Hope, Arkansas Board Meeting Highlights: Community Engagement, Infrastructure, and Transparency Take Center Stage

Hope, AR — September 2, 2025   The City of Hope’s Board of Directors convened Tuesday evening at City Hall, with Mayor Don Still calling the meeting to order shortly after 7:00 p.m. The delay was attributed to several attendees being held up by a passing train. All board members were present except Director Steve Montgomery. The meeting opened with an Invocation led by Dr. Linda Clark and the Pledge of Allegiance by Director Mark Ross, setting a respectful tone for a session filled with community-focused decisions and infrastructure planning.

One of the evening’s first approvals was a request by Mrs. Arnetta Bradford to temporarily close a portion of South Main Street on September 11, 2026, for a private wedding (vow renewal) ceremony. The board approved the closure contingent on written consent from nearby business owners, ensuring minimal disruption to local commerce.

The newly appointed Executive Director of the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council, Rachael Pendergraft, introduced herself to the board. Pendergraft shared her enthusiasm for upcoming arts initiatives and teased a surprise event, promising more details soon. Her presence signaled renewed energy for cultural engagement in the region.

Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Sheryl Appel requested permission to connect their new pre-manufactured home—located just outside city limits—to the city’s sewer system. Despite the property’s location, the board approved the connection, contingent on future annexation and standard connection fees. Mrs. Appel raised concerns about her livestock—donkeys, roosters, and plans for cattle—under future city annexation. She was assured that current conditions would likely allow for “grandfathering,” asking her to review city codes, and reassuring her that they would likely be protected.

Two key agenda items related to Northside Park were tabled by the City of Hope Board of Directors during their September 2nd meeting due to discrepancies and incomplete information. The first item involved a proposal to enhance the splashpad project with a memorial honoring the historic Northside Park Pool and Bathhouse. While a historical marker already exists at the site, staff suggested additional commemorative options such as signage, a dedicated splashpad, or a constructed memorial using original materials. The board requested more details before deciding. The second item concerned sealed bids for restroom construction, paved parking, and LED lighting as part of the “Hope for the Future” initiative. Although MAC Construction’s bid for the restroom structure was within budget and recommended for approval, the parking lot bids exceeded engineering estimates and were rejected. No bids were received for the LED lighting component, prompting staff to explore alternative installation options, including potential collaboration with Hope Water and Light. Due to these issues, the board postponed action on all related measures until the next meeting, requesting clearer documentation and more complete information before proceeding.

The board retroactively approved a resolution authorizing the application and expenditure of funds from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for Emerging Contaminants (CWSRF-EC). The funds will support landfill remediation efforts, with the project estimated at $521,830.

City Attorney Wm. Randall Wright briefed the board on Act 505, a recent amendment to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. The act mandates physical attendance for voting and prohibits private deliberations among board members and staff, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in municipal governance.

During the citizen request portion, Sylvia Brown inquired about engineering designs for the upcoming splashpad. The city manager confirmed availability and offered to email the documents. Brown also took a moment to honor the memory of Hazel Booker Simpson, a beloved community member and activist whose recent passing left a mark on the city. Her tribute served as a poignant reminder of the individuals who shaped Hope’s civic life.

The meeting adjourned with a sense of forward momentum, balancing tradition, growth, and civic responsibility.