Citizens speak to city council in support of Gravette Chamber

GRAVETTE -- Two citizens addressed the city council during the council's committee of the whole meeting Thursday evening, Oct. 6, both speaking in support of the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce.

Brian Glenn, president of the Bank of Gravette, stressed the importance of the chamber in ensuring viable businesses. He said ensuring successful businesses is important for his bank and for the community. Maribel Childress, superintendent of Gravette Public Schools, said she feels that the school and the city need each other. She said the chamber is a valuable resource and she hoped the city would make funding it a priority at the highest level possible.

Police chief Chuck Skaggs reported that Gravette police officers had logged 1,408 training hours so far this year. He said his department recently received new roadside cones, which will be helpful in directing traffic around accident sites, and a new radar trailer which can be placed in various locations around town to check traffic speed. He also said the department had recent training on processing evidence to ensure it is being done correctly.

Richard Sutherland, water/sewer department manager, said he is working on the department budget for next year. He said the city has recently added six new water connections and the water department is generally running well.

Library director Karen Benson reported a successful Moon Over Main Street event on Oct. 1 with an estimated 200 people in attendance. She also reported that she and parks department manager Tim Dewitt had been to Hiwasse Park to make plans for the story walk to be installed there. She thanked the police department and the parks department for their help with the project.

Dewitt reported a successful fall cleanup, with 14 dumpsters filled to help beautify the city. He announced that early voting begins Oct. 24 and urged citizens to get out and vote. He also reported a tree giveaway would be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Old Town Park, beginning at 8 a.m., with approximately 200 trees available. The giveaway will continue until the trees are gone.

John Mitchael, a museum commission member, gave a report on the commission's work, including a brief history of maintenance on the historic Kindley house and construction of the museum annex. He told of museum activities including an open house and a basket raffle on Gravette Day, providing trophies for the Gravette Day car show, and a planned presentation at the Oct. 7 Kiwanis Club meeting. He said commission members are making plans for the city Christmas celebration, including hosting Santa at the museum annex, and will have a work day on Nov. 4 to decorate for that event.

Steve Harari, president of the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce, gave a report on Chamber activities and the many programs the chamber supports. He outlined a number of new programs started in 2022 which will require funding to maintain momentum and told of at least five at-risk programs that are in danger of being canceled if requested funding is not received. These include support of the Gravette farmers' market senior voucher program, the Gravette 2030 Vision process, the Gravette App, the Gravitate program informing Gravette students about various career paths, and participation in the Western Benton County Alliance. Harari is requesting city funding of $50,000 for 2023 to maintain current momentum, $12,000 to be applied to traditional Chamber activities, and $38,000 to the five at-risk programs.

In new business, Mayor Kurt Maddox reported that attorney John Peiserich is moving his office and wishes to transfer the city's files from PPGMR Law, PLLC to J.S. Held.

Mayor Maddox reported that the city is applying for two American Rescue Plan grants, one of which will help fund the extension of sewer lines to Stagecoach Road, east of town, and another which will pay for redoing the lagoon at the sewer plant. He said matching money is available in the water reserve fund.

Finance director Carl Rabey reported a resolution would be on the agenda for the Oct. 20 council meeting to close an account at Arvest Bank and transfer funds to another account. A fraudulent check was discovered, and the account is being closed to prevent any further attempts at fraud.

A resolution will also be on the agenda to approve several budget adjustments to the 2022 budget.

Financial reports for September were distributed. Rabey reported a $55,000 surplus in the general fund, resulting from a sales tax increase of approximately $30,000 and a $25,000 reimbursement from the water department. He said there was a $109,000 surplus citywide for September and a $500,000 surplus year to date, due largely to the receipt of ARPA funds. He said city funds are now at 80.97% of budgeted income and 79.09% of budgeted expenses and mentioned that fuel and telecommunications are the highest expenses.

In comments at the conclusion of the meeting, council member Margo Thomas thanked Carl Rabey for catching the fraudulent check and preventing any loss of funds to the city.