Fort Smith Board of Directors Regular Meeting - September 2, 2025

The Fort Smith Board of Directors held its regular meeting on September 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Blue Lion. The board passed several ordinances and resolutions, including rezoning for two residential developments, amendments to professional services procurement, property conveyance to Methodist Village, and appointment of a new Director of Internal Audit. A consent agenda item for liquid chlorine was tabled for further bid exploration.

Consent Calendar

• Approved an intergovernmental agreement with Fort Smith School District for a $4,350,617 Community Noise Mitigation Grant (90% federal, 10% local match of $435,063 paid by the district) for noise mitigation at Carnall Elementary and Orr Learning Academy.
• Approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP for a risk assessment of the Water and Sewer Department (estimated 100 hours, $25,000) and terminating the previous outsourcing agreement (Resolution No. 236-24).
• Accepted bids for water and wastewater chemicals for 2025-2026 via eBridge reverse auction (22 suppliers, 1,149 bids).
• Approved sole source ordinance for potassium permanganate from Carus LLC at $4.32/lb (same as last year).
• Approved a resolution for the first amendment to the land lease with American Towers LLC for the Carol Ann Cross Park cell tower (35-year extension, $13,000 signing bonus, 15% rent escalation every five years).
• Approved Change Order No. 1 for the 2024 Street Overlays/Reconstruction Phase D (time extension of 24 days).
• Accepted completion and authorized final payment of $605,861.17 to Forsgren, Inc. for the 2024 Street Overlays/Reconstruction Phase D.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Williams spoke on item 7A (noise mitigation grant agreement), expressing concern about the source of the school district's local match and whether grant money was being used. He requested clearer details. Acting City Administrator indicated staff would follow up.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning at 1400/1404 South 11th Street (Item 1): Staff reported the Planning Commission recommended approval (8-0). The 0.32-acre property will be rezoned from Industrial Light (I-1) to Transitional (T) and the Master Land Use Plan changed to Mixed Use Residential to allow two duplexes. Director Kemp asked about compatibility; staff noted the property was zoned Transitional until 2012. The board approved the ordinance and emergency clause 6-0.
• Rezoning at 5200 block South 33rd Street (Item 2): Planning Commission recommended 6-2. The 1.11-acre property will be rezoned from I-1 to RSD-4 and the Master Land Use Plan changed to Mixed Use Residential to allow seven duplexes (14 units). A neighborhood meeting had one attendee with concerns; at the Planning Commission, Shawn Hunt raised concerns about traffic, noise, and property value. Director Kemp asked about rent – developer Brandon Woodrome stated units are ~900 sq ft renting for $1,100-$1,200/month. Director Christina Catsavis confirmed sound attenuation requirements apply due to airport noise contours. Director Martin noted existing nearby residential. Board approved 6-0 with emergency clause.
• Ordinance amending professional services (Item 3): The ordinance adds real estate agent services to Section 2-182(d) of the Municipal Code, allowing qualification-based procurement. Director Christina Catsavis raised concerns: requiring licensure with Arkansas Real Estate Commission, local address, market knowledge. Suggested open listing with 5-6% commission. Board approved 6-0.
• Conveyance to Methodist Village (Item 4): The ordinance waives competitive bidding and authorizes conveying 1801 South 74th Street (2.988 acres) back to Methodist Village, Inc. for a daycare facility. The property originally donated in 1966 for a Bost school reverted to the city in 2024. The deed will include a reversion clause if use ceases. Director Kemp asked about safeguards against deterioration. Staff noted typical deed restrictions. Board approved 6-0.
• Appointment of Director of Internal Audit (Item 5): Resolution confirming Amanda Strange as Director of Internal Audit effective September 8, 2025, with an at-will employment agreement (annual salary $115,000.08, severance of 6 months salary if terminated without cause, vehicle allowance $600/month). Board approved 6-0.
• Strategic Priorities/Mission/Vision (Items 6A, 6B, 6C): Director Kemp moved to table item 6A (2025-2026 Strategic Priorities) to the September 23 study session for further discussion, citing the need for fresh perspective after a long workshop. Motion passed 5-1 (Christina Catsavis opposed). Items 6B (Mission Statement) and 6C (Vision/Value Statements) were adopted 6-0.
• Consent Agenda – Liquid Chlorine (Item 7D): Director Settle spoke against waiving competitive bidding, noting the U.S. liquid chlorine price index is ~$750/ton versus the quoted $2,924/ton from Brenntag Southwest. He found an alternative supplier (Hawkins) and requested staff seek competitive bids. Director Settle moved to table 7D, seconded. Roll call: 6-0 in favor. Item tabled.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Item 1 (11th St rezoning): Approved 6-0 (ordinance and emergency).
  • Item 2 (33rd St rezoning): Approved 6-0 (ordinance and emergency).
  • Item 3 (professional services): Approved 6-0.
  • Item 4 (Methodist Village): Approved 6-0.
  • Item 5 (Internal Audit): Approved 6-0.
  • Item 6A (Strategic Priorities): Tabled to Sept. 23 study session (5-1).
  • Items 6B and 6C: Approved 6-0.
  • Consent agenda (excluding 7D): Approved 6-0.
  • Item 7D (liquid chlorine): Tabled 6-0.
• Directives: Staff to explore competitive bids for liquid chlorine. City Administrator to finalize budget review schedule with board (discussed possible Tuesday/Thursday options or Saturday). Director Christina Catsavis requested a study session on a comprehensive water infrastructure plan.

Officials Forum

• Mayor McGill reported on the quarterly Air Force Education and Training Command meeting, offered to give regular updates. Also expressed condolences for the late Senator Gary Stubblefield.
• Director Settle commented on water issues, agreeing with need for action.
• Director Kemp requested up to $1,000 for HR to post the city administrator job on additional sites.
• Director Good emphasized that water issues have been deferred by previous boards and urged current action.
• City Administrator discussed budget review schedule; board debated days and agreed to finalize later.