Hope City Board
The Hope City Board met Tuesday for their second meeting of the new year.
The board first revisited the bids for Rosehill and Cavehill Cemetery Ground Maintenance. Justin’s Lawn Service bid $36,386 and Silvey Lawncare bid $41,500. Justin DeVinney and Mark Silvey both spoke concerning what they offer. DeVinney noted he has had experience with the cemetery and knows where the problem areas are. He also noted he has three crews available. Silvey presented a letter of recommendation from Corinth Cemetery and offered his experience. The board voted to accept the lowest bid from Justin’s Lawn Service. It passed with one “nay”.
The board looked at appointments to city boards, commissions,and committees. Dr. Lester Sitzes was appointed to another 5 year term on the Water & Light Commission. Kiffenea Talley and Cynthia Ford were reappointed to 3 year terms on Planning & Zoning. Judy Watson, Catherine Cook, and Dr. Linda Clark were appointed to three year terms on Planning & Zoning. Trevor Coffee was reappointed to the Tourism Commission representing the City Board. The board did not reappoint anyone to replace Catherine Cook on the Street Committee as Interim City Manager J.R. Wilson is already on that committee.
The board heard a request from the Fire Department to seek a grant to purchase electric extrication equipment. The equipment would cost $35,000. The board approved allowing the fire department to apply for the grant.
The Board looked at the previous month’s financial report. Finance Director Cindy Clark addressed the board on this. Several items were discussed including a discussion on possible animal control fees. It was also suggested the board consider some oversight of pet cats. Discussion also ensued on responsibility of an ice machine in one of the city concession stands.
The board discussed a letter from ArDOT on doing some work on two bridges in the city. ArDOT is requesting some clean up and maintenance on a bridge at East Greenwood at Pate Creek and a bridge at Experiment Station Road at Pate Creek. The board approved the work by acclimation.
The board looked at a waive bid ordinance for the Police Department to buy a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse from Hope Auto for $37,644.78. The board approved the ordinance. Director Mark Ross noted this was a good effort by a department head to save the city money.
Interim City Manager J.R. Wilson discussed some grant funding the city could apply for for wastewater. The board approved a resolution that will allow Wilson and the Mayor to apply for these funds.
Under the City Manager’s Report J.R. Wilson addressed board briefings, board pictures, and an update on the batting cage construction. He noted the pocket park downtown will be finished in a week or two. A ribbon-cutting was discussed for the pocket park. Chief Wilson gave some departmental reports for the past month. Wilson also explained why the fire department is responding to certain medical calls with Pafford. He also noted the city has applied for an APSC grant. He noted some changes to getting him on some ADEQ and EPA sites. Wilson gave an update on a runway safety project at the Hope Airport. He also gave an update on the runway marking project. Wilson detailed progress on the Street Scape project. Wilson also noted there have been requests for reports from the Chamber of Commerce and the EDC quarterly. It was also suggested the beautification committee report quarterly. It was also noted it should be publicized when there are vacancies on the Beautification Committee. Wilson also discussed how the city is seeking bids on cds and he noted how the city is working with Diamond Bank.
Mayor Still gave a report on the Municipal League. The Mayor also promoted the public meeting at Hempstead Hall set for 6pm Thursday January 19th to detail the Hope Schools’ five year plan. Also, decrepit houses were discussed and Wilson detailed an effort by a town in Texas to get grants to redo houses.
Under Citizens Requests, Marsha White noted she and her family hope to do some clean-up Friday.
Sylvia Brown discussed the waive bid protocol of the city and encouraged the city to be proactive in working with minority women-owned concerns. She also encouraged the board to better publicize the vacancies on city boards and commissions.
The meeting then adjourned.