Hope Board Reviews Aquatic Center Plans, Landfill Funding, Economic Development

The Hope City Board of Directors met Tuesday evening, February 3rd, to address a wide range of infrastructure, development, and operational matters affecting the community.

Mayor Don Still called the meeting to order, followed by an invocation delivered by Dr. Linda Clark and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mark Ross. The board approved the minutes from the January 20, 2026, meeting before moving on to discussion items.

One of the primary topics of the meeting was the Hope Aquatic Center project. Ideal Construction President Hunter Klippert, along with Severen Girod, was present to answer questions from board members and residents. Klippert emphasized the importance of starting the project sooner rather than later, noting that delays could impact costs and scheduling. Architect Clay McGill assisted in presenting bid tabulations and negotiated pricing for board consideration. Several board members, the mayor, and members of the public raised questions regarding cost management, construction integrity, and design, prompting a thorough discussion on achieving economic compromise while maintaining quality standards. City officials reiterated that the aquatic center’s design and process are intended to serve as a cornerstone recreational project, aiming to enhance the quality of life and attract families to Hope. As part of the aquatic center planning process, city staff presented requests for qualifications for independent third-party testing services. Composite scoring information for the submitted proposals was reviewed, and the board approved moving forward with negotiations with McClellan. The selected firm would be responsible for ensuring construction quality, regulatory compliance, and adherence to project specifications throughout the building process. It was approved with some reservations.

The board also discussed proposed capital improvements at the city landfill, including a financing estimate prepared by Raymond James for the 2026 landfill project. The conversation focused on debt service charges associated with an estimated $2.5 million bond payment. After discussion, directors chose to table any increases related to the bond until the next meeting to allow additional evaluation and consideration. City officials noted that landfill upgrades are necessary (and have been needed) to maintain regulatory compliance and to support future growth, and no final financing action was taken at this time.

Several bid awards were considered and approved during the meeting. Tri-State Asphalt was awarded the contract for hot mix asphalt and paving services, and Houston Poly was selected to supply trash bags for city sanitation operations.

Economic development efforts were also addressed with a discussion regarding city-owned property at the Hope Municipal Airport. Staff presented a recommendation to establish a standard lease rate of $500 per acre for industrial and commercial development, with the understanding that the price could remain negotiable depending on circumstances. Officials noted that setting a base lease rate would allow the city to more effectively market available industrial sites in coordination with the Hope/Hempstead County Economic and Planning Commission.

An earlier agenda item that had been previously overlooked was addressed when Mayor Still requested the board’s confirmation of Judy Watson to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The board approved the appointment, filling a vacancy on the advisory body that reviews zoning, planning, and development matters within the city.

The meeting concluded with the City Manager’s report, which included updates on the intersection of Third Street and Elm. Stop signs are expected to be installed for cross traffic, with the state’s anticipated completion within the next 60 days. Winter storm data was also shared, and employees from multiple city departments—including street, parks, police, fire, and other emergency services—were recognized for their efforts in preparing for and maintaining safe travel conditions during recent cold weather and precipitation. It was shared that local and out-of-town citizens had complimented the city’s effective efforts. With no additional comments from board members or the public, the meeting was adjourned.