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Board tables Mazard Road design amendment, approves water‑park slide installation despite public questions
Summary
The board voted to table a design amendment for the Mazard Road phase 3 project until May and approved a construction contract to assemble water‑park slides by a 4–3 vote, drawing criticism from members of the public and some directors.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors on March 4 tabled an amendment to the Mazard Road Phase 3 design and approved a separate contract to assemble water‑park slide components — a contested item that drew public comment and a close 4–3 vote.
Engineering staff said the Mazard Road design contract is well underway (between 60%–90% complete) and that the amendment being discussed would add design for a pedestrian/cycle bridge and resolve remaining alignment, right‑of‑way and utility coordination issues. Several directors proposed tabling item 6A until after the city’s upcoming sales‑tax vote and after a planning review; a motion to table item 6A to the May meeting passed 7–0.
Item 6F, which authorizes the city to contract for assembly of water slides and related work as part of a larger $4.2 million water‑park expansion, was pulled for separate discussion. Staff explained the vendor selected (a national slide assembly contractor) specializes in slide installation and that there are few firms that perform that work at scale. The board heard public comments questioning the procurement and the county’s participation; critics said Sebastian County had declined to fund the slide edition and asked whether the city should proceed alone. Drew Peterson, identified in the meeting as a general manager with the park operator, said WhiteWater is the slide manufacturer and that a separate installer (CSM) would perform assembly; he said one slide subject to a patent issue would be replaced at no additional cost.
After public comment the board approved the slide assembly contract by a 4–3 vote. Directors Goode, Rigo, Kemp and Christina Katzavis voted yes; Directors Martin, Settle and George Katzavis voted no. The board also approved the remainder of the consent agenda items (those not pulled) and discussed Oak Cemetery retaining wall repair funding that is included as part of the carryover and consent actions; parks staff said the repair is complex and will likely be poured concrete and that an initial contract covers roughly half the wall with carryover funds covering the remainder as needed.
Votes at a glance: Table Mazard Road design amendment to May — passed 7–0. Approve water‑park slide assembly contract (item 6F) — passed 4–3. Remaining consent agenda items approved as presented.
