Hope City Board

By Mark Keith, 08/20/19 9:51 PM

The Hope City Board met Tuesday August 21st for their second meeting of the month. The board immediately went into executive session at 7:02pm. The meeting reconvened at 7:11pm. Mayor Montgomery says the executive session was to discuss the city manager’s upcoming performance review. No action was taken.

The board passed a resolution of preliminary support for the 2020 census. Cook noted Sylvia Brown has written a grant for the Hope Public Schools to help ensure an accurate count. Mayor Montgomery is working on naming a Complete Count Committee for the city.

The board looked at an amendment to the city personnel handbooks relating to the definition of “light duty”. The policy calls for light duty assignments to be approved by the department head and the city manager. The policy change was approved.

The board considered an urban bow hunting season from September 28th through the end of February. Last year 3 deer were harvested. Any hunter wishing to obtain to such a permit would come to city hall. The hunt was approved.

Under the City Manager’s report, Catherine Cook reminded the board of the Hope Water and Light meeting set for Wednesday and also talked about the library grand opening set for August 27th at 10am. The board also agreed to set up some other meetings.

Under the Citizens Requests, Mary George inquired about her light bill at the M & J Grocery building on North Hazel. She decided to go to the Water and Light Commission meeting.

Board member Kiffenea Talley requested a trash can at 2nd and Hazel. The mayor suggested the merchants on East 2nd consider getting involved in the Downtown Network. Board member Mark Ross noted the Beautification Committee has four more benches to assemble and at least a couple are slated for the Eastern part of downtown. Board member Trevor Coffee noted there was a leak earlier in the day at the Hub Pavilion. He also noted the sprinkler system needs adjusting. Board member Linda Clark noted Paul Henley was going to investigate new signs at Northside Park. Ross noted there was a large cedar tree at Avenue E and Hazel that needs attention. Board member Kiffenea Talley reminded those present that property owners need to keep the grass mowed on area between sidewalks and the street. The meeting then adjourned.