Hope City Board

The Hope City Board met in the City Hall Boardroom on Tuesday (3-19. After the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes were approved. After a chance was given for the public to speak on Hope for the Future, there were two Downtown Network projects discussed.

John Hollis spoke on purchasing and bringing in five planters to the Pocket Park. The planters had a variety of colors designed to match the mural already painted. Director Trevor Coffee asked who would be responsible for planting them. Hollis deferred the issue citing the amount of water used as a concern. Other than a concern over the green space taken up and the blocking of other things in the park the response was positive. After a discussion of how they could be moved there was a motion, which passed, to allow the Downtown Network to proceed with the project. Hollis stated a future project would be added seating in the park.

Steve Harris spoke on improving the downtown by planting trees. He stated trees were good for business, health, the environment, cooling and beautifying. Harris talked about Tree City USA and the requirements for participation. Hope would need to create a Tree Board, need a Tree City ordinance, need to spend $2 per capita and need to have an Arbor Day observation each year. The city doesn’t yet have a plan and could bring in a professional for which could be funded by a grant. Harris stated his personal interest was to have trees in downtown Hope.

There was a proclamation honoring the Vietnam Veterans read by City Attorney Randy Wright. Vietnam veterans will be honored next Wednesday (3-27) at 11am.

Deanna Gilbert asked the Board for permission to move a portable storage building for the Farmer’s Market closer to the HUB and for the city to move it. Board Director Trevor Coffee made a motion to approve it which passed.

In order for Hope to receive a loan, the city must increase its wastewater rates. The system was built in the 70s. The city does not want to build a new system and is doing everything it can to keep it going and in compliance. Mayor Still stated the piping in Hope has a lot of leaks and that wastewater has never been fun but the city spends a lot of money on it. An ordinance to change the rates was passed.

A rezoning request was postponed for the next board meeting.

Two options were presented for future ballot language for Hope for the Future. The Fire Department has to be a separate question but the questions concerning the Parks Department can either be asked separately or together. The tax rate was said to be minimal at a total of 1 cent per dollar. A permanent tax would have to stand alone on the ballot. Mayor Still stated this is a small first step and he hoped people understood this was not for us but for the children and for the future. When companies look at a city they look at the quality of life. The community needs to keep going and keep growing. While a Fire Station wouldn’t require a maintenance fund, a recreation center would need one with a staff member and maintenance upkeep.

City Manager JR Wilson stated there would be good cost estimates by April and the city gas received compliments in how well it has maintained its parks.

For Airport Leasing, City Manager Wilson offered a second option that of having the rates go up uniformly and to charge for the number of planes for which the space was designed.

It was noted the majority of users have been positive as they realize costs have to go up. A few have left for other reasons such as moving up north. The idea was raised of bringing the rates up periodically, whether two, three or five years. Kiffanea Talley stated she liked the uniform rate schedule as the funds would go with the new hanger being built. City Manager JR Wilson stated the rates for the new building wouldn’t change from the earlier proposal. With concern about maintenance Airport Manager Darrell Allen stated money is being put in the buildings with roof repair. Airports fees can pay for building maintenance but not drainage and concrete as these issues cost millions to fix and require government grants.  It was noted many of the airport buildings are quite old. Mayor Still stated the topic could be revisited next year. There was a motion to approve the airport fees presented ($15 increase for each rental). The motion was passed.

For the City Manager’s Report Wilson stated a change order with Arkansas Department of Transportation was in negotiation with a positive response from the company. The city is waiting to hear from the “higher-ups” in ARDOT.

The next Hope Water and Light meeting will be Wednesday the 27th at 7:30 A.M. There will be a workday the same day starting around 8:30am. The Department of Corrections will participate and people are invited to help out. The clean-up will be of the Rose Hill and Cave Hill Cemeteries.

Wilson stated on 27th he would be going to Petit Jean for the day.

For Citizen’s Requests Mitzi Coker talked about a job well done for the fishing derby held by the Police Department.

Concept drawings of the changes to the Parks were presented.  The meeting then adjourned.