Central Business Improvement District Regular Meeting – September 6, 2026

The Central Business Improvement District (CBID) Commission held a regular meeting on September 6, 2026, at The Bakery District in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Commissioners reviewed routine approvals, heard departmental and partner reports, received a special presentation honoring Commissioner Phil White, and discussed two major downtown projects: the Butterfield Trail Sculpture and the Riverfront Gateway Project.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the March 19, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously (the April 2026 meeting lacked a quorum, so no minutes were available).
• Treasurer’s Report: The City of Fort Smith Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for the CBID fund for the period ending April 30, 2026 was reviewed and approved. The fund balance at period end was $246,332, with year-to-date expenditures at 20.5% of the total budget.

Presentations & Reports

• Code Enforcement/Permits: Commissioners expressed frustration over properties with prolonged “no progress” status (e.g., 521 Garrison Ave. awaiting glass installation for over a year). The chair committed to follow up with City Administration and Code Enforcement Director Shawn Guard to request a representative at the next meeting and to explore potential ordinance changes for stronger enforcement.
• Parks Department (Sara Deuster): Routine summer landscape maintenance is underway. Compass Park Splash Pad opened after a brief part delay; seasonal staffing is nearly full (two vacancies remaining). The department reported the loss of two full-time employees but noted promising seasonal hires. The volunteer-led riverfront trail cleanup (FORC) continues with assistance from Trinity students organized by John Casey.
• Citizen Services/Canopy Project (Joshua Robertson): The farmers market canopies are energized; a “flip the switch” event was held May 9. Some LED under-lighting issues remain (color inconsistencies and one non-functional light) that Integrity is addressing. The decorative LED lighting project is fully installed. Energy from the canopies will offset City Hall utility usage.
• Police Department Downtown Officer/Ambassador Update (Cpl. Solis): Accidents decreased since the last period, with zero truck accidents downtown. Traffic stops increased to 175 (up from 95). Arrests decreased. A camera trailer was placed at John Bell Park to deter racing; activity has moved elsewhere. Homelessness-related complaints at 523 Garrison led to removal of a shrub that was harboring individuals. Parking complaints have risen since meter removal; employees parking on Garrison Avenue is limiting customer spaces. Cpl. Solis is promoting the $40/month parking garage and will communicate concerns to the Board of Directors. Work continues with churches to provide bathing services for the unhoused to prevent use of splash pads. The Downtown Safety Spotlight video series is active on social media.
• Main Street Fort Smith Report (Amanda Hager): The small business incubator (Commerce Collective) winner, Crystal, is moving into 409 Garrison Avenue with a tentative opening June 20. The space lease runs through January 2027; the property owner (Griffin) offers a year lease option afterward. Main Street is conducting a visual assessment of the district (300+ design improvements identified) and a building-by-building occupancy survey. The next mini-grant round will open in June or July. The Levitt AMP series lineup is still being finalized; one headliner fell through.
• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum Update (Lawson Hembree & Michael Hall): The museum is pursuing national accreditation and a strategic expansion plan (estimated $9-10 million for building expansion, plus sustainability funding for free programming; feasibility study for a $15 million campaign underway). The museum is outside the CBID district but at a key gateway.

Special Presentation

• Fort Smith Trailblazer Award: Commissioner Phil White was presented the Fort Smith Trailblazer Award by Josh Buchfink (City Communications) in recognition of his volunteerism and downtown revitalization efforts.

Discussion Items

• Butterfield Trail Sculpture (Phil White): Phil White reported that all funding and in-kind contributions for the life-size stagecoach and horse team sculpture (estimated value $150,000–$200,000) are secured. The city will remove asphalt, Forsgren is building the foundation, two engineering firms (Jason Myers and Josh Mickle) are providing pro bono engineering, and steel is donated. A motion was made and seconded that CBID contribute half the cost of materials up to $10,000 as a public-private partnership. The motion passed unanimously, though White expressed hope that private funding would cover the full amount.
• Riverfront Gateway Project (Phil White): The engineering firm Crafton Tull provided a cost estimate of approximately $300,000 for the short block between 8th and 2nd Streets. Commissioners discussed that ARDOT requires detailed engineering drawings before approval. City staff noted that if CBID funds the engineering design, the project could advance faster. It was agreed to first obtain written confirmation from ARDOT that the concept is acceptable, then bring the engineering contract to the next meeting for a vote.
• Wheeler Avenue Water Line Replacement: An update was given on the 10-inch cast iron water line replacement on Wheeler Avenue. The city’s potholing is needed to locate the line before design can proceed. This may affect lane closures.

Public Comments

• A downtown property owner and business representative expressed continued support for safety initiatives and thanked the commission for the business incubator program.
• Steve (no last name given) mentioned a potential mural on the back wall of a building; discussion about coordinating with Steel Horse Rally.
• (Unidentified speaker) announced the return of the Art Walk in November, partnering with the Windham’s Autumn Festival on November 7, and invited collaboration with the Regional Art Museum.
• A public comment indicated that reconstruction of a river trail (washed away in 2019) will begin this summer, targeting completion by year-end.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes and Treasurer’s Report approved unanimously.
• Butterfield Trail Sculpture: Motion passed (CBID to contribute up to $10,000 for materials). Private funding still being pursued to avoid CBID expenditure.
• Riverfront Gateway Project: CBID will request written ARDOT concept approval before considering engineering contract. Engineering design fee will be brought for a vote at the next meeting.
• Code Enforcement follow-up: Chair to request a code enforcement representative at the next meeting and research potential ordinance changes.
• Next Regular Meeting: Scheduled for June 18, 2026 (note: meeting date used in summary is September 6, 2026 per instruction; agenda listed June 18 as next meeting).