Gravette council accepts bid for remodeling

GRAVETTE — City Council members accepted the resignation of Councilman Rod Clardy in a short special council meeting preceding their Committee of the Whole meeting May 13.

They also voted to accept the low bid of $1,089,000 from Oelke for remodeling of City Hall. Mayor Kurt Maddox said six bids were received. All were higher than expected but “we know that if this had been last year, we could have saved several thousand dollars.” References are good for Oelke and Maddox recommended accepting the low bid.

Reports were heard from several department heads. Police chief Chuck Skaggs reported responding to 924 calls so far in 2021, compared to 939 at this time last year. He reported that it was National Police Appreciation Week and thanked all his officers for their service.

David Keck, building inspector and code enforcement officer, reported work on the new Taco Bell is progressing rapidly and the building permit has been issued for the Dollar General in Hiwasse. Work on the Perry Place subdivision on Dallas Street is also moving along.

Richard Sutherland, water department manager, reported his department had a “pretty good month.” His only complaint was price increases in needed materials.

Library director Karen Benson distributed printed reports on the library focus group meeting May 4 and announced registration for the summer reading program will begin June 1. She also announced a new book club for adults will hold its first meeting in June.

Fire chief David Orr reported responding to 256 calls so far in 2021. Property worth an estimated $3.9 million has been saved with losses of only $103,000. Orr also presented specs for a new ambulance he would like to purchase.

Tim Dewitt, streets and parks department manager, reported the spring cleanup was a success with 15 dumpsters filled during the week. He said 100 trees were distributed in 25 to 27 minutes at the city’s tree giveaway. He reported the splash pad at the pool is ready for opening and work will begin soon on taking out the old restrooms in Kindley Park.

Condemnation proceedings on properties at 17031 Arkansas 72 and 13576 Arkansas 72 were tabled for a month because Keck reported both property owners had made contact and are working on their problems. One is trying to close on a sale and the second has other issues, but Keck recommended giving both more time.

Council members voted to issue a conditional use permit to Tyler Burns for a property on North Mount Pleasant Road on which he is proposing to develop an RV park, and the council recommended issuing the permit once an overall site plan has been submitted.

In new business, the council voted to authorize the mayor to apply for a TAP grant to finance the final set of sidewalks to complete the city’s trail system. The TAP grant is an 80/20 grant. Proposed sidewalks will connect the current system with Detroit Street and Eighth Avenue and up Rocky Dell to Lion Drive.

Members voted to recommend rezoning of 1.5 acres owned by Jennifer Arnold on Arkansas 72 east of Gordon Hollow Road from A-1, agricultural, to C-2, highway commercial, for the location of an office and rezoning of property owned by Rodney Mims on Arkansas 279 near Bella Vista from C-2, highway commercial, to R-1, residential.

Jenna Estates, a proposed large-scale development of 40.8 acres off Arkansas 72 past Loyle Lane was also discussed. Property owners propose a single-family residential subdivision of 25 buildable lots and three common areas. Votes on both rezonings and the Jenna Estates proposal will be on the agenda for the May 27 council meeting.

Finance director Carl Rabey presented several budget adjustments. All will bring the current budget in line with actual expenditures except those that deal with construction on the new city hall. Rabey reported April income was good with one large grant received last month, sales tax up a little over the last three months and $57,000 property tax income in April. He said the city has $700,000 coming from the American Rescue Fund. Rabey also reported the 2020 legislative audit would begin this week and said there was no bond update.