Fort Smith Board of Directors Regular Meeting - October 5, 2026

The Fort Smith Board of Directors held its regular meeting on October 5, 2026, at the Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas. The meeting included approval of consent agenda items, adoption of ordinances related to data centers, property demolitions, and annual millage levies, as well as discussion on fire department compensation and FCRA land use authority. The board also went into executive session for a performance evaluation of the City Administrator and an update on a cybersecurity event.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of the September 15, 2026 regular meeting.
• Consent Agenda (Items 4A–4H): Adopted en bloc with a vote of 6-0. Items included:
  • Resolution designating a portion of South 58th Street as Clyde Randall Road.
  • Resolution authorizing acceptance of $12,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending funds from Senator John Boozman for the Lake Fort Smith Water Transmission Line (Phase 2A1-1), with a waiver of the $3,000,000 local match.
  • Resolution authorizing acceptance of $3,000,000 Community Project Funding from Congressman Steve Womack for Neighborhood Water Line Improvements.
  • Ordinance declaring an exceptional situation and waiving competitive bidding for emergency roofing repairs at the Lake Fort Smith Water Treatment Plant ($120,900) due to a storm on August 17, 2026. Work performed by Dale Crampton Company, covered by insurance.
  • Resolution accepting the Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum Exterior Restoration Project as complete and authorizing final payment of $24,300 to Russell Exterior LLC.
  • Resolution authorizing Change Order No. 1 for Miss Laura’s Parking Lot Replacement Project, extending contract time by 30 days at no additional cost.
  • Resolution authorizing a lease agreement with the Special School District of Fort Smith for the softball field at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (Grizzly Field).
  • Resolution authorizing application for the 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant ($71,970 total, with $50,379 to the City and $21,591 to Sebastian County).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Data Center Ordinance (Item 1): Multiple citizens spoke in opposition to the proposed data center ordinance, citing concerns about noise pollution, electricity costs, water consumption, and the need for stronger protections. Speakers included Jason Skirbitz, Crystal Cadelli, Joe Elskin, Chris Cadelli, Kenneth Clark, Sarah Harrison, Raymond Taylor, Casey Millspaw, and Dan Williams. Some requested a more restrictive ordinance similar to Fayetteville's, while others saw potential for negotiation on infrastructure improvements.
• Consent Agenda Items: Noel Harvey Jr. spoke in support of the honorary street designation for Clyde Randall (Item 4A), highlighting the long history of Randall Ford. Jason Skirbitz commented on the emergency roofing contract (Item 4D) and praised the Miss Laura’s exterior restoration (Items 4E–4F).

Discussion Items

• Data Center Ordinance (Item 1): Deputy City Administrator Maggie Rice presented the amendment requiring development plan review by the Planning Commission and Board approval for data centers in I-1, I-2, and I-3 zones, along with design standards (8-ft opaque wall, 500-ft setbacks, utility capacity letters). The Planning Commission had voted 8-0 in favor. Board members discussed the need for additional protections. Director Good moved to send the ordinance back to the Planning Commission for strengthening, but after discussion, the motion was withdrawn. The board passed the ordinance as presented with an emergency clause (6-0), with the understanding that amendments could be returned in December 2026.
• Demolition Ordinance (Item 2): Director of Neighborhood Services Shawn Gard presented three dilapidated structures at 419 N 20th St, 315 S 14th St, and 713 Hillside Dr. The properties had long histories of code violations, owner deaths, and lack of compliance. The ordinance authorized demolition if repairs are not made within 30 days. The board adopted the ordinance and emergency clause unanimously (6-0).
• Millage Ordinances (Items 3A–3D): City Clerk Sherri Gard presented the annual property tax levies: 5 mills general (est. $10.3 million), 1 mill library (est. $2.0 million), 1 mill police pension, and 1 mill fire pension (est. $4.0 million total). All are at maximum rates except the library. The ordinances were adopted unanimously (6-0).
• B Street South Sewer Upgrades Amendment (Item 5): Engineering Director Todd Mittge presented Amendment No. 1 with RJN Group, Inc. to add an independent geotechnical review required by CPKC Rail for $10,700 and 115 additional days. The project is part of the Consent Decree. The resolution was adopted (6-0).
• Officials Forum:
  • Mayor McGill announced the delivery of an F-35 to the German Air Force at Ebbing Air National Guard Base and the passing of community figure Wild Bill Ingalls.
  • Director Kemp moved to schedule an executive session for the annual review of Internal Auditor Amanda Strange on October 20, 2026. The motion was seconded and passed.
  • Director Christina Catsavis made a motion to add a discussion of fire department pay raises (based on the study) to the study session agenda. Seconded by Director Settle. Discussion included potential shift changes and FSLA considerations. Director Good requested a holistic approach for all city employees. Director Settle noted he would miss upcoming meetings and requested votes be delayed until November. The motion carried.
  • Director Martin raised concerns about FCRA land use authority, asking whether the board can revoke it and whether the city can file an interest in the Chaffee Golf Course. City Attorney Colby noted the authority was granted via an MOU and may be revocable; he agreed to review documents and provide a written response.
  • Director Kemp noted updates on the Arkoma water agreement timeline (missed) and audit advisory committee recommendations regarding Parrot Island management changes.

Key Outcomes

• Data Center Ordinance: Adopted with emergency clause (6-0). Administration directed to return with stronger provisions for Planning Commission consideration in November and Board approval in December.
• Demolition Ordinance: Adopted (6-0). Structures at three addresses ordered demolished if not repaired in 30 days.
• Millage Ordinances: All four adopted (6-0).
• Consent Agenda: All items approved (6-0).
• B Street Sewer Amendment: Approved (6-0).
• Executive Session: Held for City Administrator performance evaluation and cybersecurity update. No action taken.
• Future Items: Budget presentation scheduled for October 13, 2026; study session on October 20 for internal auditor review; fire department pay discussion added to study session agenda.