This three ballot measure introduces a one-cent sales tax that would go toward (just to name a few) a new fire department, park and recreation improvements including a splash pad at Northside Park and renovation of other recreation fields, and a recreation and aquatics center that would include indoor basketball courts, an indoor walking tracks, indoor swimming pool, therapy pools, and more. 

Parks Director/Tourism Secretary Summer Chambers made the request on behalf of city staff for an additional $10,000 to help with the marketing expenses that will inform local citizens about the details of this project and ballot measures. She said the city has already begun work with SWARK.Today on an informational video and the extra funds would help with items like mailers, table tents to be placed in local restaurants, a backpack campaign, and more. Commission members voted and approved the request. 

Beckie Moore and Jennifer Block of the Hope Downtown Network (HDN) addressed the commission regarding the upcoming 2024 A Taste of Hope event to be held downtown in October. Moore shared last year’s outcomes that saw 18 restaurants and eateries participating, over 100 tickets purchased, and a gross revenue of $15,589.27 made. She said minus their $2,000 in expenses, the net was over $13,000, and as a result of this and Tourism’s contribution last year, improvements to the Pocket Park were made. Block shared this year's theme, the 50s-60s diner and drive-in era, and the new activities being planned, including mini golf, horseshoes, a jailhouse rock, and more. Moore said HDN would do the same as last year and let attendees of the event vote on which downtown project would be completed next. She asked the commission for a $2,000 donation to the event that raises funds for downtown revitalization, and the commission approved the request. 

In other business, Chambers shared with commission members some issues regarding the AC ducts in the coliseum. She said that currently the AC ducts in the ceiling have no insulation which is causing damage to the ceiling tiles. She said a visit with a commercial AC repair company informed them that the problem comes when the humidity rises and suggested they spray foam insulate on all ducts to prevent this issue. She asked permission for park staff to continue investigating the problem and seek professional opinions and quotes. Commission members approved the request. 

As the meeting came to a close, Chambers updated the commission on recent events of the Watermelon Festival. She said Chamber Director Christy Burns could not be present but sent a little info for the commission. There were 17 concessions, 103 vendors, and 1,072 tickets that went out  for the concert. Around 470 of those tickets were sponsors, so early estimates are that around 600 tickets were sold. Chambers said on the parks side overall things went well, but suggestions for next year are already in the works. The softball tournament went great, except for the electricity going out briefly, so she recommended that issue be looked into soon. She said the cornhole tourney was large and that many compliments were received from the players, and the new volleyball tourney was good, though they didn’t have many entries. She said the new soccer tournament wasn’t as expected so the suggestions are to move to a different night next year and only have one division. Commission members complimented the parks department for their hard work and efforts during the festival. 

Next month’s meeting will be held September 10th at 5pm in the Hope City Boardroom.