Residents cite FOIA documents and call for review of director’s involvement in proposed sports complex

Multiple residents raised ethics concerns and FOIA‑based allegations during the Citizens Forum at the Nov. 10 meeting, saying documents produced by the city show a director engaged with a proposed sports-complex effort that could benefit a relative.

Chris Cadelli and Crystal Caddelli told the board they had filed FOIA requests about the proposed sports complex and reported finding communications and meetings that, they said, are inconsistent with public disclosure and recusal practices. "We did not receive the first round of documents until the following day…This FOIA request opened yet another embarrassing and shameful chapter in Fort Smith city governance," Chris Cadelli said. Crystal Caddelli said the director had publicly framed a family member’s role as volunteer while the FOIA shows the director introduced and participated in meetings involving the project.

Speakers urged formal accountability steps: early disclosure of conflicts, recusal from votes and further public transparency. Several board members acknowledged receipt of FOIA materials and said the records would be reviewed. The meeting record shows no in‑room rebuttal or detailed staff response to the specific FOIA assertions at the time of public comment.

Outcome and next steps: the board did not take immediate disciplinary action during the meeting. Directors and staff noted they would review the FOIA materials and consider appropriate next steps; speakers said they would continue to press for formal investigations if questions remain.