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Hot Springs approves MOU with The Giving Team to relocate monthly food/resource event; public raises access concerns
Summary
The board authorized an MOU to support The Giving Team's Food for Thought program at a nearby city site and provide barricades, waste pickup and signage; public speakers urged the city to preserve visibility and access for people with mobility limitations.
The Hot Springs Board unanimously adopted Resolution R-26-87 on May 5 authorizing a memorandum of understanding with The Giving Team, Inc. to support the Food for Thought program and relocate the event to a nearby city surface lot and the adjacent Henry Glover lot.
Under the MOU (effective May 16, 2026 through May 5, 2027, with automatic annual renewal unless either party gives 30 days' notice), the city will provide barricades for site setup, waste containers, mutually agreed signage, and publicity assistance; The Giving Team will coordinate vendors, keep the site clean and provide attendance reports to the city. City Attorney Brian Albbright said the arrangement grew from a staff meeting with The Giving Team to find an alternative location that preserved services while addressing parking-program needs.
Public reaction: Several residents, volunteers and nonprofit leaders urged the board to ensure the relocated site remains easy to reach for people who use public transit, are disabled or lack vehicle access. Adrien Perry, a volunteer and Relay for Life event chair, described the Food for Thought operation as intermittent (about 10 days a year) but providing food, clothing, hygiene items and referrals and asked the board to "pick the good side." Other speakers called for preserving consistent, visible service and said moving the program out of public view can create barriers for people in need.
Why it matters: City staff said the change frees Church Street parking spaces that the city wants to preserve as unregulated employee/visitor parking while keeping The Giving Team's activities in a nearby city-owned location (324 Malvin) with vendor and parking access at the Henry Glover lot. Directors and staff emphasized the importance of public outreach to direct clients to the new site and agreed to coordinate with The Giving Team on signage and timing.
Vote: The resolution passed unanimously on a roll call vote of directors present.
Next steps: The Giving Team event will begin at the new site May 16; staff will review the MOU in January and either party can terminate with written notice. The city will assist with barricades, signage and publicity as part of implementation.
