The Hope City Board met Tuesday for their second meeting of May. Following the approval of the minutes, the board discussed a possible rezoning on the west side of Lakeshore from R-2 to I-2. The request is from Integrity Energy Partners to build a solar panel array for the Hope Public Schools. City Manager Catherine Cook noted the Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the request. Citizen Larry Brown who lives near the area asked some questions concerning who would be responsible if the road gets torn up. The board approved an ordinance which would change the zoning for the solar array.
Police Chief J.R.Wilson addressed the board on the local observance of National Night Out. The local program is planned for August 3rd at Fair Park. The board approved a resolution declaring August 3rd the local observance of National Night Out. Board member Mark Ross suggested that since that is the night of a city board meeting that the board meet at the Fair Park Community Center and then attend the National Night Out festivities which Mayor Don Still thought was a great idea.
City Financial Officer Debbie Hall asked the board to approve the city’s audit to be under GASB standards. The board approved a resolution approving this request.
The board approved destroying some old accounting records. City Finance Officer Debbie Hall noted some of these date back to the 80’s. Hall noted this would not include audit reports or personnel records. She noted this would include items such as time sheets dating from before 2010. The board approved the destruction of the old records.
Hall also addressed the consideration of of rehiring the city’s current audit firm for an additional two years. The firm in question is William C. Miller, LLC. The board approved rehiring the Miller firm.
Under the City Manager’s Report, Catherine Cook gave an update on 6th Street, the Street Scape project, the city’s possible funds from the American Recovery Plan, and also lauded Street Superintendent Tim Blue who is taking another job. Cook noted the city is collecting information on traffic on 7th. She said the swimming pool looks like it will open on schedule this year. Cook also noted the summer recreation programs are being advertised for North Side and Fair Park. She also noted the City Hall roof is finished and noted the city is getting complaints about Rosr Hill Cemetery but it has been too wet to mow. Cook said the city has received trash bags and are passing them out. She also gave an update on some of the lights downtown which aren’t working. She said they think they can work on those without tearing up the street. Cook noted some of the sidewalk at Third and Walnut needs attention as does some at City Hall.
T.J Connell addressed the board under citizens requests. He noted the Living Hope Ministry has previously used the community center for their meetings prior to COVID and they would like to resume meeting their for free. Another associate of the ministry detailed some of the efforts of the ministry to send participants to summer camp. Mayor Still said the board may want to look at the fee structure for non-profits but he expects the ministry will probably half to pay something. Catherine Cook noted non-profits can rent the community center for half-price which is $50. Discussion ensued. Mayor Still suggested tabling the issue until next meeting. He suggested himself, Trevor Coffee, and Mark Ross could get together to come up with some suggestions. The meeting then adjourned.
