Fort Smith City Board of Directors Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Fort Smith City Board of Directors met on February 17, 2026, to consider multiple ordinances and resolutions, including a new accountability ordinance for third-party intermediaries, funding for a spay and neuter voucher program, budget carryovers, and consent decree project approvals. The meeting featured extensive public comment, board discussion, and several votes.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (five items) was adopted unanimously (7-0), covering: renewal of city auto and property insurance; bids for street overlay reconstruction; project completion for Crawford Construction; a change order for utility relocation; and vehicle/equipment purchases for public works.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 1 (Third-Party Intermediary Ordinance): Six citizens spoke in favor. Kim Fodge criticized lack of due diligence on the Parrot Island slide purchase and supported the ordinance. Dan Williams cited previous undisclosed costs and supported full disclosure. Carl Nevin questioned why a system to audit third-party contractors would not be supported. Crystal Cadelli argued the ordinance is needed given poor financial judgment, noting $2.5 million extra spent on slide installation. Chris Cadelli expressed support, puzzled by initial opposition. Shane McKinney asked why board members would not want added safety and disclosure.
• Item 2 (Spay/Neuter Voucher Program): Nine citizens spoke. Joe Elskin urged passage and suggested wide advertisement. Kim Fodge supported, noting the city found millions for water slides. Gabe Hoover (executive director of Kitties & Canines) described the program's success and the community's reliance on vouchers. Pam Weber detailed shelter statistics (1,800 animals taken in, 90% euthanized historically) and presented maps of voucher usage. Dr. Ashley Smith, a veterinarian, emphasized health benefits and rabies prevention. Gary (first name) advocated for mandatory licensing, microchipping, and higher fines for animal dumping. Dan Williams suggested funding sources. Crystal Cadelli opposed, arguing pet ownership responsibility and other city needs. Chris Cadelli opposed, arguing it would enable irresponsible ownership and be deficit spending.
• Item 6 (Easement Acquisition): Matthew Yancey and Lisa Sellers expressed concerns about property valuations and safety. Yancey argued appraisals undervalue north-side property and asked about loss-of-use compensation. Sellers highlighted a large difference between offers and worried about increased crime due to open easements. They requested a second appraisal and restoration of gates.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Ordinance Establishing Accountability and Disclosure Standards for Third-Party Intermediaries: Director Christina Kitsavis explained the ordinance addresses a gap when third parties (like American Resort Management) negotiate pricing without a city contract. City Attorney Colby Rowe confirmed it is not redundant with existing policies. Director Good supported accountability but asked if it is a 'one-off' issue. Director Kemp expressed concern the definition of 'third-party intermediary' is too broad and could slow procurement, increase liability, and treat cost estimates as guarantees. Discussion centered on hypothetical scenarios with ARM and the water slide purchase. After debate, the ordinance passed 6-1 (Director Rigo opposed). The emergency clause also passed 6-1.
• Item 2 – Ordinance Appropriating $150,000 for Spay/Neuter Vouchers: Board members debated fiscal impact. CFO Andy Richards noted the $150,000 would create a projected deficit but could be managed through budget savings, and the general fund reserve would remain at 32% ($19.6 million). Director Martin was torn about balancing the budget. Director Settle suggested a plan for administration to handle the program. Director Rigo clarified the appropriation is from reserves, not operations. Director George Kitsavis cited long-term savings. Dr. Ashley Smith said communities typically see significant reductions after 5-6 years. The ordinance passed 7-0.
• Item 3 – Budget Carryovers ($1,678,865): CFO Richards explained items under contract vs. not. Director Settle praised the updated fiscal impact statement. The ordinance passed 5-2 (Directors George and Christina Kitsavis opposed).
• Items 4 & 5 – Project Completions: Two consent decree projects were accepted as complete. Item 4 (Brothers Construction) came in 22% under budget ($6.189M final). Item 5 (Humbard Contracting) came in 44% under budget ($1.951M final). Both passed 7-0.
• Item 6 – Easement Acquisitions for Consent Decree: Six properties, totaling ~$22,000. After public comments, board asked staff to address citizen concerns. Passed 7-0.
• Item 7 – Additional Easements: $2,600 for seven tracts. Passed 7-0.
• Officials Forum: Director Rigo requested future study session items: a presentation on the Bakery District engineering proposal and alleyway lighting safety. Director Christina Kitsavis proposed rescinding the contract with Royal Ridge for Parrot Island slides and reissuing a competitive bid, citing pending litigation. After discussion, the board agreed to place rescission on the next meeting agenda. Director George Kitsavis raised concerns about high water bills, meter accuracy, and shutoffs affecting families. He suggested a water advisory board. Director Martin and others requested data on high-bill occurrences. Staff noted 99.35% billing accuracy and ongoing efforts.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance on Third-Party Intermediaries: Adopted 6-1 (Rego opposed), with emergency clause 6-1. Effective immediately, requiring disclosure and certification from unaffiliated intermediaries.
• Spay/Neuter Voucher Funding ($150,000): Adopted 7-0; appropriates from general fund reserve; administration to develop implementation plan.
• Budget Carryovers ($1,678,865): Adopted 5-2 (George and Christina Kitsavis opposed).
• Project Acceptances & Easements: Items 4-7 all approved 7-0.
• Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0.
• Future Action: Board will consider rescission of Royal Ridge contract and re-bid at March 10 study session. Data on high water bills to be provided by end of February.