Hope board meets

By submitted, 06/6/18 8:54 AM

HOPE – The Hope City Board met Tuesday June 5, for its first meeting of June.

The meeting opened with a discussion on entering an agreement with the Lions Club to lease the Band Boosters building at Fair Park. The Lions would utilize the building for a concession stand at the Watermelon Festival and the District Fair. Doyle Brewer spoke and suggested the Lions lease it for $150 per year and be responsible for the electricity. Brewer also noted the club plans to contract for five years with Coca Cola. The Lions would also be responsible for some upgrades of electricity and some upgrades dictated by the Arkansas Department of Health. The board voted to offer it to the Lions for $150 per year for a five year contract. The Lions will have to vote on the contract. The city would also be responsible for the roof. 
The board discussed bids on cemetery mowing. No one had bid initially and the city will open bids again on June 14
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The board looked at bids on operation of the Kelly Fields concession stand. Jim Henley turned in the only bid for $1,251 per year for three years. There was discussion on whether Henley would pay utilities. His brother, parks director Paul Henley noted his brother hasn’t been paying utilities. Jim Henley had the contract on a three year term and one three year renewable option. There was not a separate electric meter on the facility six years ago when Henley won the bid. The board voted to reject the bid. They then voted to have it rebid based upon the operator not being responsible for the utilities. The board then voted to offer a memorandum of agreement to Henley for one month for $100.
The board scheduled a public hearing for June 21 at 6 p.m. at City Hall to discuss applying for an outdoor recreation grant. It is anticipated the city might apply for a grant to build a splash pad.
Under the city manager’s report, City Manager Catherine Cook noted the city is gathering bids on demolishing condemned houses. She also noted the Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting is June 19. Mayor Steve Montgomery noted he’d had a very complimentary email on Sgt Dusty Townsend regarding help provided to the email writer’s uncle when he had some problems. Mayor Montgomery noted the special election regarding possible changes in city government is July 10th. Someone asked about information about the issue and it was noted each side has a Facebook page. There was discussion that some entity might hold a public forum on the election. The work on the city pavilion downtown was discussed. Board member Mark Ross noted “Summer In the City” is June 16.