Committee of Whole hears updates, learns of development plans

Plans for Gravette Caseys, O’Reilly’s discussed

GRAVETTE — Several city department heads gave reports at the July 11 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Corey Reardon, water and sewer department supervisor, reported that there will be a 10 cent increase in the fee per meter as a result of changes in the Safe Drinking Water Act. The new rate of 40 cents per meter will go into effect in August.

Tim Dewitt, the parks department supervisor, reported the swimming pool has reopened after being closed a few days for maintenance. The two storage sheds near the bathrooms at Pop Allum Park have been moved and new playground equipment is being installed in their place. Dewitt also reported that his crew is getting ready for Gravette Day.

Chuck Skaggs, police chief, reported his department has made 3,133 service calls so far this year. He also reported that Officer McKinzie has gone full-time as a school resource officer so the school system now has three full-time SROs. Councilmember Margo Thomas asked Skaggs to relay to Capt. Chris Kelley her appreciation for his professionalism and poise during the recent press conference regarding a local murder/suicide case.

Fire chief David Orr is in school so there was no fire department report. Mayor Kurt Maddox reported that Orr has won a Dale Carnegie human relations award, voted on by his fellow class members. Maddox praised fire department personnel for their response at a recent bad wreck, saying they did a great job.

David Keck, code enforcement officer, reported 10 new residential building permits were issued in the last week and approval was secured for a new subdivision. Approval has been given for the O’Reilly’s project and work should begin soon. The insurance check has been received and work is also scheduled to begin soon on repairing the drive-through at city hall.

Karen Benson, library director, reported June had seen the highest circulation figures so far this year with 1,293 items checked out. She said 75 children enrolled in the summer reading program and they recorded 653 hours of reading during the four-week program, 77 more than last year.

Mayor Maddox reported that the newly-formed Friends of the Library requested permission to surplus duplicate and donated books and sell them to raise funds for library projects. City attorney David Bailey said he didn’t believe the city could actually give the books to the Friends organization but, perhaps, it could sell the books and retain a percentage of the profits for doing so. Carl Rabey, finance director, is checking on the matter, so the issue was tabled until he brings back a report.

Kevin McCaslin, Morrison-Shipley engineer, was present at the meeting and said he is excited that Casey’s has chosen a building site in Gravette. Rezoning, a lot combination and alley closure were approved by the planning commission at its Tuesday meeting. McCaslin said groundbreaking should be held within the next month or two and the project would take about four months from groundbreaking to completion.

Developers brought plans for the Crosswalk NWA large-scale development and the Vernetti development on the other half of the same property. The Vernetti development will consist of RV and boat storage.

David Keck, the building inspector, submitted the preliminary plat for the Sunset West development in Hiwasse. The development will feature 52 lots with the front of the property commercial. Keck said they are still working out things with the county. Plans are to pave a 20-foot wide strip on the property.

A lot split for Harold and Nelson Roberts was discussed and will be on the agenda for the July 25 council meeting.

Monthly financial reports were distributed to all council members, and Mayor Maddox reported several adjustments to the 2019 budget would be on the agenda for the July 25 council meeting. He commented that the constant flooding of the streets has cost a lot of money. In Carl Rabey’s absence, Maddox gave a brief financial report. He said June revenues had exceeded expenses by $491,000 and the city has had three good months in a row. He reported the audit should be completed soon.

In comments at the conclusion of the meeting, council member Ron Theis praised the parks department and city attorney David Bailey praised the fire department for their help with a family who had fallen during the night. Councilmember Rod Clardy said he feels all city departments are doing a good job, and Mayor Maddox agreed, saying, “We have a great team which works hard.”