Mayor gives Gravette state of the city address

GRAVETTE — Gravette’s mayor, Kurt Maddox, delivered his annual state of the city address at the regular meeting of the Gravette city council Thursday evening, Jan. 14. The address focused on accomplishments in six areas of city government operation.

Text of the address reads as follows:

“Citizens of Gravette, 2020 was undoubtedly a year unlike any other in recent history and one that will linger in our memories for time to come. Despite the challenges presented by covid-19, the city remained steadfast in the pursuit of creating a safe, sustainable, service-oriented city, which has been my priority and vision since being elected Mayor in 2014. I am honored to deliver to you the state of the city as I begin my seventh year as your Mayor.

“Although covid-19 presented challenges in forecasting anticipated city revenue, we finished the year financially healthy. Residential and commercial development continued to be strong in 2020. Water, sewer and streets completed many infrastructure upgrades. The fire and police departments, as well as the library, have taken additional steps to promote health and safety during the pandemic.

FINANCES

“General fund revenues exceeded expectations despite the pandemic’s effect of somewhat hampering sales tax revenue. We realized an increase in the general fund balance, thanks in part to the efforts of city department heads who managed expenses and found solutions without compromising quality. The water fund had a strong year, led by increased new service connections. The street fund finished 2020 with an increase in the fund balance.

PROJECTS — BOND AND GRANT

“Most of the bond projects wrapped up in 2020. A grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism funded full-size tennis and basketball courts at Hiwasse Park and a toddler playground at Old Town Park. The scenic part of

Phase 2 walk-bike trail, funded in part by a $200,000 private donation, is nearly complete. This section starts near Second Street S.W. and El Paso S.W. Plans for the remainder of the trail, to be funded by a $400,000 state grant, are being reviewed by the state. “A grant of over $100,000 from the Walton Family Foundation expanded the tree canopy in Gravette with trees planted at Pop Allum Park, Hiwasse Park, the “old bus barn” and the swimming pool. More public areas have been identified and additional trees will be planted later this year.

DEVELOPMENT

“The issuance of residential building permits increased in 2020 compared to the last several years. The Stone Crest subdivision on Dallas Street S.W. was completed and a preliminary plat for a duplex subdivision on Dallas Street S.W. is undergoing review. “Casey’s General Store opened in 2020 and RazorBox Storage plans to start construction in 2021. Crosswalk commercial development on Highway 72 in Hiwasse completed a second large commercial rental space. New businesses have opened on Main Street. Taco Bell is purchasing the city hall/police department buildings and will start construction in the next few months. City hall and the police station will temporarily relocate while a permanent home for both departments at the corner of Main Street and Second Avenue N.E. is being remodeled. I am excited to see city hall once again be an anchor in the Main Street community.

PUBLIC SAFETY

“The fire department responded to nearly 800 calls, down slightly from previous years. The department completed approximately 4,300 hours of training. Structures valued at approximately $1,899,356 were saved within the fire district. The purchase of rope rescue equipment, funded by an Arkansas Department of Health trauma sub-grant, will allow respondents to access vehicles in ravines. Live-fire simulations gave personnel a rare opportunity to practice techniques they have trained on under controlled live-fire conditions.

“The Gravette Police Department completed more than 1,000 hours of training. Three officers earned the designation of professional police instructor and can now teach law enforcement classes. Captain Bryan Smith was awarded numerous achievement certificates during Dale Carnegie training. The Gravette Police Department acquired a new K-9 officer, Officer Roni, who replaced retired K-8 officer Ikks. Improvements were made to the kennel where dogs picked up by animal control wait to be reunited with their owners.

WATER, SEWER AND STREETS

“The water and sewer department installed two isolation valves on Dallas Street S.W. to minimize outage should there be future main line breaks in the area. Two new 40 h.p. pumps were installed in the main wastewater lift station to replace the 30-year-old pumps. New filter media was added to the filters at the wastewater plant to improve the effluent quality. Over 1,100 locate requests and 1,630 work orders were fulfilled and more than 100 new water service connections were completed.

“To address ongoing drainage issues, a culvert was installed on Bluebird Road and a low water crossing was installed on N. Mount Pleasant Road. A concrete slab and slurry work on the embankment has helped to keep Gordon Hollow Road intact during significant rain events. Highway 59 was repaved and restriped by the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The Department of Transportation plans to repave Highway 279 north and south in 2021.

LIBRARY

“The Gravette Public Library is open. Summer Reading, Little Lions Storytime and Code Clubs have moved online. Curbside pickup service was added. The library received more than $8,000 in grants and donations in 2020. All public computers were replaced thanks to a private donation and a portion of a digital skills award. The library director spoke at two national library conferences about digital skills and STEM programs at the Gravette Public Library. “Thank you to the city council and city employees for their dedication and flexibility during an unpredictable year. Thank you to the citizens of Gravette for your support. I look forward to continuing to make Gravette a great place to call home.” Respectfully, Kurt Maddox, Mayor