Highlights of the Fort Smith Board of Directors Meeting 7/8/25

At the Fort Smith Board of Directors meeting held 7-8-25 and led by Vice Mayor Rego in the absence of Mayor McGill, the Board voted unanimously in favor of a zoning change to allow for Midland Bowl to add an outdoor family amusement area including a half acre go kart track on their property at 2600 North 32nd.

Director Martin asked about noise concerns for residents on Birnie. Planning Director Rice answered that the track would have to comply with all noise ordinances. She said that neighbors have not voiced opposition based on noise and said “Everyone we have talked to about this is thrilled.”

Director Settle asked about the conceptual drawings included in the application showing the track on the opposite side of the property from where it will be located. Rice clarified that the drawings were done before it was discovered that there was a sewer line on the side depicted in the drawings that caused them to decide to build it on the other side.

Director Rego called the plan “very exciting for the community.”

The Board voted unanimously in favor of a zoning change to allow for the property that was formerly the Fianna Hills Country Club and golf course to be developed into a mixed use development. It will have 3 sections, one with up to 114 retirement housing units for senior citizens, one with single family residences, and one with commercial uses potentially including retail, offices, and restaurants.

Directors Kemp and Settle both asked about the property being gated so that access was limited to only Brooken HIll. The developer answered that it would be gated and limited to Brooken Hill, including gates at Essex and at Bramble Bray. Rice added that access to Jenny Lind would be prohibited. Director Kemp asked about a sidewalk on Brooken Hill. The developer said that they would be putting in whatever is required for sidewalks. Director Kemp called the sidewalk “a pro” and said that he applauds the development because the “club has sat dormant for a long time.”

The Board voted to establish a new staff position, Energy & Environment Project Coordinator. The employee will be coordinator for Climate Pollution Reduction Grant programs including implementation and administration of the alleyway rehabilitation, electric vehicle chargers, and Nelson Hall Homes solar array projects and coordination with regional partners on the e-bike rebate and green workforce development programs. The position salary will be $53,518.40/year (a total cost of $77,683,33 when including benefits) but the entire cost will be covered by the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant federal funds. No City funds will be used.

Joey McCutcheon spoke in opposition to the position. He said that it would be “more bureaucracy” and a “waste of federal money.”

Director Settle asked if the current federal administration could pull back the federal grant funds. Sustainability Officer Robertson answered that while there is “always a chance” the grant funds have already been awarded and the new EPA staff has said that “Our work plan passed Trump’s new policy.”

The Board voted to establish the position with all but Director Settle voting in favor and Director George Catsavis abstaining from voting.

The Board voted unanimously to purchase a house at 5088 South 33rd for $264,000 through the flooded residence buyout program in which the City purchases homes that experience frequent flooding when it is cheaper to purchase the property than to perform the public infrastructure improvements necessary to prevent the flooding.

The homeowners spoke in support of the purchase. They said that they bought the home as their “forever home” 8 years ago. They said that there have been repeated instances where water invaded the home with as much as 8 inches of water being inside the house. They said that they have installed a water alarm, French drains, and sump pumps to try to deal with the issue themselves, but it has not been enough.

The Board voted unanimously without discussion to contract with Forsgren for $2,226,920.90 for reconstruction of South 91st Street between Rogers and Dallas.

The Board voted unanimously without discussion to issue non-residential waste collection permits to Burns Property Maintenance and Junk-It. The permits will be for 2 years and include a 5% franchise fee.

During the Executive session, the Board interviewed Amanda Strange for the Director of Internal Audit vacant position. No action was taken by the Board following the interview.