GRAVETTE -- A public hearing was held preceding the Nov. 21 meeting of the Gravette city council to consider the rezoning of property owned by Ben and Jamie Decker on Arkansas Highway 72, east of town. The 10-acre parcel at 16492 W. Highway 72 is proposed as the site of a wedding and special events venue. One person was present and asked a few questions about the plans but no objections were given. When the meeting convened, council members voted to rezone the property from A-1, agricultural, to C-2, highway commercial.
A resolution declaring property at 13358 Old Train Road, owned by Jody Reding, as a nuisance and setting a condemnation hearing was tabled. Mayor Kurt Maddox said the property owner had contacted the city hall and asked for a continuation for 30 days to allow more time for cleanup. Reding had been living in Oklahoma and had only recently received the city's notifications of property code violations.
Council members passed an ordinance establishing and amending certain fees for the city. Most of the revisions to the city's fee structure are setting fees for services for which there are no current fees. Another ordinance was passed approving a lot split for land owned by Aaron Burkes on Highway 72 in Hiwasse.
Council members voted to hire Olsson engineering firm to provide engineering services for the new water line on Dallas Street S.W. This project will be funded with the remainder of the street department bond funds.
A resolution was passed approving several adjustments to the 2019 budget.
October's financial statements were distributed in each council member's packet. Reports were not received in time to give an update on bond funds.
City clerk Mike vonRee and city attorney David Bailey wished everyone present a happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Kurt Maddox announced that all future city council and committee meetings would be held at the city hall.
Community on 11/27/2019