Bella Vista Streets Department Embarks on Major Resurfacing Efforts Amid Rapid Growth

During a recent Bella Vista City Council meeting, Superintendent Hunt and Assistant Superintendent Downing of the Bella Vista Streets Department showcased their combined 51 years of experience and leadership in navigating the city’s infrastructure challenges. The department, which took on new leadership in April 2023, has been responsible for critical projects, including the transformation of the old Fire Station #3 into the West Side Salt and Sand building, and the long-awaited completion of the Wash Bay project.

The Streets Department, tasked with maintaining the city’s infrastructure, handles mowing, tree trimming, pothole patching, drainage, sign installation, snow removal, and fleet maintenance. With a team of three mechanics, the department manages routine vehicle upkeep and heavy equipment repairs, ensuring the city’s operations run smoothly. Additionally, they oversee utility street permits and resurfacing contracts, utilizing both hot mix and slurry seal methods.

Proactive Planning and Budget Adjustments

A significant recent development for the department is their response to the severe weather event in August, which affected over 400 streets with debris. The department has worked tirelessly to remove debris and is seeking a $10,000 budget adjustment to pay for clean-up efforts. This move reflects their ability to quickly address emergency situations while continuing with regular operations. The staff's collaboration with the Fire and Police Departments during this event was essential to the city's swift recovery​.

Adapting to Rapid Growth

Under the new leadership, the department has been focusing on modernizing its approach to street maintenance. They’ve set ambitious goals, including expanding their mowing crew and creating a full-time tree crew to better serve the rapidly growing city. The department works closely with a Streets Committee composed of Council Member Wendy Hughes, street department leadership, and local residents to reimagine the city’s resurfacing strategy and road maintenance plans. As Bella Vista continues to develop, the Streets Department is proactively restructuring their operations to accommodate the increased demands​.

Managing Extensive City Infrastructure

Assistant Superintendent Downing elaborated on how the department manages Bella Vista’s vast network of over 550 miles of streets, which are divided into eight zones covering East, Central, and West Bella Vista. With a team of 28 employees, including 21 crew members, the department has successfully fulfilled over 700 work orders this year alone. Notably, 251 streets have been prepped for resurfacing, and 53 streets were paved with hot mix asphalt, covering 15.6 miles. By using the “zipping” process on 23 of these streets, the department saved approximately $40,000.

Looking ahead, the department has scheduled a slurry seal contract to begin on September 3rd, with 198 streets on the docket, amounting to 31 miles of resurfacing. In total, this project will cover 46.6 miles of the city’s roads, a significant 8% of Bella Vista’s total street mileage​.

Downing also acknowledged the recent severe weather event that impacted over 400 streets, which now require extensive debris removal. Despite the challenges, he praised the dedication of the street department staff in addressing the city's needs​.

Recognition and Community Support

Council Members Wendy Hughes, Doug Fowler, Craig Honchell, and Larry Wilms commended the department for their exceptional work, recognizing the department's pivotal role in maintaining and improving the city’s infrastructure during a period of rapid growth. As Bella Vista continues to develop, the Streets Department remains committed to enhancing the city's roads and services for its residents.