Hope City Board
The Hope City Board met Tuesday for their first meeting of December. After the prayer and the pledge the board moved into agenda items.
The first part of the meeting was held as a public hearing on the First Assembly of God’s request to close two blocks of alleys between Avenue C and D. There were no objections from the public in the hearing and the board reconvened the meeting. City Attorney Randy Wright read a proposed ordinance which would mandate the alley closings if approved by the board. The board approved the ordinance.
The board looked at a request to allow “permanent encroachment on city sidewalk…2nd &Main”. Steve Harris who owns the building at 2nd and Main wants to put a balcony on the building. He presented an artist’s rendering. Board member Mark Ross said he has heard from officials in Clarksdale, Mississippi and Grapevine, Texas on such balconies and how they encourage them. Architect Clint Bailey spoke briefly and explained the city’s permission would allow them to develop the balcony. City Attorney Randy Wright read an indemnification statement provided by owner Steve Harris. The board approved the encroachment and allowed Harris to move forward.
The board looked at a waive bid ordinance considering replacing some parts on the landfill baler. The baler belt was damaged by failure in the baler “tail section”. Options included a new belt and tail section at $117,301.99, a new tail section and repairing the belt for $44,256.91, or a new belt and totally new conveyor for $180,105. Landfill Superintendent Mark Curtis recommended getting a new belt and a new tail section. Replacing the baler completely would be around one million dollars. The board approved the waive bid ordinance on getting the new belt and new tail section.
The board looked at a resolution for premium pay for essential workers from American Rescue Plan funds. The proposal would be for $5,000 for current employees employed since January 1st of this year. The sum would be reduced by $500 per month for each month a current employee was not employed by the city. Current employees will receive a minimum of $500. The calculated cost would be $492,000. Discussion ensued on what category the money would come from. Board member Mark Ross suggested including at least two employees in this who recently retired. These are Jim Bush and Robin Lee. City Attorney Randy Wright read the proposed resolution. The board then passed it.
The board looked at a resolution for the 2022 budget. The balanced budget was for revenue and appropriations for $13,314,760. The resolution was approved.
City Manager Catherine Cook reported that Kenneth Harvel of the Street Department had come up with an idea of installing an 18 inch pipe to prevent flooding of the area of Willie Walker’s property on Greenwood. It was noted it would cost about $800. Walker was there and asked about liability should a back flow valve on his house fail and his house flood. It was noted the valve is on Walker’s private sewer valve and traditionally the city wouldn’t be responsible. Walker disagreed and noted it could be interpreted the city has failed to maintain a working sewer. On the other hand, Walker said he appreciates what the city has done. He noted the house has flooded twice. The board agreed for the culvert to be installed. Walker asked about where the line becomes the city responsibility. City Manager Catherine Cook said they will investigate and determine where the line becomes Walker’s responsibility. No action was taken.
In the city manger’s report, Catherine Cook reported there was a Water and Light Commission meeting set for the next morning.
Under citizens request Hazel Simpson noted there is litter and a grown up sidewalk on Greenwood near the Bypass. Also, she noted a Magnolia Tree has limbs out into Hazel and that Dairy Street is overrun with trash. It was noted the Greenwood sidewalk is state property and the Magnolia Tree is on private property. It was noted the city doesn’t have a litter crew but maybe some volunteers would help. Simpson said her group would be glad to pick it up if the city would provide bags. Cook said they would. The meeting then adjourned.