Hope City Board Meeting Highlights Youth Engagement, Literacy, and Infrastructure Progress

Hope, Arkansas — October 21, 2025 The City of Hope Board of Directors convened Tuesday evening at City Hall for a meeting that blended civic engagement, community celebration, and infrastructure planning. Mayor Don Still opened the session with a call to order, followed by an Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.

A local Scout troop was in attendance, bringing youthful energy to the proceedings. Before the meeting, Director Mark Ross engaged the scouts by asking what they appreciated most about city government, sparking a brief but meaningful exchange on civic responsibility.

One of the evening’s highlights was a proclamation recognizing Family Literacy Day. A guest speaker, dressed in a whimsical “Cat in the Hat” costume, shared sobering literacy statistics and emphasized the importance of early reading habits. The speaker encouraged community members to support literacy initiatives that aim to foster lifelong learning among children and families.

The board reviewed and approved the 90% design plans for the Hope Aquatic Center, presented by Clay McGill. The project, though currently one week behind schedule, remains on track with bids expected by November 20. Design refinements include optional enhancements such as 50 additional parking spaces and an exterior pool slide. Safety concerns regarding the outdoor pool’s depth were addressed through plans for lifeguard stations and parental supervision to ensure safety. Acoustic improvements in the center’s lobby, featuring a USG Radiant ceiling system, aim to reduce echo and enhance visitor comfort. The board’s approval signals readiness for the next phase of bidding and construction.

In utility news, Hope Water and Light announced plans for a $10 million revenue bond to fund a new west booster station and a 150,000-gallon ground storage tank. The bond aligns with a rate study implemented in January 2024, ensuring no unexpected rate hikes despite the project’s cost increase to $11.1 million.

Jeremy Stone presented final design plans for tennis and pickleball courts, which were unanimously approved. The courts will feature LED lighting and controlled access to optimize user experience.

The board also approved pre-positioned contracts for debris removal, a proactive measure to streamline disaster response and secure FEMA reimbursement eligibility. This readiness plan aims to free city workers to focus on life-saving efforts immediately following emergencies.

A resolution was passed to adopt GASB accounting standards for the 2025 audit, enhancing fiscal transparency and aligning with broader governmental practices.

The board honored former Mayor Floyd Young with a proclamation and a scheduled memorial, recognizing his lasting contributions to the city.

In the City Manager’s report, updates included: Authorization for RJR Construction to begin work on the splash pad, with a projected spring 2026 opening. Completion of Phase 2 of the Fire Department’s expansion, with $100,000 approved for property acquisition. A resignation at the wastewater department creates a vacancy. A mention of a hometown Vietnam-era hero, Robert Vessey, whose story was recently featured in the Arkansas Gazette. With no further questions from the board or public, the meeting was adjourned.