Hope City Board
The Hope City Board met on Tuesday (6-17). The meeting was kicked off with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. All but one Board member, Dr. Linda Clark, were present. There was a passed motion to approve the minutes.
The city is looking at getting help from The Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program who help cities get grants. The fund amount shall not exceed $1,500,000. The city, county, and Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation met recently to debate about requesting two grants. There is a resolution required for said grant. There was a motion approved to accept a resolution to allow the board to do this.
J.R. Wilson, the City Manager, discussed the sanitation needs. Wilson said the sanitation department needs include a bailing system expected to cost $900,000.
Also needed is a remediation project expected to cost $500,000. This would require approval from AEDQ. Also needed is a new class 4 cell expected to cost about $500,000. There are currently about three years of storage left in the current class 4 cell. The city also needs a track hoe and skid steer replacement estimated at $500,000. The City Manager suggested that they raise rates from $5 to $7 so the city can cover costs. Vice-Mayor Kiffenea Talley asked if Hope Water and Light would raise their rates, since there was talk of raising rates.
City Attorney Randy Wright asked the board for approval to establish an Assistant City Attorney position. There was a passed motion to reimburse the proposed candidate for training and other expenses.
The City Manager gave his report. He noted plans for the Aquatic/Rec Center is coming along and discussed plans for the pool to be four and a half feet deep. For the pickleball court, Wilson showed a proposed design for the bathroom. The meeting then adjourned.
