Hope City Board Meets

The Hope City Board met Tuesday January 15th for their second meeting of 2019. The board kicked off the meeting by recognizing former board member Don Hall. Hall retired off the board after 16 years of service. He was presented a framed city poster signed by all the city employees. Mayor Steve Montgomery, Vice Mayor Don Still, and former Mayor Dennis Ramsey all paid tribute to Hall’s service.

Civitan President Darrell Davis asked if the Civitan Club could use the new Downtown Pavilion for their annual garage sale either the first Saturday in April or in case of rain the first Saturday in May. The board voted the to allow the club to use the pavilion.

The board considered waiving bids on replacing the undercarriage of a bulldozer used at the airport. The city had gotten bids ranging from $12,270 to $19,033 to repair it. The board voted to waive bidding on the repair. The city will go with the low bid they received.

The board went into executive session at 7:21pm to discuss appointments to city boards and commissions. The meeting reconvened at 7:31pm. The board voted to reappoint Dennis Ramsey to a 5 year term to the Hope Water and Light Commission. Kathy Akin and Mike Smith were reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. They will serve 3 year terms. Juan Rivera was reappointed to the Tourism Commission. He will serve 4 years. Dr. Trevor Coffee of the City Board was reappointed to the Tourism Commission for a one year term. City Board member Mark Ross was reappointed to a one year term on the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation.

Catherine Cook gave an update on the status of three projects. She noted despite the rain the contractors in the downtown pavilion, airport drainage project,and rail spur project are continuing to work.

There were no citizens requests. Vice-Mayor Don Still asked about the rough spots on 6th street and Catherine Cook noted Rodney Bobo is looking for a more permanent and sturdy material to patch the construction areas. The meeting then adjourned.