Hope City Board

By Staff, 01/5/21 8:00 PM

The Hope City Board met for their first meeting of 2021 Tuesday. While the board met at Fair Park Community Center, new guidelines from the Governor led the city to encourage spectators to watch the meeting online.

Following the pledge, board members elected this past November were seated. District Judge Tony Yocom gave the oath of office to re-elected city board members Kiffenea Talley, Reginald Easter, and Trevor Coffee.

The board went into executive session at 7:07pm to discuss the election of Mayor and Vice-Mayor. The meeting reconvened at 7:17pm. Don Still was elected Mayor. Outgoing Mayor Steve Montgomery said he’s enjoyed his time as Mayor and is looking forward to continuing as a board member. He also thanked the city employees for the job they do. Mayor Still thanked Montgomery for his service. Judge Yocom swore in Mayor Still and noted the new Mayor was one of his best friends. He said Mayor Still is one of the best people he could think of for the position. Kiffenea Talley was elected Vice-Mayor. She was sworn in by Judge Yocom. Talley made history as the first woman to serve as Vice-Mayor of the city.

The board then approved the minutes of the previous meeting.

The board looked at an agreement on the Klipsch City Hall Auditorium. The auditorium has been rented to the Klipsch Museum Board and a new agreement was approved. Mayor Still noted he sits on the board and noted they hope to eventually show movies in the historic auditorium. This would be a five year agreement at $50 per month. The agreement was approved.

Under the City Manager’s Report, Catherine Cook noted the city is working on the Texas Street drainage project and pouring concrete. She noted the big room at the Fair Park Community Center and the Northside Park Community Center’s big room were painted. Cook noted the rain has hurt some projects. Cook gave an update on the “Street Scape” program to run between downtown and the Clinton Birthplace. One note was the “pavers” the city needs were made by the Hope Brick Yard and since it’s out of business those aren’t available but they hope to match a “paver” In color. Cook gave an update on the 6^th Street project and noted they are having trouble getting Windstream to respond to them. Cook also noted they are working on the bathrooms at Northside Park and are also bidding out the hay lease at the airport. She also said they hope to have some information on sanitation rates from neighboring cities for a February meeting. Cook also said wastewater has been challenging but the interim superintendent is doing well. In other news, she noted first-responders will have the opportunity to get their first COVID-19 shot next week. Cook said they are developing information about telecommuting for city employees. She noted our community is considered under served in broadband issues but more opportunities are coming. Cook gave an update on the city hall roof project. She noted the crew has been able to work this week. Trevor Coffee asked about City Financial Officer Debbie Hall’s plans to retire. Cook noted Hall has indicated it will be later in the year. Cook also answered some questions concerning logistics of the city police and firemen COVID vaccinations. Coffee also noted Express RX pharmacy is working with health care workers on vaccinations. The meeting then adjourned.