Fort Smith City Board of Directors Meeting – May 5, 2026

The Fort Smith City Board of Directors met on May 5, 2026, to discuss a range of topics including a resolution to suspend the city's mosquito fogging program, updates on a large sulfuric acid spill, and approval of consent agenda items. The meeting featured extensive public comment on mosquito fogging and a citizen-led petition to change the city's form of government.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 4A: Authorizing participation in a FEMA BRIC grant for stormwater mitigation at the former ACME property. Approved.
• Resolutions 4B & 4C: Designating portions of North 23rd Street as "Jalen Williams Court" and North 25th Street as "Isaiah Joe Court." Approved.
• Resolution 4D: Awarding a contract for roof repairs at the Mazard wastewater treatment plant. Approved.
• Resolution 4E: Authorizing easement acquisitions for racetrack road waterline improvements. Approved.
• Resolution 4F: Accepting as complete and authorizing final payment to Goodwin & Goodwin for utility relocation. Approved 6-0-1 (Director Christina Kitsavis abstained).
• Resolution 4G: Authorizing a multi-year contract with the Mars Company for water meter test bench software, maintenance, calibration, and certification. Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nancy Rainey (8108 Adam Drive) opposed citywide fogging of permethrin, citing harm to pollinators, ecosystem disruption, and public health risks. She noted that the board had previously voted 6-1 to focus on parks and opt-in, but argued parks are where children learn about nature.
• Carol Lee Jarvis supported suspension of fogging, citing personal health (asthma) and loss of her daughter to cancer from environmental pollutants. She advocated for natural mosquito control methods such as bat houses, dragonflies, and native plants.
• Crystal Cadelli opposed widespread spraying, urging the city to improve drainage to reduce standing water and to offer free repellent at multiple locations.
• Dan Williams praised the Business Expo and Steel Horse Rally, expressed concern about drone security at the airport/ports, requested updates on the Arcoma water connection and other water contracts, and commended progress on reducing water leaks.
• Amanda Lancart presented peer-reviewed research linking permethrin to brain/nervous system damage in children, cardiovascular death risk, endocrine disruption, and harm to monarch butterflies and fireflies. She noted that the city's own public works department could not confirm the program's effectiveness and that Jonesboro and Fayetteville manage mosquitoes without calendar fogging. She requested a pause, expanded larvaciding, and a data-driven program by 2027.
• Chris Ridgway cited the product label (Control 3030) stating toxicity to aquatic organisms and bees, and that drift cannot be controlled. He argued fogging creates long-term pesticide resistance and harms natural predators like dragonflies. He referenced Fairfax County, VA, which does not spray for nuisance mosquitoes.
• Eric Wideman raised concerns about the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment at the ACME brick site, noting no soil, air, or water sampling was conducted. He called for a complete Phase II assessment before construction and questioned public involvement opportunities.
• Shane McKinney reported on the citizen petition to change the city's government to a strong-mayor form, stating they have nearly 2,000 signatures of the 2,600 needed by July 21. He urged the board to avoid legal battles and place the measure on the November ballot.
• Amy Williams thanked the city for the water tower cleaning at Old Greenwood (done via drone), noting the positive impact on the skyline and community morale.
• Chris Cadelli echoed support for the government change petition and requested an update on the Arcoma water situation. He argued the current form of government makes accountability difficult and asked the board to send the measure to voters.
• Glenn Forte made allegations against the city administrator, police chief, and other officials, calling for resignations and citing specific incidents. His comments were not directly related to an agenda item.

Discussion Items

Mosquito Fogging Resolution (Item 2)

• Director George Kitsavis suggested putting the fogging question on the November ballot, but City Attorney Colby indicated the board may not have that authority; it would need a citizen initiative.
• Director Kemp asked about targeted treatment near Mill Creek and businesses, and about bat houses and dragonfly releases. Public Works Director Matt Meeker confirmed larvacide dunks are distributed and effective.
• Director Rigo opposed the suspension, noting the board had voted 6-1 just two months ago to resume the program. He argued a suspension without a comprehensive alternative would leave the city with no mosquito management.
• Director Settle asked about equipment readiness if a health issue arises; Meeker said the equipment can be kept operational.
• Director Christina Kitsavis worried about equity—those who can afford private mosquito control (e.g., Mosquito Joe) would get service while others would not.
• Director Good supported a pause but wanted a clear alternative plan.
• An amendment by Director Rigo was adopted (6-1) to: (1) strike "as needed" from the distribution of larvacide information, requiring proactive public education; and (2) add a section directing administration to present an alternative mosquito management proposal by June 16, 2026.
• The amended resolution passed 5-1-1 (Director Rigo opposed, Director George Kitsavis abstained).

Sulfuric Acid Spill Update

• Director Martin requested an update. Public Works Director Meeker and Water Resources Director Lance McAvoy reported that the spill (94% concentration, pH as low as 0) occurred from totes in a building at a facility. It entered storm sewers and the sanitary sewer. Drinking water is safe, but the sewer system may be damaged. DEQ, Oklahoma DEQ, the Choctaw Nation, and EPA are involved. The affected creek in Oklahoma still had a pH around 1 as of 11 a.m. on May 5. Flushing was halted by DEQ to avoid pushing the slug downstream. Solids formed from the acid reaction are a concern. Director Martin expressed concern about structural damage to concrete pipes and pumps. The fire department knocked on doors to warn residents to avoid the creek.

Other Reports

• Mayor reported the Steel Horse Rally had an estimated 200,000 attendees with minimal incidents.
• Fort Smith Airport finalized a joint use agreement with the Air Force, generating approximately $430,000 per year.
• Fort Smith Historical Society received the Walter L. Brown Award for best historical journal in Arkansas; Professor Billy Higgins was recognized for an article on the Darby family.
• Director Martin reported on the successful Steel Horse Rally and low law enforcement incidents.
• Parrot Island audit is near completion; Forvis is finishing fieldwork.
• Water tower at Old Greenwood was cleaned by water resources team using drone technology.
• Bids for Miss Laura's house siding will be presented at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Mosquito Fogging: The resolution to suspend public works mosquito fogging operations until further notice, as amended, was approved (5-1-1). The amendments require the city to proactively distribute larvacide information and submit an alternative mosquito management plan by June 16, 2026.
• Consent Agenda Items: All items (4A-4G) were approved with only Item 4F receiving one abstention (Director Christina Kitsavis).
• Study Session Request: Director George Kitsavis attempted to move the fogging issue to a study session for potential ballot placement, but the matter was deferred after the vote.
• Next Steps: Administration will prepare the alternative mosquito management proposal; staff will continue working on the ACME brick site Phase II environmental assessment using EPA Brownfields grant funds; and updates on the sulfuric acid spill response will continue.