Board approves consent agenda; climate grant position draws a no vote and an abstention

The Fort Smith Board of Directors adopted an eight‑item consent agenda that included staffing, property acquisition, contracts and plan amendments. The consent agenda passed by roll call with the set of items approved except for item 4A, which drew one “no” vote and one abstention; the clerk reported the overall consent action as approved with six in favor, one opposed and one abstention for item 4A and the rest approved 7–0.

Items on the consent agenda included: • 4A — Resolution authorizing establishment of an Energy and Environment Project Coordinator position funded through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program (vote on this item recorded 6 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention; Director Settle voted no on 4A and Director George Katsavos recorded an abstention on at least one consent item). Staff said the position is grant‑funded and will expire on Dec. 30, 2029 if the grant term is maintained. • 4B — Resolution authorizing acquisition of real property interests as part of the flooded‑residence buyout program. A homeowner who identified herself as Bridal provided photos and described repeated flooding of the house she bought eight years ago and urged approval of the buyout; staff expressed sympathy and said the item would help address the situation. • 4C — Resolution to accept the bid and authorize a contract for South 90 First Street reconstruction. • 4D — Resolution setting a public hearing date for a proposed annexation near Highway 271 and Texas Road. • 4E — Resolution authorizing submission of an amended HOME‑ARP allocation plan and a substantial amendment to the 2021 annual action plan. • 4F — Resolution accepting completion and authorizing final payment to Steve Beam Construction for construction of Maybranch Greenway Phase 1A. • 4G — Resolution authorizing execution of a nonresidential solid waste collection and disposal permit and agreement with BPM Burns Property Maintenance, LLC. • 4H — Similar resolution authorizing execution of a nonresidential solid waste collection and disposal permit and agreement with Junket LLC.

During public comment, Joey McCutcheon addressed item 4A and expressed opposition to the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program funding, saying federal money is wasteful; staff said the city’s work plan was approved by EPA Region 6 and that the grant is currently authorized but that future funding can change with federal policy decisions. Director Settle asked whether the position would expire; staff said the grant funds the position until Dec. 30, 2029. The board recorded votes and the clerk announced the motion to adopt the consent agenda with the noted exception on 4A.

No separate motions to remove items from the consent agenda were adopted; directors removed no items for separate consideration other than asking questions on 4A before the vote.