Fort Smith board extends convention-center contract term, rejects off-site catering amendment after public objections

The Fort Smith Board of Directors on Sept. 16 approved a second amendment to the city's management agreement with OVG Facilities LLC that lengthens the agreement's initial term and adds a parking advisory study, then declined to act on a separate amendment to permit OVG to provide off-site catering.

The vote to adopt the amendment on the convention-center contract passed 5-2. The separate resolution to permit off-site catering failed for lack of a motion after public commenters urged the board not to let a city-contracted manager compete with local restaurants and caterers.

Acting City Administrator Jeff Dingman told the board the item had been discussed at a Sept. 9 study session and that the amendment before the board would change the management agreement's initial term to eight years with a later two-year option at the city's discretion. He said the amendment also authorizes OVG to provide parking advisory services and to study parking-management options around the Fort Smith Convention Center.

"The more revenue that the facility generates, then yes, the less subsidy it will require from the general fund," Dingman said when…