Tourism Commission Meets

By Staff, 01/14/20 8:10 PM

The Tourism Commission met Tuesday, January 14 in the McLarty Room of the Hope Visitors Information Center. Chair, Sharon Caldwell called the meeting to order with a quorum present.

The December minutes, revenues, and expenses. A motion was made by Trevor Coffee and 2nd by Juan Rivera to approve the minutes.  After being reviewed, the only concerns were the expenses of electrical in the horse barn located at Fair Park. A motion was made by Milko Smith and 2nd by Steve Montgomery.

The nomination committee voted to have Sharon Caldwell remain as chairman of the committee and Don Still as vice chairman, Summer Powell was nominated as secretary. They reviewed the budget for the 2020 year, a motion was made by Steve Montgomery to approve and 2nd by Milko Smith.

A catalog was given to the committee to review Christmas decorations they could be purchased.  With being a big catalog they will take time to review and consider ideas before the February 29th deadline to receive a 33% sale.

An update was given on the City Ordinance 1662. There are six businesses that do not have permits. The businesses have already been sent three letters, received phone calls, and had a personal visit. The board agreed that they will have Chief of Police, JR Wilson visit with each of the businesses, if they choose to not fill out a permit while he is present they be issued a citation.

Summer Powell informed the committee of the Governors Conference that will be in Fort Smith on March 1-3. They will approved to apply for an advertising grant before February 28.

A memo was attached from City Manager Catherine Cook of capital outlay projects. The board voted to match the TAPS grant of $115,000 that will connect Historic Downtown Hope to the President Clinton Birthplace National Site. They also voted on $10,000 to helping with the pool at Fair Park and $5,000 for sign at The Hub.

Chamber Director, Beckie Moore asked the commission to help fund a videographer for an application to the HGTV Home Town Takeover. The board approved of the request.

The meeting then adjourned.