Public Meetings - Fort Smith, Arkansas

The Fort Smith Property Owners Appeal Board met on April 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM to consider a single variance request. The meeting included approval of prior meeting minutes and a public hearing on Variance 26-0001 for property at 3112 South 40th Street. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (December 8, 2025): Motion to approve made, seconded, and carried by unanimous voice vote (ayes all, no opposition). Discussion Items - Variance 26-0001 – 3112 South 40th Street – Applicant Craig McKenzie, represented by Brandon Woodrow, requested a variance from City Ordinance Section 14-52 (parking screening on residential property) to allow up to 50% concrete coverage in the side yard for a fire apparatus turnaround. The property is being developed with three single-family rental homes. City staff, through Jesse Bennett (Director of Building Services), stated support for the variance “for the safety of our fire department and the citizens.” The road is narrow with deep ditches and does not extend through. Board members questioned the risk of future non‑conforming use (e.g., storage of large vehicles), noting that any changes would require a building permit. The applicant confirmed each home will have a single-car garage, limiting outside parking needs. No public comment was offered. Key Outcomes - Variance Approved – A motion to accept the variance was made, seconded, and passed by unanimous voice vote (all ayes, no opposition). The variance allows up to 50% concrete coverage in the side yard at 3112 South 40th Street for fire apparatus access. - Adjournment – Meeting adjourned after the variance approval, with no further business.

The Audit Advisory Committee (AAC) met at 6:00 pm on April 9, 2026, in Blue Lion Room 2 at 101 N 2nd St, Fort Smith, AR. Chair Deana Infield called the meeting to order with all members present except Raynee Pogue. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm. Key items included updates on the 2025 city financial statement audit, the Parrot Island Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) engagement, and a comprehensive internal audit department update. Consent Calendar - Approval of Meeting Minutes from 1/8/2026 – Director Neal Martin made a motion, seconded by Russell Bragg. The minutes were approved unopposed. External Audit Updates - 2025 City Financial Statement Audit (Forvis Mazars) – Forvis Mazars began fieldwork on Monday 4/6/2026 and expects a 3-week process. The team will have 3–4 individuals on-site starting the week of 4/13/2026. The federal program selected for audit this year is the Transit cluster based on the risk assessment of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). Initial risks identified include management override of controls, improper revenue recognition, and non-compliance with federal award regulations. The goal is to issue the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) on or before June 30, 2026, to meet the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) deadline. The draft audit will be presented first to the AAC, then to the Board of Directors (likely at a special meeting around June 23, 2026), before filing. - Parrot Island AUP Update (Forvis Mazars) – Fitz Balbinot is assigned full-time to this engagement. An electronic portal has been set up for data exchange, and roughly 70–80% of initial requested data has been provided. Weekly Tuesday morning calls have been established with Parrot Island management, Forvis Mazars, and Amanda Strange (Director of Internal Audit). The goal is to present the AUP results concurrently with the ACFR. No scope limitations have been placed on this engagement. The AAC discussed potential conflicts of interest; Forvis Mazars confirmed their independence and that extensive quality control reviews have been conducted. Any decision to expand procedures (e.g., to include additional bank accounts) will be communicated to the AAC for approval. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded. Discussion Items - Fraud Awareness Training and Conflict of Interest Forms – Amanda Strange reported that the Internal Audit team held 70 meetings with city employees. Of 1,041 employee forms, 947 were collected during those meetings. Less than 40 forms remain outstanding. The team plans to improve the efficiency of this process next year. - Certifications & Training – Amanda Strange earned her Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation (having passed the single exam required, as she is already a CPA). Staff auditor Christi Fisher has passed two of the three CIA exams. All staff are working toward their 40-hour CPE requirements; about 7.5 hours of training so far focused on fraud topics. - Internal Audit Methodology – The team has developed detailed checklists for planning (page 2 of handout), fieldwork and reporting (page 4), and report drafting and review (pages 7–9). These are designed to ensure consistency, root-cause analysis, and alignment with IIA Standards. Reports will include an executive summary, risk-rated findings (grouped by common root cause), management’s corrective action plans with target dates, and follow-up tracking. The AAC discussed the importance of management cooperation and the board’s role in ensuring that findings are addressed. The committee endorsed the proposed report format. - Maturity Level of Internal Audit – Amanda Strange presented a five-level maturity model. The department is currently at Level 2 (developing/repeatable processes). The goal is to reach Level 3 in 12–18 months and potentially Level 4 in 3–5 years. Achieving Level 4 will require investment in data analytics, technology, and cultural integration. - Audit Plan Progress – The 2026 Audit Plan includes 9 audits: 3 in planning phase, 2 in execution, and 4 not yet started. The plan is tracked in Teammate Plus software, with scheduled start/end dates and actuals to be compared at year-end. - Investigations and Fraud Hotline – There have been 0 contacts to the fraud hotline since the last meeting. - Consulting – Two small consulting projects were completed, one resulting in a formal memo. - Special Projects – Parrot Island AUP remains the primary special project; weekly calls continue. - Roundtable / Recommendations – The AAC discussed asking that the same financial reports the Board receives for city-contributed entities (Parrot Island, Convention Center, Fort Smith Animal Haven) also be provided to Internal Audit for consistency and oversight. Chair Infield suggested the next quarterly AAC meeting be scheduled for July 2026, after the June audit timeline. Key Outcomes - Approved meeting minutes from January 8, 2026. - Directed Forvis Mazars to continue the ACFR audit and Parrot Island AUP with a target presentation in June 2026. - Endorsed the internal audit report format and methodology templates presented by Amanda Strange. - Planned future roundtable discussion on whether financial reports for city-contributed entities should be sent to Internal Audit. - Scheduled the next AAC regular meeting for July 2026 (date to be determined). - Adjourned at 7:33 pm.

Note: The transcript indicates this meeting was originally held in January 2026, but the provided date for this summary is April 9, 2026. This summary uses the supplied date as instructed, but the discrepancy is noted. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, a detailed update on the ACME property master planning process (Part A), discussion of three concept alternatives, community engagement results, and other park department updates. Commissioners also discussed park inventory, funding strategies, and public comments. Consent Calendar - Approval of December 24, 2025 meeting minutes – motion, second, and unanimous voice vote (all ayes). Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Sherro, a resident of Fort Smith, spoke about the loss of the 40-acre dog park near the airport. He requested that a portion of the ACME property be set aside for a new dog park, noting that the downtown dog park is inadequate for large dogs. He suggested the dog park could be a low-cost, privately supported amenity. Commissioners acknowledged the request and noted that dog park options are on the list of potential amenities for future planning (Part B), but no final decision was made. Discussion Items - ACME Property Master Plan Update – Scott Crawford (RDG) and Brian Trusty (Rose Consulting) presented the Part A planning status. Six guiding principles were established: flood mitigation, connecting people to nature, low maintenance, uniqueness of place, accessibility, and economic benefit. Three concept alternatives were developed: - Concept 1: Flood mitigation only – three dry detention basins, no public access, fenced and locked. - Concept 2: Flood mitigation plus public recreation – central basin converted to a 7-8 acre wet pond/lake, with trails, kayak/canoe launch, island adventure play, picnic areas, and a pump track. Public access from Old Greenwood Road and Country Club Avenue. - Concept 3: Same as Concept 2, plus private development on the east parcel (2 acres) and south end (14-18 acres) for mixed-use, hospitality, or multifamily. - All three concepts meet the same 100-year stormwater detention requirements. - Community Engagement Results: Over 50 people attended the December public open house. Online engagement (as of Jan 8) showed 53% preferred Concept 2, 28% Concept 3, 19% Concept 1. Strong support for passive recreation, walking/biking trails, and connecting to nature. 96% of online respondents opposed selling land for private development. Adjacent neighbors expressed interest in trail connections and concerns about stormwater impacts. - Discussion on Private Development: Commissioner Sam (a developer) cautioned that selling raw land before the park is built would not attract developers; the city would likely not recoup significant funds. Other commissioners agreed, suggesting only a small strip on the east parcel might be sellable. The board of directors expressed interest in grants from the Walton Family Foundation, state parks, and other sources. - Next Steps: The team will produce an interim Part A deliverable with benchmarking to counter the misconception that Fort Smith has too many parks (the city has 34 public parks vs. 50-70 average for similar-sized communities, and about one-third the park acres per capita). Part B planning (5-6 months) will refine the concept, add three public open houses, and develop cost estimates and an operational plan. - Other Park Updates: Sarah provided updates on: - Creekmore Park tennis courts – plans finalized, bidding early February. - Tills Park parking lot and Riley Farm Park improvements – engineering underway. - May Branch greenway – state ORLP/LWCF grant agreement drafting allowed, new state contact responsive. - Parrot Island Water Park funding – a motion proposed using $760,000 in earned interest (not CIP sales tax money) plus $655,000 already allocated but unspent, and the remainder from general fund balance. Commissioners felt this compromise likely avoids taking park CIP funds. - Department Facebook page consolidating into city’s main page. - Playground removals: Wood Lawn (old spring toys), MOK (25-year-old Little Tikes playground) due to parts unavailability. Tree maintenance and boardwalk repairs scheduled. - Commissioner Comments: Commissioner expressed concern about the official park count (34 listed, but some like Fondrum Park, Anniversary Rose Garden, Briar Cliff, Darby Community Center, and Mazard Prairie Battlefield are underutilized or not true parks). Suggested deeding back Fondrum Park. Noted that the Darby Community Center is historic and cannot be easily transferred. Commissioner also inquired about MLK soccer goal nets (removed by users) and requested Sarah’s Future Fort Smith presentation be shared. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of December 2025 minutes. - No formal vote on concept alternatives, but consensus to move forward with Concept 2 (flood mitigation plus recreation) for detailed refinement in Part B planning. Commissioners emphasized that Concept 2 includes Concept 1’s stormwater goals. - Direction to include a park benchmarking analysis in the Part A interim deliverable to correct the “too many parks” misperception. - Dog park inclusion will be considered during Part B community engagement. - Parrot Island funding approach (using interest and general fund balance) appears to have board support; final decision at next week’s board meeting. - Staff directed to explore deeding back Fondrum Park and to prepare a status report on underutilized parks. - The meeting adjourned.

The Fort Smith City Board of Directors met on April 7, 2026, to consider a range of items including franchise renewal, budget amendments, a matching grant for a music series, ADA compliance funding, consent decree projects, and a stormwater pond design amendment that was ultimately tabled. The board approved most items, with a multi-year funding amendment for the Levitt AMP Music Series passing on a split vote. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 17 regular meeting and March 31 special meeting minutes (unanimous). - Item 10: Approved 14 consent agenda items (Item 10F was withdrawn by staff) in a single 7-0 vote after a brief discussion on Item 10D (Burns & McDonald professional services agreement). Directors questioned the need to rent engineers; staff explained the $425,000 budgeted amount would help cover vacancies in the streets and drainage division caused by attrition, supporting up to four consultants over three to six months. The item remained on consent and was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4 (Levitt AMP Music Series grant): Dan Williams questioned spending $20,000 on entertainment when a survey showed homelessness and safety as top downtown concerns and noted 25% of Fort Smith households earn $25,000 or less. Crystal Cadelli expressed concern that the city is backtracking on its budget, citing the recent water outage and prioritizing infrastructure over concerts; she also noted the Main Street organization's administrative costs. Gary Podgersky agreed, stating the city cannot afford the $20,000 given the upcoming water consent decree project. - Item 5 (ADA digital compliance): Gary Podgersky strongly supported the ordinance, stating the city has no choice under federal law, and thanked the board for accommodating his own disabilities. - Item 9 (Acme Brick stormwater ponds design amendment): Joey McCutcheon criticized the additional $464,000 as an unanticipated expense and questioned why it wasn't known earlier. Shane McKinney noted escalating project costs and urged better upfront cost estimates to avoid “project creep.” Crystal Cadelli said the amendment more than doubled the original design cost and asked whether actual bids for rock removal were obtained. Gary Podgersky, a nearby resident, raised technical concerns about elevation and the need for pumping; city staff later clarified that gravity flow is feasible without pumps. - Item 10B (Farmers Market solar canopy project): Kathy Mazuck thanked the board and staff for the project, noting that completed solar panels will provide electricity for vendors, replace noisy generators, and enable raw milk sales under new state law. - Item 10D (Burns & McDonald contract): Joey McCutcheon argued the city should hire its own engineers rather than rent them at double the cost, and asked why positions weren't being advertised. Discussion Items - Item 1: Non-Exclusive Franchise Renewal for Non-Ambulatory Transportation Service, Inc. – City Clerk Sherry Guard presented the renewal for another five years (through April 30, 2031). The franchise, originally granted in 1986, covers specialized transport for elderly and disabled residents. Dave Carnahan, owner, described the 46-year-old business operating 13 vans 24/7, serving doctor appointments, and employing 16 families. The board approved the ordinance and emergency clause by 7-0 votes. - Item 2: CBID Commissioner Reduction – An ordinance reducing the Central Business Improvement District Board from eight to seven commissioners at that board's request. Approved 7-0. - Item 3: Annual Salary Ordinance for 2026 – Human Resources Director Eric Garvin said the ordinance retains the same pay scale for uniform and non-uniform employees, includes step increases for eligible uniform employees, and provides a 2.5% across-the-board increase for full-time non-uniform employees, as previously budgeted. Approved 7-0. - Item 4: Levitt AMP Music Series Grant Funding – The resolution authorized $20,000 in matching funds for 2026 for the free concert series in Harry E. Kelly River Park, leveraging a $28,000 grant from the Levitt Foundation (for seven shows). During discussion, Main Street Fort Smith's Amanda Hager explained the city has supported the series for five years; Director George Kitzavis asked why it wasn't brought up earlier when the downtown services agreement was approved. Hager said notice was sent in November/December. The board debated return on investment. A motion by Director Good to amend the resolution to cover 2026, 2027, and 2028 at $20,000 per year was seconded. Director Neil Martin opposed, citing uncertain future finances. Director Kemp supported the three-year commitment. The amendment passed 4-1-2 (Directors George and Christina Kitzavis abstained; Martin opposed; Rigo, Good, Kemp, Settle in favor). The amended resolution then passed 4-1-2 on the same vote. - Item 5: ADA Digital Compliance – Communications Director Josh Bufink requested $35,000 from un-obligated general fund dollars to remediate over 600 web pages and 6,500 documents to meet federal WCAG 2.1AA standards, following a DOJ ruling. He noted 1 in 4 U.S. adults have a disability. Director Neil Martin asked about Granicus's responsibility; City Attorney Colby Rowe confirmed the contract predates the ruling. Director Kemp inquired about future maintenance. Approved 7-0. - Item 6: Easement Acquisition for Consent Decree – Engineering Director Todd Midke sought $4,000 to purchase a small lot on North L Street for a sewer pipe and construction staging. Approved 7-0. - Item 7: Partial Payment to Craft Reynolds – A routine $844,000 progress payment for consent decree remedial measures project 19-15-C1. Director George Kitzavis questioned why the work couldn't be done in-house; Midke cited the $9 million project scale and 17,950 linear feet of pipe replacement requiring outside contractors. Approved 7-0. - Item 8: Acquisition of Union Pacific Railroad Property – The city will acquire an abandoned railroad parcel for $203,000 (appraised value) to avoid future construction over new sewer pipe. The May Branch trail will be restored on top. Approved 7-0. - Item 9: Acme Brick Stormwater Mitigation Ponds Design Amendment – Midke requested an additional $464,000 for a professional services amendment with Half & Associates to fund more geotechnical investigation, sewer reroute design (37% of the cost, paid by consent decree funds), utility excavation, and options for a third pond or a wet pond. He said the additional design could avoid up to $1 million in rock excavation and potentially allow the city to sell blasted shale. Several directors expressed concern over the cost increase and lack of detailed breakdown in the packet. Director Settle moved to table the item to a future study session for more information; the motion passed 7-0. Staff will bring the item back quickly due to consent decree deadlines. Key Outcomes - Franchise renewal (Item 1): Approved 7-0, including emergency clause. - CBID commissioner change (Item 2): Approved 7-0. - Salary ordinance (Item 3): Approved 7-0. - Levitt AMP Music Series (Item 4): Amendment to extend funding three years (2026-2028) passed 4-1-2; final resolution as amended passed 4-1-2. - ADA digital compliance (Item 5): Approved 7-0. - Consent decree easement (Item 6): Approved 7-0. - Partial payment to Craft Reynolds (Item 7): Approved 7-0. - Union Pacific property acquisition (Item 8): Approved 7-0. - Acme Brick design amendment (Item 9): Tabled to a study session by 7-0 vote. - Consent agenda (Item 10): Approved 14 items (15 listed, Item 10F withdrawn) with no separate vote on pulled items, 7-0.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors held a combined special meeting and study session on April 1, 2026. The board added two items to the agenda, approved two congressional directed spending (CDS) requests for water infrastructure, approved a third CDS request for 911 radio equipment, debated a letter to the state legislature regarding hospital closure notice, and received updates on the 911 PSAP consolidation project and a proposed police precinct and training facility. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar; all items received individual discussion. Special Meeting: Agenda Additions - Director Christina Kitsavis introduced a letter requesting the Arkansas General Assembly require hospitals to provide at least 180 days' public notice before closing major service lines. The item was added unanimously. - Director Martin Kemp introduced a request for congressional spending for 911 radio equipment. This item was also added unanimously. Congressional Directed Spending for Water Infrastructure (Items 1 & 2) - Item 1: Resolution authorizing application for $12 million in FY27 CDS funds for phase 2A1.2 of the Lake Fort Smith water transmission line. Chris Hoover reported the city secured a $3 million waiver on the required local match. Passed 7-0. - Item 2: Resolution authorizing application for $20 million in FY27 CDS funds for water and sewer utility relocation ahead of the RDOT Rogers Avenue widening project (from Waldrin Avenue to 74th Street). Total project cost estimated at $40 million, with $20 million from the city. Passed 7-0. Discussion and Vote on 911 Radio Equipment Funding (Item 3) - Resolution authorized a FY27 CDS request to Senator Bozeman's office for $3 million to replace aging radio consoles and equipment at the River Valley Communications Center (RVCC). The equipment has a 7-10 year life and is 19 years old; support ends in 2030. Some board members expressed concern about prioritizing against water projects, but a resolution was drafted on-site and approved 6-1 (Christina Kitsavis opposed). Match of up to 25% from RVCC fund 1112 possible. Discussion on Hospital Notice Letter (Item 4) - Director Christina Kitsavis presented a letter urging the Arkansas General Assembly to require hospitals to provide 180 days' notice before closing major service lines (e.g., labor and delivery, emergency services). She noted 120 days is typical in other states. Discussion included concerns about private market impact, potential investor perception, and the need to first consult with state legislators. Director George Kitsavis proposed tabling until a study session with local legislative delegation. Motion to table passed 5-2 (Christina and George Kitsavis opposed). Study Session: 911 PSAP Consolidation Update - Dr. Wes Milan, Director of Public Safety Communications, provided an update on consolidating the two public safety answering points (PSAPs) into the River Valley Communications Center. The temporary consolidated center at the police department is set to begin July 6, 2026. He highlighted criticality of replacing radio consolettes (six currently, one non-operational) and the need for a permanent facility. A resolution for $272,000 to move three consoles from Sebastian County and replace four consolettes will be on the April 7 regular meeting agenda. Study Session: Police Precinct and Training Facility - Chief Danny Baker and architect Travis Bartlett (MAHG) presented three design options for the Crane Kia property (8200 Highway 71 South) purchased for $2.85 million in 2024. Options ranged from $7.7 million (option 3) to $13 million (option 1). Chief outlined three paths: A) sell property (potential $2.85M sale but risk of $650K naming rights lawsuit); B) fully fund now; C) create a capital improvement fund with surplus general fund dollars and launch a capital campaign. Board consensus was not to sell and to reconvene in late July or early August for a financial plan including potential fundraising and debt financing. Further discussion on impact of Choctaw Nation expansion and regional training economic benefits. Key Outcomes - Approved CDS applications for water infrastructure (unanimous) and 911 radio equipment (6-1). - Tabled hospital notice letter to a future study session with legislative delegation (5-2). - Directed staff to bring back detailed financial options for police precinct/training facility in late July or early August. - Reviewed preliminary agenda for the April 7 regular meeting.

The River Valley Communications Center (RVCC) 911 Governing Board met on March 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Ben Geren Park Safe Shelter in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The board considered a budget amendment to account for $400,000 in state consolidation funds, approved three consolidation-related purchase requests totaling $303,426.75, and reviewed a draft of proposed bylaws. The consolidation remains on track for July 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the January 29, 2026 meeting (motion by Tim Hearn, second by Doug Kinslow). - Financial Report: Director Wes Milam reported the organization is performing well financially and is on track for the first quarter. Some line items showing critical status are due to annual costs such as the $75,000 Western Arkansas Planning Development District fee. The board unanimously accepted the financial report (motion by Darrell Clark, second by Dan Dennis). Discussion Items - Budget Amendment Resolution (Item IV-A): Director Milam presented a resolution to amend the 2026 budget to add a $400,000 revenue line item from the Arkansas State 911 Board for consolidation reimbursement and a corresponding $400,000 expense line item. This is an appropriation only; specific purchases require separate approval. The board approved the resolution by a 9-0 roll call vote (motion by Mike Conger, second by Tim Hearn). - Consolidation Update and Purchase Requests (Item IV-B): Director Milam reported consolidation is on track for July 2026, with all 911 calls to be routed to the unified center the week of July 6. A minor setback with the CAD system is not expected to affect the timeline. Three purchase requests were presented for consolidation expenses: 1. Motorola Radio Console Move: $272,043.23 to relocate three MCC7500 radio consoles from Sebastian County to Fort Smith, including backup infrastructure, reprogramming, tornado siren activation, and fire paging system. Discussion included questions about the necessity of replacing existing APX8500 consolettes (backup radios). Milam explained that the move addresses a non-functional console in Fort Smith, increases backup capacity for the unified center, and prepares for future TR/DMA Phase 2 compliance (required by 2031). He noted that the new equipment was approved as a consolidation expense and will reduce future replacement costs. 2. Network Equipment Upgrades (Dell): $12,773.37 (per minutes and transcript; the agenda quoted $13,137.07) for five desktop computers, additional monitors, and a graphics card to equip nine dispatch consoles. The quote via NASPO cooperative was noted to have a two-week expiration. 3. Dispatcher Chairs (BodyBilt ErgoGenesis): $18,610.15 for ten ergonomic chairs designed for 24-hour use. Three bids were received: BodyBilt $18,610.15, Concept Seating $21,164.11 (minutes show $21,641.11), and Iron Horse Seating $30,479.50 (minutes show $30,475.50). Discussion noted that current concept seating chairs are less resilient; BodyBilt chairs are modular allowing component replacement. Milam stated the chairs would replace eight console chairs and two supervisor chairs. The board unanimously approved all purchase requests totaling $303,426.75 from the consolidation expense account (motion by Jeff Dingman, second by Steve Hotz). - Bylaws Presentation (Item IV-C): Director Milam presented a draft of proposed bylaws for the governing board, originally planned in the 2022 state submission. The bylaws would formalize board operations, meeting procedures, quorum, and governance. No vote was taken. Board members (notably Tom Sizemore) offered to review and provide red-lined comments. Milam requested feedback via email; the draft will be circulated for review and legal review before a future vote. It was noted that bylaws will also need approval from the Fort Smith Board of Directors and Sebastian County Quorum Court. Key Outcomes - Budget Amendment: Approved unanimously (9-0) to add $400,000 revenue and expense lines for consolidation funds. - Consolidation Purchases: Approved unanimously (9-0) for Motorola radio move ($272,043.23), Dell network equipment ($12,773.37), and BodyBilt chairs ($18,610.15), total $303,426.75, to be drawn from the consolidation expense account. - Bylaws: Draft presented for review; no action taken. Comments to be submitted to Director Milam for incorporation before a future meeting. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for the last Thursday in June 2026. - Announcements: Congressman Steve Womack will tour the facility on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 10:30-11:30 AM. Director Milam will provide a consolidation update to the Fort Smith Board of Directors on March 31, 2026. Grant research continues for radio projects and a purpose-built facility.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors met on March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (the meeting was called to order and lasted several hours). The board considered a mosquito fogging resolution, contracts for water slides at Parrot Island Water Park, a management agreement with American Resort Management (ARM), a water capital improvement plan, sanitary sewer assessment agreements, and a consent agenda. Public comment was heard on several items. Votes were taken on all agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0) a consent agenda containing six items: - Resolution authorizing an MOU with Methodist Village regarding the 2025 TAP grant project. - Resolution accepting award of the 2025 TAP grant funds for the Methodist Village Connector Trail. - Resolution approving purchase of two one-ton trucks for public works from the replacement fund. - Resolution approving a contract for Creekmoor Park Tennis Court Resurfacing Project. - Resolution approving a contract for the Cisterna Park pump house improvement project. - Resolution approving the purchase of 17 police patrol vehicles for the police department from sales and use tax funds. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 1 (Mosquito Fogging): Nancy Rainey (8108 Adam Drive) opposed citywide permethrin spraying, citing harm to pollinators, birds, and natural mosquito predators, and advocated for integrated pest management. Kim Fodge supported spraying only public parks and not private properties. Gary Podgerski favored targeted spraying near rivers and water areas, not the entire city. - Items 3A & 3B (Water Slides): Multiple speakers opposed the project. Kim Fodge argued the city should not take full ownership until a county agreement is passed. Joey McCutcheon criticized the lack of competitive bidding initially and questioned transparency. Dan Williams cited cost overruns from $2.1M to over $7M and urged the board to stop. Shane McKinney called for trust and transparency, suggesting the city cut its losses. Gary Podgerski asked Director Settle about public contact numbers and requested a motion to halt payments until an audit is complete. - Item 4 (Management Agreement with ARM): Kim Fodge requested that ARM management be required to attend monthly board meetings and provide financial reports. Carl Nevin agreed with her and suggested hiring a different company. Joey McCutcheon questioned why the board would approve a contract before an audit was complete. Dan Williams argued that proceeding without the audit was a mistake. Gary Podgerski asked Director Christina Kasavish to make motions to withhold payment until ARM attends a meeting and to delay the vote for 60 days until the audit is returned. - Item 9D (Tennis Court Resurfacing): Joey McCutcheon criticized the city’s local bidding preference ordinance, which added $60,000 to the cost, and asked the board to consider changing the language from “shall” to “may” to allow flexibility. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Resolution Reinstituting Mosquito Fogging: The board discussed the pros and cons of reinstating the program, which was discontinued in 2025 for budgetary reasons. Director Good noted concerns about killing beneficial insects and mentioned the city had installed bat houses as an alternative. Director DeSavage suggested targeted, complaint-driven spraying. Director Rigo acknowledged split community feedback (approximately 55-45) and questioned whether stopping spraying had measurably improved pollinator populations. Director Martin opposed due to lack of data on effectiveness, budget concerns (the city is already negative in 2026), and threats made to drivers. Director Kemp suggested using GIS mapping to identify low-lying areas for targeted larvicide and supported a focused approach rather than blanket spraying. A motion to amend the resolution to focus on public parks, main waterways, and include an opt-in option for residents passed 6-1. The amended resolution then passed 6-1. - Items 3A & 3B – Water Slide Contracts (SSI Inc. and Clarity Pools): The board debated the combined $2,416,110 project for Parrot Island Water Park. Director Kasavish voted no, citing Fayetteville’s new aquatics facility that could reduce attendance, and the county not sharing the slide cost despite being 50% owner. Director DeSavage called the project a “cluster” and maintained his opposition. Director Kemp supported the competitive bidding process and noted that the other finalist said not to change operators for the 2026 season. Director Settle emphasized the need to move forward and not fall behind other communities. The motion to approve both contracts passed 4-3. - Item 4 – Resolution Authorizing Agreement with ARM for 2026 Season: The board discussed the management contract. Director Kasavish moved to delay the vote for 60 days until the audit is complete, but that motion was not seconded. Director DeSavage moved to withhold payments to ARM until the audit is finished, but after legal advice that the city, county, and ARM would all have to agree, he withdrew the motion. Director Rigo argued that the other finalist recommended not switching operators mid-season, and that keeping ARM for 2026 would avoid disruption. Director Settle defended ARM, noting their national reputation and the county’s decision to keep them. The original resolution passed 5-2. - Item 5 – Water Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY2026: The board approved a $5.2 million plan for four water projects: I-540 water line crossing, Midland Bridge transmission line, Racetrack Road water line improvements, and I-49/Highway 22 transmission line encasement. Director Martin questioned the funding source and was told it comes from state highway reimbursements. The resolution passed 7-0. - Item 7 – Engineering Services Agreement (Truck Design Group) for SSA Work in Subbasins P006 and P005: The board approved a $766,000 contract for sanitary sewer assessment work. Director Martin asked if other areas needed similar assessments; staff explained this area’s data is 12 years old and will need to be updated regardless. Director Kasavish expressed concern about the consent decree scope expanding. Director Settle requested a calendar of future SSA needs to potentially bundle contracts for better pricing. The resolution passed 7-0. - Item 8 – Engineering Services Agreement (RJN Group) for B Street South Sewer Upgrades: Approved unanimously (7-0) for $99,960. - Officials Forum: Director Good announced a request to approve a resolution continuing support for the Levitt AMP music series grant ($20,000) and asked for it to be placed on the April 7 regular meeting agenda. Director Kemp updated on the city administrator search: Colin Benzinger & Associates will visit Fort Smith on March 29-30 for individual interviews with directors and department heads. Director Kasavish moved to hold a study session to discuss the petition to change the form of government and to change the citizens forum rule that limits public comments to non-agenda items. Both motions were seconded. The board also approved a motion to call a special meeting on March 31, 2026, at 6 p.m. to discuss congressionally directed spending applications. Key Outcomes - Mosquito Fogging: Resolution amended to focus on public parks, waterways, and opt-in for residents; passed 6-1. - Water Slides: Contracts with SSI Inc. ($1,751,910) and Clarity Pools ($664,200) approved 4-3. - ARM Management Agreement: Approved for 2026 season 5-2. - Water CIP: Approved 7-0. - SSA Engineering Agreement: Approved 7-0. - B Street Sewer Engineering: Approved 7-0. - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0. - Special Meeting: Called for March 31, 2026, at 6 p.m. to discuss CDS applications. - Future Items: A study session on the petition to change the form of government and on citizens forum rules will be scheduled.

This meeting of the Fort Smith Parks Commission covered several capital improvement projects, funding requests, and operational updates. Key topics included the Creekmore Park tennis court improvements, Sterna Park pump house repairs, Woodlawn Park final improvements, and a connector trail for Methodist Village Senior Living. The commission recommended funding for the trail project and reviewed timelines for summer 2026 completion of multiple park upgrades. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the January meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - A commission member noted that Attillus Park's disc golf course is the oldest in Arkansas and praised the Western Arkansas Flying Disc Association as a valuable volunteer partner. - A request was made for trail material to fill low spots in the nature area at Attillus Park; a truckload of material was offered. Discussion Items - Creekmore Park Tennis Court Improvements: The project, led by Steve Beam (the low qualified bidder after applying the city's 5% local vendor preference), includes LED lighting, four-foot spectator fencing (which lowers cost compared to taller fencing), and new spectator bleachers. The contract is for 120 days to allow four courts to remain open during construction. The apparent low bidder was out-of-town and lacked sports facility experience, which caused hesitation. The project also includes converting four light poles near the pools to LED. Timers will remain push-button per user preference. Completion expected by August 2026. - Sterna Park Pump House: The original $221,000 bid to completely replace the pump house was rejected due to cost overruns. A redesign will raise the existing building five feet to prevent flooding, at a cost of $138,968. Staff will reinstall the mechanical equipment. The fountain liner replacement was quoted at $44,000, up from an earlier estimate of $20,000; the source of the leak is uncertain. Commission members expressed concerns about maintenance costs for donated structures. Option to reach out to Park Partners for funding was suggested. Project remains within the $215,000 CIP budget. - Creekmore Park Pool Updates: New diving boards (3/4 meter) have been installed; they comply with updated regulations. The old boards were removed during COVID. Fiberglass grating is being replaced with HDPE material, with custom fabrication for retrofitting. Completion is expected before pool season. - Woodlawn Park Improvements: The final phase includes playground equipment, with a custom piece honoring Fire Station 6's former dog (named "Mud") and engine 601. - Compass Park Splash Pad Fencing: Iron fencing will be installed along the back of the park to prevent children from running near trucks. Funding is a 50-50 cost share with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or similar entity; remaining funds from last year's budget were carried over by board approval. - Methodist Village Senior Living Connector Trail: The city will serve as sponsor for a trail connecting Methodist Village to Caroline Cross Park. The project received a $196,000 TAP grant; Methodist Village will cover the 20% match ($50,960). The commission recommended that the city pay $3,850 for preliminary design and construction observation, funded from Caroline Cross Park cell tower fees (current balance $37,750). The trail will be constructed on a public trail easement granted to the city, ensuring ADA compliance. - Other Updates: Tillis Park parking lot design is complete, with sidewalk reconfiguration to preserve a tree. Riley Farm Park designs are considering bridge options. Maybranch Greenway faces challenges with a railroad; a partial realignment of Pea Street is being evaluated. Creekmore bathhouse will get controlled access and security cameras by Memorial Day. - Asset Maintenance: Staff is performing spring maintenance (oil changes, blade replacements, playground mulching). At Hillcrest, a new water fountain (including a dog bowl) was installed, with plans to add a similar unit at Creekmore. - Employee Recognition: Augustus, a staff member, voluntarily repaired raised grave borders at Oak Cemetery using weed eater twine for leveling. Key Outcomes - The commission voted unanimously to recommend $3,850 in city funding for the Methodist Village connector trail design and observation, to be paid from Caroline Cross Park cell tower fees. - The Creekmore tennis court and Sterna pump house projects are expected to be presented to the Board of Directors for approval at their next meeting (March 17, 2026). - Ribbon cutting for Tillis Park inclusive playground, basketball courts, and walking trail is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 10:45 a.m., with a spring break activity at 10:00 a.m. Hot dogs will be provided for children. - Department staff will deliver a truckload of trail material to Attillus Park for low spot repair, as requested by the public.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors met on March 10, 2026, for a study session addressing several major community issues. The agenda included an update on a critical roadway safety project in the Bakery District, a comprehensive review of local employment data and workforce development, a reconsideration of a camping prohibition ordinance similar to Grants Pass, an analysis of costs for security lighting in alleyways, and contract recommendations for the Parrot Island water slides and the 2026 water park management season. The meeting concluded with a robust public comment period covering homelessness, city governance, and infrastructure priorities. Public Comments & Testimony - Jimmy Harrison: Voiced concerns about an unusually high water bill with a 38-day billing cycle. Staff attributed the delay to weather-related issues with meter reading and confirmed the next cycle would be shorter. - Shane McKinney: Announced he was petitioning to change the city's form of government from an administrative form to a strong mayor form, with the goal of placing it on the November ballot. - Gary Podgerski: Requested the board direct engineers on the Sixth Street project to develop a specific traffic plan for the National Cemetery around Veterans Day and Memorial Day. He stated that homeless veterans have shelter services available through the VA and expressed agreement that American Resort Management should not continue to manage the water park. - Joey McCutcheon: Criticized the board for delegating the FMS military project largely to the Chamber of Commerce and questioned costs related to security details. He supported the petition for a strong mayor form of government. - Crystal Cadelli: Expressed cautious support for Fort Smith being a finalist for a Boring Company project, but urged the board to prioritize core infrastructure challenges (water consent decree, streets and drainage) and housing affordability to foster sustainable growth. - Richard Morris: Praised the responsiveness of various city departments and highlighted a recent Department of Defense request for information regarding training foreign pilots, suggesting Ebbing Air Base should pursue this opportunity. - Quentin Cunningham: Stressed the complex realities of homelessness, arguing against villainizing the homeless population or service providers, and noting how easily a personal crisis can lead to homelessness. - Sarah Harrison: A mayoral candidate, she inquired about coordinating downtown feeding sites, the impact of police staffing cuts on enforcement capacity, long-term budget safeguards, and the feasibility of using city land for tiny houses for the homeless. - Sharon Chapman: Clarified that the Hope Campus operates a bus ticket reunification program for those who want to leave and have a destination. She emphasized that while street outreach exists, the primary barrier is often the individual's willingness to accept services, and proposed the city consider a designated camping area connected to services. Discussion Items - Sixth Street & Wheeler Avenue Roadway Project: The board received an update on the approved $1.53 million project aimed at improving safety near the Bakery District and National Cemetery. The plan includes expanding sidewalks to seven feet, simplifying the traffic signal, optimizing parking through parallel configurations, and replacing roughly 300 feet of a 120-year-old sand-cast water line. Director Settle questioned the shift from angled to parallel parking, which staff explained was due to poor site distance for a first-time public implementation. Director Kemp asked about increasing the water line replacement scope to avoid future disruptions. The project has an estimated seven-month construction timeline. - Employment and Job Growth: Dr. Kendall Ross from UAFS presented data on the Fort Smith Metro. Key metrics included a 4.4% unemployment rate, a record 105,200 non-farm jobs, but a modest 0.7% year-over-year growth. Manufacturing anchors the economy at 17.2% of jobs. While wages have grown 30% since 2020, housing costs have risen 60%, creating affordability pressure. Western Arkansas Planning and Development District detailed workforce training services funded by WIOA. The board discussed the need to boost population growth, upskill the workforce, and address barriers like childcare and transportation. The board requested this presentation be provided annually. - Camping Prohibition Ordinance (Grants Pass): The board revisited an ordinance to prohibit camping on public property. Chief Baker and Sean Guard indicated that existing state laws on disorderly conduct and loitering already cover many of the targeted behaviors, and enforcing a new ordinance would largely result in citations that do not solve underlying issues. Chief Baker noted a zero-tolerance approach downtown simply shifts the problem. The discussion highlighted a lack of dedicated city funding for long-term housing and mental health services as the primary gap. The board broadly agreed the challenge is funding comprehensive services, not the absence of a specific ordinance. - Security Lighting in Alleyways: Director Meeker presented that adding city-maintained lighting to approximately 2,000 alleyways would add a recurring annual cost of $280,000 to $340,000 to the city's electrical bill. Director Kemp advocated for a proactive, data-driven approach using police crime heat maps to target priority areas. Director Settle expressed concern about the long-term budget impact. The board directed staff to work with the police to develop a targeted implementation plan. - Parrot Island Water Slide Bids: Staff recommended awarding the construction contract to SSI Incorporated ($1,751,910) and the aquatics contract to Clarity Pools ($664,200), for a total of $2,416,110 (within budget). Director Savage expressed a preference for the local bidder, Burton Pools, but the 5% local bidder preference did not make them the lowest responsive bidder. A motion was made and seconded to place the contract awards on the March 17 regular meeting agenda. - Water Park Management (2026 Season): City and County officials recommended a one-year contract extension with American Resort Management (ARM) to avoid operational disruption, with a new RFP to be issued mid-season. Director Savage strongly opposed the extension, citing ARM's negligence and stating the move was "a slap in the face to the people of Fort Smith." Staff noted ARM's 2026 budget projection anticipates a modest surplus assuming the new water slides are not operational. A motion was made and seconded to place the one-year agreement on the March 17 regular meeting agenda. Key Outcomes - Directives Issued: - The board directed staff to collaborate with the Fort Smith Police Department to analyze crime heat maps and prioritize alleyway lighting in high-crime areas. - Administration was directed to schedule an annual presentation tracking employment and job growth metrics. - Agenda Placements: The board voted to advance the following items to the March 17 regular meeting agenda for final approval: - Contract awards for the Parrot Island water slide project to SSI Incorporated and Clarity Pools. - A one-year management agreement with American Resort Management for the 2026 water park season. - Broad Consensus: On the camping ordinance, the board broadly agreed that the city's primary gaps are dedicated funding for comprehensive homeless services (mental health, addiction, housing) rather than the need for a new enforcement ordinance, with a focus on coordinating existing services and addressing root causes.