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Hot Springs previews May 19 agenda: $2.1M state grant, CDBG plan and two eminent-domain requests
Summary
At an agenda meeting, Hot Springs City staff previewed action items set for formal consideration May 19, including a $2.1 million state grant to make the Buddy Beam site shovel-ready, the FY2026 CDBG annual action plan, multiple federal and private grant applications, and two proposed eminent-domain filings to reconfigure public property for safety and park use.
The mayor opened an agenda meeting to preview items the Board will formally consider at its May 19 meeting, including a $2.1 million state grant to prepare the Buddy Beam industrial site, recommended allocations under the FY2026 Community Development Block Grant program, applications for multiple transportation and environmental grants, and two proposed eminent‑domain filings related to parks and intersection safety.
City Manager Bill Burrow and staff walked the board through consent‑agenda items and background materials. Gary Trautman, president and CEO of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Hot Springs Metro Partnership, reported that the state (Arkansas Economic Development Commission) awarded $2,100,000 to make the Buddy Beam site “shovel ready,” funding environmental studies, engineering, and dirt work to attract manufacturers. Staff said the grant equals the full amount requested.
Finance Director Karen Scott told the board that Ordinance 6577 (May 5, 2026) requires a separate Water Impact Fee Fund; staff recommended opening a demand deposit account at BancozyK titled “Hot Springs Water Impact Fees,” with signers Bill Burrow Jr., Karen Scott and Kesha Ganske.
Grant writer Sarah Lozier described two Entergy Environmental Initiatives Fund applications: a $67,100 proposal to install solar‑powered lighting at the Davidson Drive wastewater treatment facility to improve night‑time visibility and operational safety, and a $77,667 application for engineered rock stabilization to repair Hot Springs Creek streambank erosion and improve water quality. Both applications are 0‑match grants; Lozier said project details and site photos will be included in the board packet.
Deputy City Manager Lance Spicer briefed directors on planned Federal Transit Administration applications: a 5307 urbanized area application for $1,109,484 to support operations and capital, and a 5339 bus and bus facility application for $100,800 (80% federal/20% local) for shelters and small capital purchases. Spicer said the local matches are budgeted in transit’s 2026 budget.
Staff also recommended awarding a term sludge‑removal contract to 2 M Pumping Service Inc. as the lowest responsive bidder (pricing cited: 4.5¢/gallon to Fairwood, 6¢/gallon to Davidson). Assistant Utilities Director Bobby Harris presented a sole‑source purchase request to replace a failed 125‑horsepower Hydromatic pump at Molly Creek Pump Station for $98,879, citing the need for continuity and a direct fit with existing equipment.
Under new business, staff outlined two imminent‑domain proposals. The city attorney said one parcel (RPID 39965) adjacent to parks property is unimproved, in a floodplain, and appraised at $28,500; staff seeks authority to file condemnation proceedings and tender the appraised value. Another request would acquire roughly 400 square feet at the Bel Air‑Malvern intersection (appraised about $4,844) to square the corner for safety after multiple accidents.
Staff emphasized that many items brought up tonight are informational and will return for formal action on May 19. The board also learned the city’s FY2026 CDBG allocation is $416,515; nine applications requested $500,099, leaving an $83,584 gap and prompting staff funding recommendations that will be available for public comment through the city’s posting and HUD’s IDIS portal.
