Hope City Board

The Hope City Board met in the City Hall boardroom on Tuesday (8-6) for their first meeting of August.   After the prayer, pledge and approval of the previous minutes there was a discussion of the railroad connected with New Millennium. Approval was sought to work with Graham Engineers, coordinate with New Millennium, and enter into an agreement with a third party to conduct needed improvements.  This should cost $200,000. Robert Graham addressed the Board. A motion passed allowing this.

There was a public meeting for the proposed outdoor recreation grant to see what the public wanted to apply for. There were a few votes for the splash pad at Northside Park and there was a request that it be made safer by moving it towards Spruce Street and away from the bathrooms. The board agreed to apply for a Splash Pad.

The rates for those from outside the area to use the city landfill were increased significantly. This allows the city to maintain the cash flow while slowing down the use.

The Hope Police Department requested permission to apply for a public safety grant for body cameras, car cameras and a server with the total cost of $116, 000. The board approved that motion..

For the street department there was a waive bid ordinance to allow them to purchase concrete pipe and rubber gasket to complete the Fulton Street project. The motion passed.

In the City Manager’s report JR Wilson reported on Clean-up Day and Wednesday’s deadline to file petitions to run for open city board seats. Wilson noted a new fire truck has been obtained and is currently housed at the airport. Sixth Street striping will be done the Monday after the Watermelon Festival. In Fair Park signs and 9-1-1 addressing has been completed.

There was a request from the Mayor of Bodcaw to add a future employee of theirs to Hope’s Health Care Plan. Bodcaw would pay the premiums. They can’t join on their own because of their size. After the details are discussed it will be voted on in the next meeting.

Hope is working on a marketing campaign for Hope for the Future. A concern was raised whether or not there would be any more public meetings. City Manager Wilson stated they many as were needed.  Director Mark Ross said he would like to see meetings taking place at Northside.

The grass will be cut this weekend at Northside. Praise was given for how well the grass was maintained at the cemetery.  The meeting then adjourned.