Hope Downtown Network Meets

The Hope Downtown Network met on Thursday. President John Sites called the meeting to order. The
minutes from the January meeting were approved.
Kim Hollis, the Treasurer presented the financial statement. It was approved.
Barb Noble presented the Fundraiser report. The event in October is the largest of the year.
The theme will be The Taste of Downtown Hope. Proposed price is $35. Attendance goal 300+.
The idea was floated of having Trade Days combined with Train Days helping to promote the
city and both events better. The suggestion was made that signs could direct people to
downtown thus giving visitors a more favorable view of the town.
There was a motion, which was approved, not to have a September event as there was in
previous years as there is not much attendance.
Interim City Manager, JR Wilson spoke about the many different projects being worked on with
the Streetscape being the most exciting one. Wilson stated that the overall figure was over
$980,000 and involved replacing the sidewalks, making them 8 feet wide and installing
decorative lighting. The streets that will be worked on are Main street and Elm street.
The next item on the agenda Becky Moore spoke about the progression in Main Street
Arkansas. The state has added a third option to the previous two of a volunteer network and
full-time paid position. The middle position added would be that of an Associate Main Street
community. This would involve a part time position. The desire is to open it up more to the
community and get the community more involved.
For the previous month’s project Director John Sites was recognized for his efforts.
There was an open discussion of the next month’s project with Bob, from Bob’s Antiques
bringing up the idea of removing the trash can during the Streetscape project and repainting the
poles in the Hub with colors matching those of the siding. The date of the project was set for
March 4th.
The meeting adjourned a little after 7