The City of Hope Board of Directors approved another year of funding support for the Hope Downtown Network Tuesday night after watching a video report and hearing from speakers detailing the organization's accomplishments and ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Hope.

A video of the meeting in its entirety can be seen below this article as soon as it is processed.

The board unanimously approved extending its contract with the Hope Downtown Network for an additional year, continuing a three-year, $20,000 per year commitment that was originally approved to help the organization advance from an associate-level Main Street Arkansas community toward full Main Street designation.  The amount comes half from the Hope Tourism Commission and half from the City of Hope.

The action followed presentation of the Hope Downtown Network's annual report, which highlighted grants received, downtown beautification projects, business recruitment efforts and community events.  A video presentation with narration showed what many of these efforts over the past year looked like.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, John Hollis reminded directors that the city previously agreed to provide $10,000 annually over three years.

"We did approach this board last year asking for a commitment of a three-year commitment of $30,000 to allow us to move into the next level of Main Street communities," Hollis said. "That commitment was for $10,000 each year for the following three years."

Director Trevor Coffee asked whether the organization remained on track to advance beyond the associate level.

"That's the purpose," Hollis replied. "That was the point of the three-year commitment, is to allow us to put ourselves in a condition to be able to move to the full Main Street level."

Hollis also updated the board on progress at the Hope Downtown Network building, noting that electrical and HVAC work have been completed while plumbing work remains underway.

"Our goal is to have that facility ready for viewing and kind of an opening at the Taste of Hope event on October 3rd," he said.

Hope Downtown Network Executive Director Beckie Moore said Main Street Arkansas officials have been encouraged by the progress being made. "They're very pleased. They're excited," Moore said. "Of course, we have a long way to go."

Board Chairman Don Still praised the organization's impact. "I smile every time I drive into town and there's cars in the parking lots," Still said. "It's different than it was just a few years ago."

In other business, the board approved a bid from Kingwood Forestry of Arkadelphia for professional forestry management services related to timberland at Hope Municipal Airport.

Airport Manager Darrell Allen said the city sought a long-term management partner to oversee reforestation and future timber production following a recent harvest.

"We want somebody to guide us on how to plant, what to plant, where to plant, when to plant, when to spray, when to do all the other stuff, and manage it for the next 30 years until harvest," Allen said.

Kingwood Forestry would assist with planning, bid solicitation, monitoring and future harvest management. Their compensation includes an upfront planning fee, annual per-acre management fees and 10 percent of gross receipts from the eventual timber harvest.

"Their incentive is the more and the better of a harvest, the more they make," Allen explained.

Director Gary Johnson asked whether the proposal met the city's objectives. Allen replied that he was comfortable with the proposal.

J.R. Wilson clarified that the management contract does not include the actual costs of site preparation, spraying or planting.

"What we're paying for is just management," Mayor Still said.

Following discussion, the board unanimously accepted the Kingwood Forestry bid.

The board also reviewed a proposed sign design for the recently renamed Roscoe Smith Park but elected to delay action pending further revisions.

Wilson presented a rendering prepared by city staff and asked directors for feedback before construction begins.  Director Gary Johnson suggested incorporating additional color into the design. "I'd hate for it to be white with just black letters," Johnson said. "I think it's prettier the other way.”  He was referring to the present sign at the park.

Director Kiffinea Talley agreed. "I like his idea of some color," she said.

Parks Superintendent Summer Chambers said modifications could easily be made.  "We can do whatever you guys want," Chambers told the board.

Still recommended allowing staff additional time to revise the concept. "There's no hurry," he said. "Let's get it right to start with."

The board agreed to table approval until a revised rendering can be presented.

Directors also unanimously approved a request from the Hope Fire Department to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant.  Chief Todd Martin said the department plans to pursue funding for medical response equipment rather than traditional firefighting equipment.

Items under consideration include automated external defibrillators, pulse oximeters, suction units and a powered stair chair.

"It's easier to maneuver around in," Martin said of the stair chair. "So that's what we're looking at right now, and all that's high priority." Wilson noted that the grant would be funded at 95 percent federal participation with a 5 percent local match.

During his City Manager's Report, Wilson reminded residents that early voting is underway on the hospital tax election scheduled for June 9th and announced a public hearing planned for June 4^th starting at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Rapert Library on the UAHT campus.

"If anybody has any questions or would like to come and discuss this matter, we'll have people there," Wilson said.

Wilson also reported that a pre-construction conference for the city's tennis and pickleball court project was scheduled for Wednesday and said crews have been clearing underbrush in portions of Fair Park.

He further noted that community members recently raised nearly $8,000 to assist the family of the late Keith Powell with medical expenses.

Board members also praised the recently opened splash pad at Fair Park. Director Gary Johnson said crowds have been taking advantage of the new attraction. "We went back Sunday, and there were at least 40 young people out there," Johnson said. "Everything seems to be working real well."

Still added that he had observed similar enthusiasm. "I went by Saturday," he said. "Lots of smiles, and it's good to see."