The Hope City Board met Tuesday in a hybrid meeting that combined virtual with an in-person.crowd.
The board heard a request from Eagle Scout candidate Hunter Mathis. He wants to partner with the Hope Lions Club to build a 14 foot by 30 foot concrete pad for the Hope Lions to use for fish fries at Fair Park. City Board member and Hope Lions President Mark Ross it noted this won’t cost the city any money. The board approved the project.
Chamber Director Beckie Moore asked the board for permission to schedule the watermelon festival and the festival concert. The festival would be August 5th,6th,and 7th. The board voted to allow the Chamber to proceed on the festival. This would be subject to approval by the Arkansas Department of Health.
The board considered a request from New Millennium to combine the parcels they rent at the Hope Airport. They also wanted their rent to be month to month as opposed to a lease agreement. The board approved this item.
The board voted to designate an old air compressor at the fire department as surplus. Also, the board approved designating an old stage at Fair Park as surplus.
The board considered taking over the annual Methodist Church fireworks show this year. The proposal called for the event to be held at the airport on July 3rd. The Tourism Commission would underwrite the event. The airport would be shut down for the day to air traffic. The board approved the fireworks show.
The board considered allowing the Lower Arkansas Hams (a ham radio club) hold a radio swap meet. The board approved the club’s request. This would be Memorial Day weekend. The club would be charged $75.
The board looked at a proposed ordinance to purchase a refurbished blower for the west wastewater plant. The low bid was $24,178. from a company called Red River Pump Specialists of Shreveport. This fan dated back to the construction of the plant in the late 1970’s. There were questions about why the city bought a new one last time as opposed to a refurbished one. Assistant City Manager J.R. Wilson noted last time the blower was replaced it had been planned as part of a bigger project whereas this one was unexpected. City Manager Catherine Cook said it was unusual the current blower couldn’t be rebuilt. Plant Supervisor Scott Ross weighed in via computer to note the cost of a new one would be about$35,000. The board opted to approve the ordinance which would purchase the refurbished blower.
The board moved on to sanitation rates. As part of this the board looked at some finances on sanitation prepared by Assistant City Manager J.R. Wilson. He noted the department needed about $375,000 this year to operate without going into reserves. The board looked at plans which would increase revenue from $389,000 to $446,000. Increases would start at $3 per month for the first year and then 50 cents per year for the next 4 years. Commercial rates would increase from $4.25 per cubic yard to $6 the first year and then an increase of 25 cents per year for the next 4 years. Also if this plan was approved, the city could bring back trash bags for each household. City Manager Cook noted if these increases were implemented, the city would need to monitor the increases closely to determine if they are producing the expected increased revenue. The board took no action in order to get some feedback from citizens. Director Ross said he would like the public to offer feedback to the board for a future decision.
City Manager Catherine Cook reported Patmos Road is opened back up. She commended those involved in fixing the road. Cook also gave a report on the city hall roof and noted they are working on the flat part. She expects it will be finished soon. Cook also noted the west city hall sidewalk probably needs to be replaced.
Cook continued her report with an update on the “street scape” program and efforts to have antique-type lighting. She also reported on the 6th Street utility relocation and also on the Clinton Birthplace. Cook also described two possible sign options for the HUB.
Cook noted they are working on the swimming pool to prepare it for a summer opening.
There were no citizens requests.. The board went Into executive session at 8:12pm. The board reconvened at 8:25pm. Mayor Still noted personnel was discussed but no action taken.
Director Ross asked about the new fencing for Fair Park and the meeting adjourned.