Council waives bidding and leases 511 Miller Street to Restoration of Hope pending pipe repairs

The Helena-West Helena City Council adopted an ordinance waiving competitive bidding and authorized the mayor to enter a lease with Restoration of Hope Afterschool Program for use of the community center at 511 Miller Street through Dec. 31, 2026.

Bishop Cannon, representing the Cannons' program, told the council the after-school program serves roughly 50 to 70 children per week with volunteers providing feeding, tutoring and transportation and said the program fills a gap for children who cannot reach the Boys & Girls Club.

Council members raised facility-condition concerns: the building currently lacked running water after a broken interior pipe and removal of the meter; the mayor's office and water staff confirmed the city would arrange repairs and replace the meter before occupancy. The lease places utility-payment responsibility on the lessee, consistent with the city's prior arrangement with other community partners, but council also agreed to appropriate funds (within budget authority) to fix the damaged pipe as a condition of the lease.

The council's final action included two votes: a suspension/wave of competitive bidding to permit a short-term lease and a separate motion to appropriate funds for the required plumbing repairs so the building is safe and serviceable for after‑school activities. City staff will prepare the formal ordinance, file the competitive-bid waiver and schedule any further approvals if repair costs exceed routine departmental limits.

The council emphasized the need for a formal agreement to ensure building maintenance and clarified that utilities are the lessee's responsibility once the meter is restored.