Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Roadway engineering update
Ben Marts, the interim deputy director of engineering for roadways, is lined up as guest speaker. Expect talk about street conditions, project priorities and the roadwork pipeline.
Goodwin & Goodwin sewer rehab contract
The city negotiated the sole bidder down $440,700 on a sewer rehab project after its bid came in 19% over the engineer's estimate — but one director warned the renegotiation sets a risky precedent.
In-house street paving crew proposal
Public Works wants to build two internal paving crews — 23 personnel and $12-13 million up front in 2027 — claiming roughly 56% savings versus contracting out. Directors balked, saying they need the full numbers before approving it in the CIP.
Convenience store with gas sales at Jenny Lind and Jackson
Directors Settle, Martin, and Kemp pushed back hard on the proposed $2.3 million Jenny Lind extension, calling it an unwanted cut-through that would speed traffic through Fianna Hills. They want neighborhood input sessions before any vote.
FCRA dissolution accountability
Speaker Patrick McGuire pressed the Board to reaffirm its 2024 call to dissolve the Fort Chaffee redevelopment authority, get a legal assessment of dissolution routes within 60 days, and start a public transition process with deadlines.
Flock camera audit
Sharon Lockwood warned that Flock cameras can listen inside vehicles and that the data belongs to the vendor, calling it 'wireless tapping' and urging the Board to think carefully about privacy before expanding surveillance.
2027 Sidewalk Program
Public Works proposes 3.21 miles of new sidewalks and 1.04 miles of repairs in 2027, prioritized by school proximity and pedestrian traffic, with a homebuilder offering to pay material costs on two stretches.
Homelessness and the Bell Point Schoolhouse proposal
Glenn Forte' proposed converting the vacant Bell Point Schoolhouse into a transitional housing and jobs facility with work requirements, sobriety support, and rent savings returned when residents secure permanent housing.
Tilles Park splash pad
The city will spend about $1 million on a new, larger splash pad at Tilles Park, replacing a cheaply built one from a prior administration that would otherwise need a $150,000 mechanical retrofit. The old pad becomes a basketball court.
Auto and property insurance renewal
The board renewed its self-funded employee health coverage and a $84,544.72 cyber liability policy, the latter notable while the city recovers from a recent cyberattack.
Maybranch Greenway within Levee Improvement District No. 1
A proposed one-mile concrete trail segment crossing levee district land was rejected 3-1, with the no vote citing lifetime maintenance costs; supporters say it's a planned, grant-funded trail with no new flood risk. It returns November 17.
Potential revenue enhancement options
Staff floated doubling the alcohol tax from 5% to 10% to fund the full firefighter raise, but not a single director supported it — restaurants and bars would have borne the cost.
FCRA land use authority dispute
Director George Catsavis pressed whether the city can revoke the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority's land use authority, calling the arrangement 'a nightmare' for developers. The city attorney will review the governing documents and report back.
Demolition of chronic blighted properties
Three long-neglected houses will come down after years of failed enforcement, including one where the owner died and one with squatters. The city will demolish and lien the properties.
B Street South Sewer Upgrades
A small contract amendment adds $10,700 and 115 days for engineering work on the B Street South sewer project, which is tied to the federal consent decree work.