Hope Tourism Commission

The Hope Tourism Commission met Thursday July 11th. The first order of business was to look at the new tourism tax ordinance and to look at a proposed form for the advertising and promotion tax permit application. City Manager Catherine Cook was on hand to.present the form. Also, Cook said code enforcement personnel will be the first to contact those who aren’t in compliance. Several businesses were noted by the commission as being behind on remittance of the 2% tax. They included the Brick House Cafe, El Agaves, Karma Korner, Hope Donuts, Subway, Vilma’s, Little Caesars, and Scottie’s. There was further discussion on audits and hearings for those who continued to be in non-compliance. The permits are required by November 1st. Also discussed was sending out a “head’s up” letter and it was agreed the city will send out some letters.
Vice-Mayor Don Still gave a report on the former Kopecky property adjacent to the Clinton Birthplace. Vice-Mayor Still showed some designs from the National Park Service but said the National Park Service likes some of the city’s ideas. He also said he has been in touch with Atwood’s on either buying their parking lot adjacent to the Clinton Birthplace or doing a joint venture. The Vice-Mayor also said for the Kopecky property to be improved by the National Park Service, they will have to own the property. Vice-Mayor Still also said the city would retain a small amount of property for the veterans Memorial. Spectator Gary Chambless said he thinks attendance will go up when parking improves. Vice-Mayor Still said the National Park Service is also interested in the city’s plans for a sidewalk from downtown to the Clinton Birthplace.
The Hub Pavilion was discussed. City Manager Catherine Cook noted workers had been working on the Hub roof, gutter, and soffit. . She said everything is fixed but the fans. Cook noted the fans had been removed after one was damaged by wind and a temporary fan was installed for the Thursday afternoonFarmers Market. Commission member Dr. Trevor Coffee asked about the “Pavilion Park” sign and Cook said there are no immediate funds available nor a “shop” drawing. Paul Henley floated the idea of the Tourism Commission funding the sign. 
The Commission discussed the pending new playground equipment for the parks. . Paul Henley showed a new Northside Park sign. He also noted they are close to bidding the playground equipment. Dr. Coffee asked about where the Fair Park playground will be replaced. Henley noted the playground near the pool is scheduled for replacement. Dr. Coffee said some at the Strategic Planning meeting have suggested putting some playground equipment at Lake Huckabee. Bathrooms were also discussed. 
It was noted the meetings will be recorded in the future. Henley also showed a panel for the Depot wall murals featuring Yerger School photos. 
Vice-Mayor Still discussed providing cash prizes for the Watermelon Festival softball tournament. Summer Powell gave some explanations on the tournament. Powell, in answer to the Commission’s questions, suggested offering cash prizes for the first three places in each category. The Commission voted to fund $4,000 for the cash prizes. The meeting then adjourned.