GRAVETTE -- Members of the Gravette city council, in a special meeting Thursday, Sept. 14, passed an ordinance approving a lot-line adjustment for the Assembly of God Church on Highway 72 West in Gravette. A resolution designating a city snowplow as surplus was also passed at the special meeting. The snowplow was on a water truck sold at the Benton County auction.
The regular meeting of the Council Committee of the Whole was held just after the special meeting. Written reports were submitted by all department heads.
Tim Dewitt, streets and parks department manager, reported a pre-construction meeting was held earlier that day in Hiwasse with six or seven construction companies represented. Bids will be let soon for construction of a pavilion, bathrooms and playground equipment there.
Corey Reardon, water and sewer department manager, reported the sewer upgrade work on El Paso Street S.E. ran two weeks past deadline. Work on Second Street S.E. will be going on about a week longer. Then there will be an open cut across Highway 59 just north of El Bohemio to replace
Reardon said the estimate for a preliminary engineering study to see how the city could provide sewer service to Hiwasse is $70,000. Following Reardon's report, council members agreed to move forward with the Hiwasse sewer study but requested that he secure additional estimates.
Lonnie Mullen, the city's new fire chief, introduced himself and said he had been a fireman all his life, having started at a young age in southern California. He said he had been working overseas for the last 20 years, serving 3 1/2 years in West Africa, as well as working in Oman, Germany and Iraq, including fighting large refinery fires. Mullen reported that fire department response time has improved from one minute, 50 seconds, to one minute, 29 seconds since he arrived.
Karen Benson, the library manager, reported that library staff members have been supplying books to the upper elementary school while its library is under construction. She said she and staff member Brittany Shreve had attended a professional development workshop at the Amazeum in Bentonville on Wednesday. She also reported that tickets are being sold for the library's two fundraisers. Hog raffle tickets are available for $5 each or six for $25. Tickets for the Oct. 7 library gala are $35 or may be purchased at a discount for a table of eight.
Chuck Skaggs, police chief, reported officer Bryan Smith, canine officer K9 IKKS and officer Handle have been busy making drug arrests. He also announced the police department is looking for another officer.
City planner Mike von Ree reported that Empire District Electric Company has requested a 10-foot utility easement to put in a 3/4 inch natural gas line from its new substation to Black Hills Energy to power a backup natural gas generator. A vote to approve the easement will be on the agenda for the Sept. 28 council meeting.
Council members discussed a proposed conditional use permit for Gravette Station to allow placement of U-Haul vehicles and trailers for rent at its location. Grand Savings Bank has agreed to pave the entire parking lot adjacent the station. The conditional use permit will be referred to the planning commission for consideration.
A vote to rezone property for Vernon Schmiegelow from C-2 to C-1 will be on the agenda for the Sept. 28 council meeting. The property was recently rezoned from I-1 to C-2 but a potential buyer has requested another rezoning.
An ordinance approving a lot split for David Wills for property on Arkansas Highway 72 west of town will also be on the agenda for the Sept. 28 council meeting.
Mike von Ree reported that Sam Green has submitted a proposal for the development of the Ginton Subdivision on Eighth Street. Von Ree said he had informed Green that the subdivision would be required to have 50-foot street right-of-ways and eight-inch water lines.
A full financial report was tabled since Carl Rabey, financial director, was on vacation.
Mayor Kurt Maddox reported plans to widen portions of Birmingham Street, Charlotte Street and Second Avenue when the new overlay is added. He said there are problems with turns at some intersections and he plans to talk to the state about doing some of the work where the streets meet the state highway.
Maddox also reported that Mallory Weaver has been employed as administrative assistant to the mayor.
General News on 09/20/2017