchase order had been approved for new cameras in the police cars and they will be installed soon. He said he expects that it will take a day to a day and a half per vehicle.
Rob Douthit, fire chief, reported his department is ramping up training and far exceeding their training hours from last year. He said a training class was held on Wednesday night with the Maysville, Sulphur Springs and Decatur departments. The Sulphur Springs department has been able to get its ISO rating dropped one point because of its mutual aid agreement with Gravette. Douthit also reported the Gravette department was training with the Centerton Fire Department for swift water rescue. He said he and Brian Johnson needed only one more class to complete the next phase of fire training school.
Carl Rabey, city financial director, gave the monthly financial report. He said he didn't want to be overly optimistic but financials looked good so far and, if current trends hold, the city is scheduled to make about $100,000. He said licensing fees collected were much higher than estimated. This reflects a marked increase in residential construction, which should bring in more sales tax revenue.
Rabey said the bank accounts for FEMA funds and for the fire truck grant were fully exhausted. The bills are all paid and they should be closed. A vote to close both accounts will be on the agenda for the May 25 council meeting.
Mayor Kurt Maddox reported the city has received a request from a snow-cone vendor to set up a stand in town. Since current regulations put a 21-day limit on such vendors, this would require some changes in city policy, but Maddox recommended council members consider making those changes.
General News on 05/10/2017