The Hope City Board met Tuesday for their first meeting of June. Following the approval of the minutes the board moved into a request from Rainbow of Challenges. ROC wants to close part of Elm, Division,and Main for ROCtoberfest October 9th. Discussion ensued about how these street closures would affect merchants such as Western Auto and BeDazzled. It was agreed to table the request and seek more input from the merchants.
The board looked at a possible policy on speed bumps and “traffic calming devices”. It was suggested speed bumps only be considered for lesser used streets and that accident data be considered. Also the public notice aspect of informing the public about possible speed bumps was discussed. City Attorney Randy Wright suggested having public hearings should speed bumps be considered as the devices would be somewhat restricting to traffic. Also signs for the area around potential speed bump sites were suggested. No action was taken but Mayor Still suggested the board consider the policy at their next meeting. Mayor Still said “once we start this, we could turn into speed bump city”. Board member Dr. Linda Clark agreed with the tabling. Having a public hearing about putting them on West 7th and Caney Creek Drive was discussed and tentatively planned.
The board looked at trash bag bids. The lowest bid, about $2,000 more than last year, went to Houston Poly for $41,000.. Three bids were received and Houston Poly was about $5,000 less than the next lowest bid.
The upkeep on Rose Hill Cemetery was discussed. Catherine Cook noted the contractor just can’t get it all mowed due to the rain. Also in the City Manager’s report, Catherine Cook said there are new “fall surfaces” at the city playgrounds. She said the city pool is open but said the pool is not a “sustainable situation”. She said some pipes are held together with “silicone and duct tape”. She said it is operating legally by the health department and they hope to stay open through the watermelon festival. But Cook said a problem could crop up anytime. Board member Mark Ross asked how much has been spent on it this year and Cook said about $17,000. Ross said he would like to commend everyone who had a hand in getting it back up. Dr. Clark asked about swim classes and Cook said she didn’t think there was anyone available who was a swimming instructor. She said most of the lifeguards are new. Cook also detailed the private pool parties. Dr. Clark asked also about tennis lessons. Cook said they do hope to offer the “rally cats” tennis program in the future.
It was noted the board is expected to consider the Fair Park Community Center rent at the next meeting. Cook said she will have a complete list of what the city rents at the next meeting. Mark Ross also said the Lions Club will be approaching the city about adding a roof onto the concrete pad the Lions recently built.
Mayor Still suggested the board move their meetings back to City Hall. One board member had reservations about people attending without masks. Mayor Still said the board will consider moving in July. The meeting then adjourned.