Daniel Shelman

Key discussions included the acceptance of the low bid by Ideal Construction for the Recreation/Aquatic Center, contingent upon specified changes. The Board approved the development of an ordinance for a debt service charge to fund needed Landfill Capital Improvements, including entering agreements with Raymond James for bond services and Taylor Marshall at the Friday firm for bond counsel. The Board considered RFQs for independent third-party testing at the Recreation Aquatic Center, tabling the motion to approve McClelland Engineering. An appointment was made to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Bids for Hot-mix Asphalt and Paving were accepted, awarding the contract to Tri-Stat Asphalt. The low bid for garbage bags was accepted from Houston Poly. Authority was granted to list Airport Property for industrial development at $500 per acre, per year. Under the City Manager's report, approval was granted for regular stop signs to replace the stop light at Third and Elm, and updates were provided regarding the Fire Station property closing and arrangements for a retirement party.

The agenda for the working meeting and board meeting included discussions regarding value engineering cost reductions for a potential Recreation Aquatic Center and the Sanitation Debt Service Charge. Key actions for the board meeting involved the presentation and potential approval of the 2026 Street Committee recommendation, discussion of the 2026 Landfill Bond Series funding analysis, and selection of a sanitation debt service charge. The agenda also covered a request for a sewer connection outside of city limits, finalizing value engineering selections for the Recreation Aquatic Center, considering resolutions for ANRC loan compliance, engaging legal services for the 2026 Sanitation Bond Series initiative, and consideration of a third-party testing recommendation for the Recreation Center. The meeting also included the presentation of a Distinguished Legislator Award.

This document outlines the 'Hope Forward. Children First!' proposal, a 5-mill community investment designed to address critical, long-overdue needs within Hope Public Schools. The plan is guided by three priorities: Safety & Security, Renovations & Modernization, and Competitive & Future-Ready initiatives. It aims to create safer learning environments, modernize facilities, and provide future-ready opportunities in academics, arts, and athletics, preparing students for college and careers.

Key discussions included the presentation from the Texarkana alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. The Board rejected all bids for the tennis/pickleball project as they exceeded expectations. A proposed obstacle course for the new Aquatic Center was presented. The Board approved a resolution for a 5-year short term financing agreement with Cadence Bank for a new Knuckle Boom Truck for the Street Department. Approval was granted for the retirement and sale of K-9 officer Rojo to his handler. An ordinance approving a Private Club Permit for Tailgaters Club, Inc. was adopted. The Board also approved the sale of a 2-acre site on the Bypass to Hope Public School for $10,0000 and declared a 2018 Ford Utility AWD surplus property. Appointments were made to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City Manager reported on a requested prescribed burn at Fair Park, provided an update on Park and Fire Station project funds, and noted that construction representatives would attend the next meeting regarding the Recreation Center. The Hope Public School Superintendent presented a ballot initiative for a millage increase. Citizen concerns regarding the Hope Housing Authority were addressed.

Key discussion topics for the meeting include reviewing bids for the Recreation Aquatic Center and discussing negotiated pricing, financing estimates for Landfill Capital Improvements, and debt service charge discussions. The Board will also consider RFQs for an independent third-party testing firm for the Recreation Aquatic Center. Other items on the agenda involve considering bids for hot-mix asphalt/paving and garbage bags, discussing the lease price for airport property for industrial development, and reviewing the City Manager's report covering topics like the intersection of Third and Elm, winter storm data, and Police Department staffing. The Board is also asked to confirm an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission.