Mayor delivers state of the city address

GRAVETTE -- Gravette mayor Kurt Maddox delivered his state of the city address to open the Feb. 14 meeting of the committee of the whole. He highlighted several major accomplishments for the year 2022, including moving into the new city hall, another step in revitalizing the downtown area.

He reported both the general, street and water funds all ended the year with a surplus and told of ongoing efforts to work with Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning and of hiring Garver Engineering to update the city's zoning code. Both a new ambulance and a new tanker truck were secured in the past year. Maddox told of several grants the city has received and concluded by thanking the city staff and department heads for all their efforts to help the city grow and move forward.

Each department head gave reports following the mayor's address. Police chief Chuck Skaggs reported January was a good month, with several officers logging training hours. He said the new school resource officer is expected to begin work on March 1.

David Keck reported there were no action items on the planning commission agenda this month, but he has been dealing with several code enforcement issues. He reported that homes in Jenna's Estates subdivision are nearing completion, and Dollar General has opened and is doing well.

Richard Sutherland, water and sewer department supervisor, reported little activity because of adverse weather. Work has begun on the Birmingham alley project but is moving slowly because of the weather.

Library director Karen Benson reported on the Blind Date with a Book project, which is in its sixth year, and announced a Gardening in Small Spaces class is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25 -- preregistration is required -- and a seed exchange will be held March 4. Grants have been received to support the library's gardening program.

Fire chief David Orr reported that his department has responded to 89 calls year-to-date and new carpet has been laid in parts of the fire station. Orr said Joseph Allen has been hired and will begin work when his EMT training is complete. Allen has been volunteering with the department for some time.

Tim Dewitt, streets and parks department supervisor, reported his crew had been busy plowing sleet during the icy weather and cutting brush on the dirt roads. Work has begun on a new sidewalk at the school, and new playground equipment for Kindley Park is expected to be delivered in three or four weeks.

In old business, Mayor Maddox reported on the SRO (school resource officer) partnership agreement with the school. He said he had researched the history of the program and had checked with the Arkansas Municipal League about new requirements. A new SRO is to begin work on March 1 to fill the vacant position. Chief Skaggs spoke up and said the proposed memorandum of understanding is based on a standard agreement throughout the state, but the SRO agreement is specific to Gravette. A resolution to approve allowing Mayor Maddox to continue discussions with the school will be on the agenda for the Feb. 20 council meeting.

In new business, Mayor Maddox presented a proposed revision of the city's fireworks ordinance. He said there had been many complaints last year from people protesting the number of days fireworks were permitted and the hours their use was allowed. He proposed reducing the number of days and shortening the hours that fireworks are permitted and said the matter would be discussed further at the next meeting.

Mayor Maddox reported receiving a letter from the Arkansas Department of Transportation in which it agreed to some of the city's requests for road improvements. ARDOT will add signage in Gravette and will widen the street at the intersection of Highways 59 and 72 to increase the turn radius and make it easier for trucks to round the corner. It will be a $420,000 project, but Gravette's match will be only $51,000, he said. An easement will be required from Harps for part of its property.

Aaron Boehmler, an engineer with Burns/McDonnell, addressed the council about an oversight regarding fees for the Birmingham Street project. He said figures should have been presented to the council in January showing additional charges which will be incurred for staking and materials testing. Boehmler said Burns/McDonnell originally thought this expense would be paid by the contractor. He said his firm would be keeping none of the money, but it would be passed on to the surveyor and the materials testing lab.

Cindy Pembleton gave the monthly financial report in the absence of Carl Rabey, finance director. She reported the general fund operated at a $42,000 deficit due largely to making the final payment of $54,499 on the city hall remodel and a one-time cost of $15,000 for Arkansas Rural Development Grant expense.

All other funds performed in line with budget expectations except the 833 (fire) fund, which had an expense of $15,000 and no revenue. 833 revenue is received in installments, and the first payment is not usually received until the second quarter of the year.

There was no bond update, but it was noted that when the new playground equipment is delivered and paid for, bond funds will be exhausted.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Councilman Jeff Davis thanked Tim Dewitt and his crew for keeping city streets in such good shape during the recent icy weather, and other council members echoed his sentiments.