Hope City Board

By Mark Keith, 07/6/22 12:32 AM

The Hope City Board met Tuesday for their first meeting of July.  Two members, Reginald Easter and Steve Montgomery were online.

The board considered a work order from Garver Engineers for their work on a project to remark the main runway at the Hope Airport.  The city plans to apply for an 80/20 grant from the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics for $230,000.  The board approved the work order with Garver for $39,900.

The board looked at a waive bid ordinance to secure repairs on the city’s Caterpillar Dozier. The board had approved a budget for the work for $41,000.  Total cost would be $37,259.18 which would be about $3,700 under budget.  The work would include some bearing replacement, replacing a speed sensor in the transmission, overhauling the engine cooling system and the air conditioning.  The work would be done by J.A Riggs Caterpillar.  The board approved the waive bid ordinance and the emergency clause.

The board looked at leases on the Kelly Field concession stand and the soccer field concession stand.  There were two bids from Lori Morrison and Kris England.  The board accepted the high bids from Lori Morrison.

Under the city manager’s report, Catherine Cook noted the Saturday night fireworks went great.  Police Chief J.R. Wilson estimated there were about 1,000 cars with an average of 3 people per vehicle.  It was suggested that next year some more concession stands and bathrooms might be needed.

Cook talked about the recent public hearing on a possible outdoor recreation grant.  Parks Director Summer Chambers noted the top suggestions were a splash pad, a pickleball court, ballfield lights, and a walking track with the splash pad being the most popular.  A 50/50 grant is possible for up to $250,000.   Cook noted the last time they looked at a price for a splash pad the estimate in 2018 was $320,000.

The board talked about progress on the 6th Street program and the rebidding of the Street Scape project.  Cook said the Street Scape bids are expected to be high.

The board discussed signage on the dumpsters downtown.  Also the board discussed getting the dumpsters near the HUB dumped before “Big Sounds Downtown” Thursday.

The next clean-up day is set for July 23rd.

Mayor Don Still thanked for everyone who helped with the fireworks Saturday.

There were no citizens requests and the meeting adjourned.