Hope City Board
The Hope City Board met Tuesday for their second meeting of October. First on the agenda was a look at proposed signs for the Hub/Pavilion Park at Elm and 2nd downtown. There were 7 designs. Discussion ensued. Designs ranged from depicting “The Hub” to “Pavilion Park” and “Hope”. Jody Coffee spoke offering her view on signage identifying “Pavilion Park”. The board voted to approve the “Pavilion Park” design. It was also noted the new sign will be lit at night.
Police Chief J.R. Wilson spoke on the Arkansas Department of Public Safety Grant Application. Chief Wilson asked the board to apply for $13,375 for redaction software for video shot through Hope Police “Mobile and Body Worn Video”. The board voted to allow the police to apply for the grant.
The board looked at several rezonings. The first was a request to rezone some property at 1118 East Third. Cristiam and Andrea Espinosa are asking to rezone the property from C-3 General Retail to C-4 Office Commercial. The property would be used for a convalescent home/assisted living facility. The Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the request. The board approved the ordinance which would allow the change.
The board looked at a request to rezone property at 108 North Walker to go from I-1 Heavy Industrial to C-2 Highway Commercial to allow use of an existing building to be used as a gym and a salon. The petition was presented by Jay and Monica Turley. The board approved the ordinance allowing the change.
Mayor Still noted Halloween is on Sunday this year so the city will observe Halloween officially on Saturday. The board voted to allow part of Division and Main to close this Saturday for the Trunk or Treat.
Under Citizens Requests, Mitzie Stewart praised the board for their efforts and noted her happiness at living in Hope.
The board went into executive session at 7:46 pm. The meeting resumed in open session at 8:35pm. Mayor Still noted the session was for personnel matters. The board then extended City Manager Catherine Cook’s contract for another year and raised her base salary by $3,000.
Under the City Manager’s Report, Catherine Cook noted the paving is underway on the street program. She noted some electrical work is being done on the soccer field. She also noted the new fencing is going up at Fair Park. Cook noted the North Side Community Center has been inspected by Dorsey Askew and has a working 200 amp service. Mark Ross asked an audience member what would be needed for a band and it was suggested the city consult Jerome Underwood. Cook said the city would be happy to help with possibly more electric capacity or even a generator. Mayor Still suggested the city tour of facilities visit North Side to look at that building. The meeting then adjourned.