Hope Tourism Commission

The Hope Tourism Commission met in the City Hall Boardroom on Tuesday (10-10). The minutes were reviewed and there was a motion by Dr. Trevor Coffee to approve them which was seconded and passed.

After the budget was reviewed, there was a motion by Mayor Don Still to approve the budget which was seconded and passed.

When it comes to permits and payments, the issue of Two Crumbs was brought up with their move and the selling of food and payment of the tax.  Certified letters were sent on September 14th to those who were far enough behind. There are only three businesses which are still behind with one of them already having called to see which months they are missing. For one of these businesses the owner could not be directly contacted so it may take a court order and involve a subpoena if the business doesn’t rectify the situation in time.

The Commission discussed  parking signs for Klipsch Heritage Museum and the Clinton Birthplace Home. One quote was for $5,584.50, another was for $5, 021.13, and the third one hasn’t come in yet. In discussing the signs, different phrases were discussed – Welcome to Hope, Downtown Hope 2 blocks ahead, and Historical Hope.  The last one seemed to excite some interest. The discussion was tabled for the moment.

The next topic was the placement of new signs on the Hope Outdoor Power & Equipment building at 217 East Third.  The signs face west and are visable for traffic heading east. These should cover all the events for the rest of the year.

Quotes were given for the repair of the train depot roof. These quotes ranged from $9,700 to $11,250. While the whole building has some issues,  the roof is especially a challenge. As there is money left over from other jobs such as the Hope in Action repair,  the city will supply the money freeing up funds so the Commission can work on other projects.

The commission discussed the grant for the proposed splash pad that was not awarded to the city. Counting against the city was the lack of a Parks Commission, how many grants have been approved in the last five years (3),  and the need for more public outreach among small groups. The main reason was thought to be the three recently approved grants with the city expected to take a break.

The staff will be requesting in the 2024 Capital Outlay to construct a parking lot located behind the Jack Williams softball field. The parking lot would also add 8 handicap parking spaces by the wooden fence for easier access to the facilities. There would be extra parking behind K Park.  Dr. Coffee wanted to tag-team with the overflow parking for the soccer field for a total amount of $135,000. This would take the full budget for asphalt. The city can prep the ground freeing the commission to only have to pay for the asphalt.  Sharon Caldwell stated the soccer field had been discussed for over a year.  In fixing the overflow parking, City Manager J. R. Wilson said they would go around the trees but may need to lose a tree or reconfigure. Dr. Coffee said they needed to think about shade. Parks Director Summer Chambers suggested putting picnic tables around trees. The existing parking for the soccer complex needs repair and it may be done half at a time.

Kiwanis is sponsoring a new scoreboard on Hawthorne Park. A sponsor will be requested for the Jack Williams Field scoreboard.

The ice rink will open on November 16th. A staff of 4 will be hired to run the ice rink at minimum wage. Only two people will be needed at night. This will be for Friday and Saturday.

The solar eclipse committee will hold their second meeting on October 18th at 1:00 pm in the Fair Park Community Center.

Trunk or Treat is set for October 28th.

Soccer and flag football are off to a really good start this year with the largest number of players registered.

Money raised from the Taste of Hope event will go to upgrading the Pocket Park as well as $500 already pledged by the Tourism Commission.

It was noted the sign on the interstate looks faded. The city will have to pay for materials for a new sign while the installation will be done for free.

The meeting adjourned.