Hope City Board
The Hope City Board met Tuesday by virtual meeting. Following the prayer, pledge, approval of minutes, and financial report, the board moved to the meeting agenda.
The board’s first action was to consider placement of a “Little Free Library”. Lucie Thornton has asked to place it near the “Hub” in memory of her late mother Carolyn Thornton. The board agreed by acclimation.
The board looked at accepting a “STEP” grant. The goal of the grant is to reduce traffic related crashes, injuries, and property damage. Funds are used to fund overtime assignments that allow officers to address impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and use of safety restraints. The total grant is $42,500 which includes $25,500 in federal funds, $3,000 in state funds, and $14,000 in local in-kind matching funds. The board approved the acceptance of the grant.
The board looked at extending the lease on the CDL testing facility at the Hope Airport. The state leases an acre for $600 per year. They provide their own building. The board voted to extend the lease.
The board looked at a proposed ordinance that would amend the city’s land development code. The planning and zoning commission had met earlier in the week and voted to recommend allowing residential living in the downtown area. City Manager Catherine Cook noted when the city land development plan was approved in 1981, urban living such as on the 2nd floor of commercial buildings was not popular in small towns. The changes dealt with changes in terms and changes in parking for those occupying residential units downtown. The ordinance was approved.
The board looked at a request from the Hope Fire Department. The department wanted to amend their 2020 capital outlay. A compressor is needed for the department that provides “breathing air” for the firemen’s breathing units, the current one is over 30 years old and needs to be replaced. A bid of $32,116 has been received. Interim Chief Todd Martin spoke to the board and answered questions. The department would defer buying some new portable breathing devices until next year. The board approved the purchase.
The board looked at an ordinance which would amend the city purchasing policy. The city is currently working under five different ordinances. The board took no action in order to let the directors study the proposed ordinance before voting.
A request to hold some softball tournaments at the city’s park facilities. City Manager Cook noted the sponsor of the proposed tournaments has received permission pending some stringent efforts at cleaning and sanitation. Discussion ensued concerning the difficulties the sponsor would face in meeting the Department of Health guidelines. There was special concern about the COVID numbers in Hempstead County. Dr. Linda Clark of the board quoted the Governor as saying “be safe” and she said she’s not convinced such a gathering would be safe although she can live with whatever the board decides. The board voted 5 to 2 to approve the softball tournaments.
Under the City Manager’s report, Catherine Cook noted the city has a request to use the airport’s closed runway for a photo opportunity. The board was hesitant because the photographer would not reveal the context of the photo session. The board voted to allow the photo shoot at the city manager’s discretion.
Cook said she had a request from Sharon Caldwell concerning a Halloween event downtown. The board agreed by acclimation.
Cook noted the plaque for the Hub is in and she asked the board to look at their calendars to have an event to honor the Graves and dedicate the plaque. She also asked the board to look at their calendars for the annual “Tour of City Facilities”. Board member Mark Ross suggested the board not do the tour on a bus but caravan in their vehicles. The board decided to do the tour on the morning of Oct. 27th and dedicate the plaque at noon. Cook also introduced Interim Wastewater Superintendent Scott Ross. She noted Code Enforcement officer Carl Conley was back working.
Board member Reginald Easter asked the board to prepare a letter for the family of Deidre Carrigan. Carrigan apparently fell at the football game last Friday and passed away the next morning. The board agreed to prepare such a letter for Director Easter to give to the family at the funeral this weekend.
Vice-Mayor Don Still suggested the city look at installing stop signs at the intersection of Main and Division. The meeting then adjourned.