Hope City Board Meeting

The Hope City Board held their first meeting of 2019 Tuesday January 8th. The first order of business was for District Judge Tony Yocom to swear in new and returning members of the board. He swore in reelected members Mark Ross, Steve Montgomery, and Don Still. New member Dr. Linda Clark was also sworn in. The board then recessed into executive session at 7:02pm to discuss electing a new Mayor and Vice-Mayor. The meeting reconvened at 7:17pm. Nominations were accepted for Mayor. Dr. Trevor Coffee nominated Steve Montgomery for Mayor and Mark Ross offered a second. The vote was unanimous and Judge Yocom swore in Mayor Montgomery. Nominations were taken for Vice-Mayor. Mark Ross nominated Don Still and Kiffenea Talley offered a second. Still was voted in unanimously. Both he and the Mayor noted they were proud that all the board members take an interest in all sections of the city. Mayor Montgomery also lauded new member Dr. Linda Clark on her interest in the city.

The board heard a request from Police Chief J.R. Wilson. He asked if he could apply for a $2,300 block grant to fund a.mobile data unit. The board voted to allow the police to apply for the grant.

Under the City Managers report, Catherine Cook noted the rail spur work is being held up by wet weather but noted most of the lime stabilization was done and the contractor is working dilligently when possible. Also she noted the airport work is being held up due to the weather. Cook noted the downtown pavilion has the roof on it and work is being done inside the pavilion. When things dry up there will be some concrete work done on the north end of the property. Cook also noted the new filters at the water treatment plant are working better, the street paving is finished, and work is continuing to clean up debris after the December 2nd tornado.

Vice Mayor Still asked about the rough spots on 6th near Pine. Cook said they can’t hot mix or concrete those spots due to manholes but some cold mix could be applied. Mark Ross also mentioned a spot on West 2nd.

Mayor Montgomery noted at the next meeting the board will be considering appointments to a number of appointments to city commissions. He noted Dennis Ramsey’s term on the Water and Light Commission is up. Also, Kathy Akin and Mike Smith’s terms are.up on Planning and Zoning. Appointments will need to be made to the Hope Housing Authority, the Tourism Commission, the Airport Advisory Committee, the Economic Development Corporation,and the Beautification Committee.

Board Member Reggie Easter complimented the man in charge of Rose Hill Cemetery. He noted work on both Rose Hill and Cave Hill is progressing well. He also talked about a pothole near the cemetery. The meeting then adjourned.