The City of Hope Board of Directors met in their regular meeting February 1 to discuss a vacuum truck, appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission, and to hear the City Manager’s report.

After the minutes from the previous meeting were approved, the board heard a report on bids for a Curbtender Vac Pak Leaf Collector, which would be put to use collecting leaves from drains and curbs around Hope. There were two trucks available: a demo model that is $184,312 and available for delivery in three weeks, and a new model that is $208,153 and available for delivery in December 2022. It was staff’s recommendation that the demo unit be purchased. The board agreed, and the demo unit will be purchased by the city.

The board then considered two expired appointments for the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mike Smith and Allen Flowers both had their appointments expire in December 2021. Mayor Still, having spoken with both men, nominated both for their old positions. The board agreed, and they were reinstated.

During the City Manager’s Report, it was brought to the board’s attention that Four States Fiber was interested in buying a small piece of property across from Walmart. The old pump station property, comprising about 3,000 square feet, could be sold to them for $5,000, allowing them to build a fiber hut on the property to better serve the city of Hope. The board agreed to move forward with the project by having the city attorney look over any necessary paperwork to start the process.

During citizen’s requests, it was mentioned that the continuing issue of litter on some of Hope’s streets and parks will be addressed by a service project by the Boy Scouts.