Hope Tourism Commission

The Hope Tourism Commission met in City Hall in the Boardroom on Tuesday afternoon. After being called to order the minutes, revenue, and expenses were reviewed.

There was an update on the permits and payments. The new system is working much better. Six businesses were behind on payments.  Super 8 is missing their January and February payments and after payments are checked will be mailed a revocation letter. El Agaves has reached their 60-day limit and will be mailed a revocation letter.

Little Caesar’s has caught up somewhat but didn’t calculate in interest and penalties. They will need to include that in the next payment. Little Caesar’s is still missing their December 2022 and January 2023 payments and owe interest and penalties close to $500.

Ice rink attendance was covered next. The larger rink seems well-appreciated. On November 16th, there were 31 skaters, on November 17th 32, and November 18th 8.

The next item was the CJRW Performance Evaluation which Ms. Moore emailed the commission. The e-newsletter topic which received the most visits was on planning a spring-break in Arkansas followed by one on seeing the natural beauty in the Natural State. Other topics were outdoor family fun events, trail of holiday lights, plan your custom Arkansas experience and fall in Arkansas.

Other meeting topics covered were the public parking signs behind the Klipsch Heritage Museum, the interstate billboard and the tourism budget. The public parking signs orientation may need to be changed or the height and width might need to be changed.

The interstate billboard is currently yellow and has the wrong website listed. It is currently up for renewal. It is out of the three year contract. With a new three-year contract, a new sign would be put up for free. Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation President Anna Powell said it was the cheapest rates she had seen. Parks Director Summer Chambers said she would see if a free sign would be included if the sign fades.

For the 2024 budget, items may include construction and paving of a parking lot behind Jack Williams field as well as possibly at the Soccer Complex. The cost of both projects would be $130,000. The decision was made to pay for it as an infrastructure project as there are no big expenditures planned currently. A motion was made by Mayor Still, which was 2nded and passed. to approve the funding of the parking area upgrades.

Also to be included in the budget will be the Eclipse event. Previously approved for the event was $15,000. Marketing will need to part of the event and a larger budget would be needed.  It is thought sponsors would be needed.   A motion was made by Sharon Caldwell to increase the budget to $25,000. This motion was seconded and passed.

The airport was discussed.  If a runway is closed, the FAA would need to approve it or the city would risk losing funding.

The Train Depot was brought up needing to be refreshed and updated such as having travelling exhibits.