Hope City Board
The Hope City Board met in the city hall board room Tuesday for the first time in two years. Following the prayer and pledge the board moved into the agenda items.
The board looked at a bond resolution on wastewater bonds. Jason Holzclaw of Stephens Inc. explained how the city could save some money refinancing some 2016 and 2017 bonds. This could result in up to over $1.3 million in savings. The refinancing could result in a lower interest rate. Nicole Gore of the Rose Law Firm also addressed the board. Gore said the bonds can be “deemed designated” and as such quality for refinancing. The Rose Law Firm would serve as bond council. Further discussion ensued. City Attorney Randy Wright read the proposed resolution allowing the process to proceed. The resolution passed. Holzclaw and Gore are expected to return to the board in April to discuss the proposed refinancing.
The board looked at some ward redistricting options. Option 1 would put two incumbents in the same ward. Board member Steve Montgomery moved they accept option 3. The motion passed.
The board looked at a street program for this year. The board is looking at a budget of $533,000. The breakdown would be $17,092 in milling and $420,770 in overlay. Other components include pressure pave fog seal, drainage at 16th and Carolyn, pipes, concrete, gravel, turn lanes and ditching. Streets would include Lester Drive, Timbercreek, West 5th, Weat 13th, West 15th, West 11th, West 17th, South Walker, North Sherman, Dairy, North Oak, North Graham, West Avenue D, West Avenue E, North Mockingbird, West Avenue C, North Greening, North High, and West Avenue A. Discussion ensued about several streets that have holes in them from utilities. A permitting system was discussed. The board agreed by acclimation to allow staff to come up with a permitting plan. The street program was approved as presented.
The board looked at two new zero turn mower bids. The low bid was $19,812.78 from Hope Outdoor Power & Equipment. The board approved the Hope Outdoor bid.
Under the City Manager’s Report, Catherine Cook says the state will bid out 6th Street again in April. She also said the Street Scape plans have been accepted by the highway department. Cook said they have asked ArDOT if they can now bid it out, hopefully in April. Cook said they have the completed contracts for the outdoor grant and work is commencing on the pocket park downtown. Utility relocation on the site was discussed. Cook said they are hearing there will be more grant money for the airport this year. Cook said they don’t have any details yet. Runway marking was discussed with an eye towards an Arkansas Aeronautics grant. Cook said they hope to get a lot done this year. She also gave an update on the need for some plaster work at City Hall. She said they plan to replace ceiling titles in City Hall as well. Cook also discussed the land fill and UV light at a wastewater plant. April 23rd is the city clean-up day. Cook said she wants a summer crew with a truck and trailer to pick up trash. Cook cited trash on Bellew, Spruce,and Greenwood. Board member Kiffenea Talley lauded a group that went out and picked up litter over the past two weeks. Cook lauded the HAPS kids and some Bobcats and their efforts. Cook said she is going to visit with A &B Machine about a sign for Pavilion Park downtown. Steve Montgomery asked about the ladder fire truck and Cook noted some parts are still needed and haven’t come in. Montgomery asked if the board needs to start thinking about a new ladder truck at sometime in the future. Cook said getting a ladder truck depends on getting a used custom truck that will fit the main fire station or look at another structure to house such a truck. Mayor Still says he thinks the current truck will suffice if it is kept up. Mayor Still also suggested the fire department get a smaller truck for medical runs. Trevor Coffee said he gets the idea some fireman are skeptical of the ladder truck’s dependability. Mayor Still said the city needs a consultant to give the city how long the truck can remain viable.
Kiffenea Talley asked about the fire trucks going out on Pafford runs. Cook said that had to do with an unwritten COVID policy and she’s asked Chief Wilson to develop a written policy.
Board member Reggie Easter asked about staffing and Cook said it is getting better.
Under Citizens Requests, Merchel Thomas said the board has “lit a fire” under her organization and they recently cleaned up a street. Thomas also invited the board to a “fun day” Saturday March 19th at North Side Park. Mayor Still thanked Thomas and the meeting adjourned.