Liberty, Legacy, and Local Leadership: Hope Charts Its Path Forward at September Board Meeting

HOPE, ARKANSAS — The City of Hope Board of Directors convened on Tuesday, September 16th in a hybrid session at City Hall and online, unveiling a dynamic agenda that blended civic remembrance, infrastructure planning, and community engagement.

Mayor Don Still opened the meeting with a call to order. Dr. Linda Clark shared the Invocation, and Director Mark Ross led the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a respectful and patriotic tone for the evening. The Board swiftly moved to approve minutes from the September 2 meeting, which included community requests, infrastructure updates, and a heartfelt tribute to a beloved citizen.

Two proclamations marked the evening with reverence and patriotism. The first, presented by Ms. Bonnie Raff, clothed in 18th-century attire, declared September 17–23 as Constitution Week, commemorating the 238th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution, and shared copies with the Board, telling them if they had previous copies, they should share these with others. Mayor Still urged citizens to reaffirm the ideals of the Framers and protect the freedoms enshrined in the document. Before exiting the meeting, Raff shared that the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which is an entirely different subject from the U.S. Constitution, would be honored this summer on July 4, 2026, with further details forthcoming. The second proclamation, read by city staff, designated September 10 as Hazel Simpson Day, honoring the late Hazel Simpson for her lifelong dedication to community service. Her passing was noted with deep sorrow, and the Board encouraged residents to emulate her spirit of compassion and civic engagement, noting her passion for Northside Park with fondness.

Chad Miller (and Cheryl Miller) of William C. Miller Accounting Firm presented the 2024 Audit Report, reinforcing the city’s commitment to fiscal transparency. While the full report was pending release, its inclusion signaled ongoing accountability in municipal operations. He shared that the city’s financial outlook is trending in a positive direction.

A major highlight was the unveiling of 60% design plans for the Hope Recreation and Aquatic Center, presented by Clay McGill. The plans, available online, represent a significant step toward expanding recreational infrastructure in Hope. Materials and specific changes were shared and discussed for optimal benefits in the facility’s development, including décor and accents, accessibility, lighting, and parking.

Jeremy Stone, City Engineer, provided updates on the Northside Park Splashpad Project, including geospatial design, drainage repairs, and bathroom facilities. The Board considered a request to upgrade trash receptacles from the proposed concrete to ones similar to downtown’s, but color-coded to match the splashpad’s blue. Preliminary site preparation was approved, and wastewater line replacements were flagged as part of the project scope.

Beckie Moore, Director of the Downtown Network (DTN), proposed a Department of Heritage Art Grant application for street art installations at downtown intersections. The Board approved applying for the grants, promising to review the proposals once the grant is awarded. Moore also previewed the upcoming Taste of Hope event, where citizens will vote on three potential downtown projects for 2026.

The Board emphasized compliance with city codes, ADA standards, and traffic control regulations, noting DTN would bear responsibility for any approved projects. In a related initiative, Ms. Sinai Bautista followed up on a beautification project for downtown planters, reinforcing community-driven efforts to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. The Board approved the placement of dwarf crepe myrtle trees.

City Manager J.R. Wilson responded to citizen requests about adding a restroom stall at the Northside Park Splashpad Project, and he addressed concerns about local flooding and storm sewer overflow on private property, explaining that efforts had been made to mitigate the issue. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Hope’s commitment to honoring its past while investing in a vibrant, inclusive future.