Hope City Board

The Hope City Board met on Tuesday e(11-21). After the prayer, pledge of allegiance and approval of the minutes, the meeting covered the current and proposed budget for the upcoming year. The proposed budget was $18, 527,557. The large size is due to capital projects including ANRC loan funded wastewater dredging and overflow project, ARPA funded UV project, FAA grant funded runway safety project and unfunded landfill remediation project.

The largest expenses in the budget were wastewater, sanitation, the airport, the street fund and police.

There is a proposed cost of living salary increase of 5% and 2.5% for permanent part time employees. The retirement contribution to APERS will stay the same next year at 15.32% Contribution for LOPFI raised to 24%.

The budget discussion was to be continued in the next meeting.

Next was the consideration of an animal control ordinance amendment which would allow Hope Public Schools to keep livestock, fowl and swine within city limits for educational purposes. The motion was tabled until Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley can come and answer questions. There was concern about the impact upon nearby residents on 16th street and desire to hear from them as well.

Then there was the consideration of a proposed ordinance rezoning request which was referred to the city by the planning and zoning commission. Carl Conley recommended the approval and City Attorney Randy Wright read the ordinance. The motion was quickly passed.

In the City Manager’s report, J.R. Wilson said for the Streetscape the final bills were being signed off on with the project being wrapped up.

The subject of a Christmas bonus was raised with Director Trevor Coffee making a motion to give a $1,000 bonus. This was seconded and passed. They board will need to do a resolution as it will use ARPA funds.

For events at the airport, the city learned the FAA wants the city to ask for permission before shutting down the airport. If there is a complaint, the city could lose the discretionary funding. If the event involves flying, they are more likely to approve it.

For Citizen’s Request Anna Powell stated that a Dollar General was going into the Stage building. After Ms. Powell mentioned a future event at the Bakery meeting adjourned.