Hope City Board
The Hope City Board met Tuesday for their second meeting of August. After the prayer and pledge the board moved into the agenda items.
First up was a proposed rezoning ordinance for property on Rocky Mound Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission heard a request to rezone some property on Rocky Mound Road from R-2 to I-2 (light industrial). Tyson is requesting the change. The land currently houses the Tyson Hatchery. City Manager Catherine Cook said there have been questions about a creek which might be affected. It has been determined the creek flows away from Emerald Village and the Pinecrest/Dodd Street neighborhood. Also, questions about wastewater were answered. The P & Z Commission voted to recommend the zoning change. Cook also discussed how the lift station is working and noted the lines had been smoke tested. Discussion ensued. Mike Davis of Tyson spoke. He noted when evaluating a new site for a hatchery they realized the zoning needed to be updated. City Attorney Randy Wright read the ordinance out loud. The board approved the ordinance and the emergency clause.
The board looked at a request to change a lot on Harris Street from R-2 to R-5 to allow placement of a mobile home in the lot. The P & Z Commission has recommended the rezoning be approved. The board approved the zoning change and the emergency clause.
The board looked at a requested rezoning of 3 lots at 1203 South Main from C-4 Office Commercial to C-3 General Retail. Pamela Cherry wants to use the space for a daycare. It was determined the property, by law, would have to be fenced. The P & Z Commission approved the request. Board member Mark Ross noted some day cares have issues with too many vehicles are parked in the yard. City Attorney Randy Wright read the proposed ordinance. The board approved the ordinance and the emergency clause.
The board voted to update the authorized signatures for the city deposit accounts. The board approved that the authorized signers be Catherine Cook, J.R.Wilson, and Cynthia Clark.
The board heard a request from Perry Pond to keep some hunting dogs in the hog barn at Fair Park for two nights on the weekend of October 29th. Parks Director Summer Chambers addressed the board concerning the request. The current rental fee is $100 per day and a $100 clean-up fee. Questions were raised on what it would cost should the dogs bring in fleas and ticks. The board agreed to table it until the next meeting and to visit with Nevada County to learn why Mr. Pond is no longer housing his dogs at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
The board tabled a request on “call out” pay for the Hope Fire Department.
The board looked at an agreement with Spears Engineering to begin an Ultraviolet Disinfecting project at the East Wastewater Plant. The disinfecting project is projected to cost $365,000. The board voted to approve an engineering agreement with Spears for $44,700.
Under the City Manager’s Report, Catherine Cook gave an update on the Street Scape project. She noted they are working to make some changes to get the amount in budget.
Summer Chambers gave an update on the Watermelon Festival. She said it was the biggest she’s seen in six years. She said they had five teams in the Watermelon Olympics and 18 teams in the Cornhole Tournament. Chambers noted the softball tournament had 65 teams. Board member Mark Ross commended Chamber Director Christy Burns on her efforts.
Under Citizens Requests, Merchelle Thomas asked about a conflict with the Housing Authority in getting trash bags to the residents. It was noted the city is working to resolve the problem. Thomas also asked about getting non-household refuse picked up. Cook noted in the past the housing authority has taken refuse to the landfill. City Attorney Randy Wright noted there are some responsibilities of the housing authority board in this. Mayor Still noted the housing authority board will meet Thursday and come back to the City Board with some recommendations. Thomas said she just wanted the citizens to get the services they pay for. The meeting then adjourned.