Fort Smith Board approves multiple rezones, property conveyance and policy updates; tables chlorine purchase

The Fort Smith Board of Directors on Sept. 2 approved a series of ordinances and resolutions including two rezoning measures, an amendment to the municipal procurement code to add real estate agent services, the conveyance of city property back to Methodist Village and the appointment of an internal audit director. Board members also adopted a mission statement and a combined vision-and-values resolution and tabled a purchase of liquid chlorine from the consent agenda for further review.

The actions matter because they change land use and procurement rules, return city land to a nonprofit for a planned daycare, and add a professional service category that the city can use without competitive bidding procedures tied to qualifications-based selection.

The board first adopted an ordinance to amend the master land use plan map and rezone property at 1404 South Eleventh Street back to transitional zoning, allowing two duplexes on separate lots. Deputy Administrator Maggie Rice told the board the property is roughly 0.3 acres and that the planning commission voted 8-0 to recommend the change. The ordinance was adopted with suspension of the rules and approved on a 6-0 roll call.

The board then approved a rezoning package for multiple parcels in the 5200 block of South 30 Third Street. The set of parcels (listed in the ordinance as 5202–5226 South 30 Third Street) will change to RSD-4 (residential single-family/duplex high density) to allow construction of seven duplexes on individual lots. Rice said the site is just over an acre, that a neighborhood meeting drew one attendee with concerns, and that the planning commission recommended approval 6-2. Developer Brandon Woodrum told the board the units will be about 900 square feet and “they'll rent for about $1,100 to $1,200 a month.” The ordinance passed 6-0; the board also approved the emergency clause 6-0.

Separately, the board adopted an ordinance amending section 2-182(d) of the Fort Smith Municipal Code to add real estate agent services to the city's list of professional services procured by qualifications-based selection. Board members asked staff how qualifications will be evaluated; staff said candidates typically submit resumes and relevant experience and name personnel who would work on city projects. Director Christina Kasaves said she expects firms to be licensed by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission and urged preference for local firms. The ordinance passed 6-0, and the emergency clause was also adopted 6-0.

The board approved an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of 1801 South 70 Fourth Street to Methodist Village Inc., waiving competitive bidding because the transfer implements a reversion the original deed contemplated. City staff explained Methodist Village donated property in 1966 for a special-needs school (Bost), with a reversion clause if the property ceased that use; city records show Bost stopped using the site in 2024. The proposed deed to Methodist Village restates a restriction that the property must be used as a childcare or daycare facility and that, if that use ceases, the property reverts to the city. The ordinance passed 6-0.

The board confirmed the appointment of Amanda Strange as Director of Internal Audit and authorized the mayor to sign an employment agreement following an executive session and offer; that resolution passed 6-0.

On strategic documents, the board voted to table item 6A (the proposed strategic priorities for 2025–26) to Sept. 23 after a motion to hold a study session; the motion to table passed 5-1. The board adopted resolutions approving a mission statement (6B) and a vision-and-values statement (6C) on a 6-0 vote.

On the consent agenda, the board approved seven of eight listed consent items, including agreements with Fort Smith Public Schools, Baker Tilly for risk assessment services, chemical purchases and contract changes for the 2024 overlay project. Directors pulled item 7D, the ordinance related to the purchase of liquid chlorine for 2025–26, for separate action and tabled it for additional bidding review; the motion to table 7D passed 6-0. The remainder of the consent agenda (with the exception of the pulled item) was approved 6-0.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance: Amend master land use plan map and rezone 1404 S. Eleventh St. — Adopted (suspension), roll call 6-0. - Ordinance: Amend master land use plan map and rezone parcels in 5200 block of S. 30 Third St. (listed addresses 5202–5226) to RSD-4 — Adopted, roll call 6-0. Planning Commission rec.: 6-2. - Ordinance: Amend Fort Smith Municipal Code §2-182(d) to add real estate agent services as a qualifications-based professional service — Adopted, roll call 6-0. - Ordinance: Convey property at 1801 S. 70 Fourth St. to Methodist Village, with reversion clause — Adopted, roll call 6-0. - Resolution: Confirm appointment of Amanda Strange as Director of Internal Audit — Adopted, roll call 6-0. - Resolution: Table 6A (Strategic priorities) to Sept. 23 — Adopted, vote 5-1. - Resolutions 6B and 6C (mission; vision and values) — Adopted, roll call 6-0. - Consent agenda (excluding item 7D): Adopted, roll call 6-0. Item 7D (liquid chlorine purchase): Pulled and tabled for further procurement review.

Board members who recorded votes during roll calls (as read at the meeting) included Director Kemp, Director George Gitsavis, Director Christina Gitsavis, Director Settle, Director Martin and Director Good.

The board meeting included public comment and extended discussion on procurement practices and a school noise mitigation grant (see separate articles). Several board members asked staff for additional follow-up: a study session on strategic priorities (set for Sept. 23), further procurement outreach for chemicals, and additional information for a public commenter on the school noise mitigation grant.