Fort Smith City Board of Directors Meeting – July 7, 2026

The Fort Smith City Board of Directors met on July 7, 2026, for a regular meeting that included a citizens’ forum, public hearings on several zoning items, a vote on an ordinance to place a change of government question on the November 2026 ballot, and approval of resolutions related to infrastructure, grants, and consent agenda items. The meeting was marked by intense citizen engagement, particularly on the topic of changing the city’s form of government.

Consent Calendar

• Ordinances 2–5 (Rezonings): All four rezoning ordinances (705 Xavier St., 606 S. 22nd St., 5300 S. Zero St./5991 Grand Slam Loop, and 1725 N. 7th St.) were adopted with majority votes, including emergency clauses. (5–0 to 6–0 votes, with occasional abstentions)
• Resolution – Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2026–2030): Approved 5–0–1 (one abstention). Community Development Director Candace Kabucci presented the plan for CDBG and HOME funds.
• Resolution – Easement Acquisition for Consent Decree Project: Approved 6–0.
• Resolution – Partial Payment to Inliner Solutions LLC (>$750,000): Approved 6–0.
• Resolution – Counteroffer to Union Pacific Railroad for Fee Acquisition: Approved 5–1 (Director George Kitzavis opposed). The city offered a midpoint price of $1.10/sq. ft. (~$276,000) for 6.28 acres needed for consent decree work.
• Ordinance – Private Club License (301 Garrison Ave.): Approved 6–0.
• Consent Agenda (Items 11A–11H): Approved with Director Christina Kitzavis abstaining on 11A (Riley Farm Park Improvements). Includes contracts for park improvements, waste hauler permits, public safety dispatch software, and fire apparatus refurbishment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Citizens’ Forum (20 speakers):

  • Andy Postrick requested a study session on a tax rebate mechanism for citizens, citing constitutional and distribution questions.
  • Shane McKinney presented a box of 3,400 petition signatures for a vote on changing the city’s form of government to mayor-council. He urged the board to place the question on the November ballot and warned against attempts to delay or sue the petition effort.
  • Joe Elskin advocated for respectful discourse and a publicity campaign to inform the public about different forms of government.
  • Janie Pugh (Revamp Fort Smith campaign) argued the city administrator system lacks accountability and is holding back economic growth, supporting the ballot initiative.
  • Patrick McGuire criticized previous statements about electric vehicle registrations, calling for a board resignation.
  • Jason Skarbitz read a “Declaration of the Second American Revolution,” asserting individual sovereignty.
  • Joey McCutcheon highlighted homelessness, public safety, and poverty, calling for a coordinated city-led effort and a dedicated homeless services coordinator. He linked these problems to the need for government change.
  • Raymond Taylor urged the board to run the city like a business, fix infrastructure (sewer, water), and not focus solely on government form.
  • Gary Podgarski raised concerns about no-bid contracts, questioned the constitutionality of the board’s decorum rules, and protested interruptions during his speech.
  • Casey Millspaw (candidate for city director) criticized the board for blocking progress, citing his removal from the Parks Commission and lack of growth. He argued for generational change.
  • Chris Cadelli opposed the proposed Bass Reeves trail, objecting to calling a line a “loop” to secure grants and warning of cost overruns (5.5 million per mile).
  • Crystal Cadelli urged spending tax revenue on infrastructure and public safety equipment rather than non-essential projects like Parrot Island or the Bass Reeves trail, and advocated selling the Acme Brick property for development.
  • Quentin Cunningham expressed frustration that his fact-based research on homeless allegations and safety concerns was ignored, and noted a growing trust deficit. He supported a change of government.
  • Eduardo Guzman urged state legislative delegation to address healthcare access and consent decree funding, and supported putting the government change question on the ballot.
  • Jacqueline Hooper shared personal experiences with a police mental health petition she believed was retaliation for public criticism, asking for accountability and transparency.
  • Sarah Harrison (mayoral candidate) supported letting citizens vote on the ballot question, praised quick city responses to pothole requests, and called for respectful dialogue.
  • Mikhaila Gaffney apologized for a previous call for a debate and announced a mental health class.
  • Samuel Price (comedian) encouraged engagement and an information campaign on the government change issue.

• Public Comments on Agenda Item 1 (Government Change Ordinance): Nine speakers (Patrick McGuire, Joey McCutcheon, Gary Podgarski, Jamichel Robinson, Chris Cadelli, Crystal Cadelli, Eduardo Guzman, Jacqueline Hooper, Shane McKinney) all urged the board to vote in favor of placing the question on the ballot. Several noted that a no vote would be seen as silencing citizens.

• Public Comments on Zoning Items and CDBG Plan:

  • Gary Podgarski on Item 2 (Xavier St.) attempted to speak on First Amendment but was ruled out of order.
  • Jacqueline Hooper on Item 2 asked about notification and evaluation of rezoning impacts.
  • Crystal Cadelli on Item 6 (Five-Year Plan) suggested CDBG funds be used for drainage infrastructure in low-income areas rather than large allocations to single organizations.
  • Jacqueline Hooper on Item 6 asked if the board could postpone the vote to consider using the former Dodson school for housing.
  • Kristen Kitchens on Consent Item 11B (Tillis Park parking lot) raised drainage concerns; Parks Director Sarah Deuster confirmed a plan to address drainage separately.

Discussion Items

• Change of Government Ordinance (Item 1): After a lengthy citizens’ comments, the board debated placing a referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot to switch from city administrator to mayor-council form of government.
  • Director Rigo spoke passionately about the right of the people to alter their government, citing the Declaration of Independence. He urged the board to pass the ordinance.
  • Director Settle argued that the petition effort should first be verified by the city clerk before the board acts, and criticized the petition leaders for not submitting signatures. He said he would not support frivolous lawsuits but would not vote for the ordinance tonight.
  • Director Kemp supported the petition process as a protected effort and said he would not vote to place on ballot without verification.
  • Director Christina Kitzavis pushed back against calling a board referral a “shortcut,” noting the legislature gave the board independent statutory authority. She supported the ordinance.
  • Director Martin kept his position from an earlier similar vote, supporting sending to the ballot.
  • Director George Kitzavis asked about deadlines (August 25 for submission to county) and clarified that a lawsuit would not automatically stop the process.
• Vote: The ordinance failed 3–2–1: Directors Rigo, Christina Kitzavis, and Martin voted yes; Directors Settle and George Kitzavis voted no; Director Kemp abstained. Because a majority of the whole board (4 votes) was required, the motion was defeated.

Key Outcomes

• Change of Government Referendum Not Placed on Ballot: The board did not adopt the ordinance. The citizen petition effort must proceed through the signature verification process (3400+ signatures) to qualify for November. The city clerk has until August 25 to certify or reject. Directors stated they would not initiate lawsuits against the petition.
• Study Session on Tax Rebate Mechanism: Citizens’ forum speaker Andy Postrick’s request was taken under advisement; board acknowledged interest.
• Study Session Requested:
  • Director Rigo motioned for a study session on free water provided to certain entities (mountain burg water, the Animal Services filling station, Parrot Island, Ben Garen) – seconded and approved.
  • Director Kitzavis motioned to invite Daniel Mann (FCRA) to publicly address the board about the trust’s finances – seconded and approved.
• Administrator Search Update: Director Kemp noted an update from Colin Businer Associates will be provided on July 14.
• Consent Decree Project Ease: The board authorized the counteroffer to Union Pacific Railroad for 6.28 acres at $1.10/sq. ft. (5–1).
• All other agenda items and consent items passed as listed under Consent Calendar.
• Recognition: The mayor announced the Record of Decision for foreign military sales (FMS) is finalized, making Fort Smith the official home; first aircraft for Singapore expected in December. Thanks were given to staff for the July 4th celebration.