Hope City Board
The Hope City Board met Tuesday October 5th for their first meeting of the month. Following the prayer, pledge,and minutes the board moved into agenda items.
The board looked at a waive bid ordinance in dealing with the city’s ladder truck. The truck, which is a 1981 model, has some problems with its nozzle at the end of the ladder. The board looked at two options including installing a manual nozzle which was bid at $8,541 by Rowe Industries. Rowe also bid $26,175 to install a remote nozzle that can be operated by personnel on the ground level. The city also had bids from a company called Casco for $5,800 and $15,000; however, the Casco bids did not include tax, shipping, and installation. City Manager Catherine Cook said Magnolia bought a new ladder truck several years ago at a cost of $1.2 million. Another used one probably would not fit the historic main fire station. Cook said staff is leaning towards the automated nozzle. Fire Chief Todd Martin said the motor and the rest of the truck appears to be in good shape. An inspector told the city two years ago the truck would probably last another five years. Cook noted the city needs a ladder fire truck due to such structures as the National Building and the Courthouse. Board member Mark Ross asked if the other trucks are in good shape and Chief Martin noted one recently failed inspection but is in the shop at Freightliner in Texarkana and the fix is expected to cost $1,100. The board discussed the cheapest bid but learned Casco wouldn’t install the nozzle and Rowe would have to do that. Mayor Don Still seemed to indicate it wasn’t a good idea to buy a part from one company and get another to install it. Funding was discussed. City Attorney Randy Wright noted the board was being asked to waive bids or seek competitive bids. Trevor Coffee asked about the cost versus the projected life of the truck. Don Still noted the hydraulics to raise the ladder could also be repaired when it quits. Board member Steve Montgomery suggested deciding on the waive bid ordinance and, if the board wishes, looking into other options prior to the next meeting. Kiffenea Talley raised the idea of bidding out the nozzle and the hydraulics of the ladder together. Cook noted the previous ladder truck was in operation from 1948 to 1997. A motion was made to suspend the rules and the motion failed. City Attorney Wright suggested the city look into what they want bid. Kiffenea Talley moved that staff should open competitive bidding on an automated nozzle. During discussion, the length of time involved in bidding was discussed. Wright said in rejecting the waive bid ordinance, the city has to seek competitive bidding unless some other situation comes up. The board approved Talley’s motion for bidding.
The board has a request from Don Ruggles for a reduced rate on putting his helicopter in the large hanger at a reduced rate. The regular rate for a plane is $110 per month. Ruggles argues that a helicopter takes up less space (about 8 feet as opposed to 25 feet) and a reasonable rate would be $30 to $49 per month. The board voted to charge $50 per month for helicopters.
The board looked at the annual board tour of facilities and lunch. The board tentatively decided on November 9th.
Under the City Manager’s Report, Catherine Cook noted the street program milling is finished and paving is underway. The city is working on a draft budget. Bobo and Bain is working on drainage by the hangar at the airport. Cook said several jobs are open in the city and asked if anyone knew of anyone to apply to send them to the city. The city is also looking at needs which could be addressed with the most recent federal funds received by the city.
Board member Trevor Coffee asked about the signs at Pavilion Park. Cook noted she has sought a cost on them.
Board member Mark Ross noted Fair Park needs more lighting for public safety. Mayor Still said they will get a committee together to work on it.
The board went into executive session at 7:51pm. The board reconvened at 8:26pm. No action was taken. Mayor Still said it was a personnel matter.
Under Citizens Requests, Hazel Simpson said the transmission shop at 3rd and Laurel has trucks parked that block the view of the intersection. Mayor Still says the state is responsible and they will call them about the issue. She also said there needs to be some clearing of intersections on Greenwood to the bypass. Mayor Still thanked Simpson for her concerns and the meeting then adjourned.