Hope City Board

The Hope City Board met in the City Hall Boardroom on Tuesday (5-21). There was a working meeting at 6pm followed by the Board meeting at 7.   The board looked at proposed improvements and projects that could cost up to $17 million dollars should the public approve a proposed tax to fund the improvements. The city is working with an engineering firm and is working to trim expenses on the proposed projects as much as possible.  Several items in the engineering proposal were eliminated including all the walkways, the outdoor pool at the Recreation Center, work on the tennis Court and Pickle Ball.  Pickle ball could be played inside the proposed recreation center.  Some ball field improvements were also scrapped from the proposal.  The concession stand and bathrooms at the soccer field were made smaller. For the new fire station, the goal is to build more cheaply. The things which have been cut could eventually be done with city money.

After the prayer and pledge an attendee asked if the pool was grounded to protect from lightning strikes. This question was deferred to be answered in another meeting. For this meeting further discussion of the topic of Hope for the Future was shelved.

For a wastewater bond proposal, Taylor Marshall of Friday, Eldedge and Clark was there to respond to public questions about the bond proposal. The meeting recessed to allow for public comments. Since there were none, the meeting resumed. With state and federal money, the combined rate would be 1.75%. 5% of the funds would be deposited for depreciation until the amount of $71,000 is reached. The city will receive $500,000 from a grant and will post a bond for $714,000.

The Board passed a motion to suspend the requirement of three readings. It also passed motions to suspend the rules, adopt the ordinance and to adopt the emergency clause.

For the Airport Brady Loretz from the Sports Club of America asked for permission to have timed races at the airport. There will be no liability for the site as it is strictly controlled for safety. The drivers rarely go faster than 55 or 60 miles an hour and spectators are kept at a safe distance away. A useable area was displayed at the meeting. The organization currently races in Stuttgart and usually race on Saturday and Sunday. Spectators are always welcome and there is no charge. Anyone is allowed to race. The only requirements are that the vehicle is longer than it is wide and has four wheels. The races are a test of driving skill instead of speed.  The organization would have porta potties brought out instead of using airport facilities.

There are generally 60 to 75 people at these races. There is a great potential for this number to grow. The new location would draw drivers from Louisiana, since it is closer, as well as elsewhere in Arkansas.  Two weekends in July and September were proposed.  The FAA was said to have no issue with the Club as they know it has a good record.  For those who want to participate it is $60 without a membership and $40 with one.  A motion passed to approve the contract with Sports Club of America.

The board voted to approve Cindy Clarke as the City Clerk.

A motion passed accepting Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District as CDBG grant administrator.

For the City Manager’s Report JR Wilson talked about progress on 6th Street giving hope the project can soon be finished.  The meeting then adjourned.