Agenda Highlights 11/19/24
At the Fort Smith Board of Directors meeting scheduled for 11-19-24 the Board will vote on whether to remove the 4th tier residential rate from the new water rates and also set the irrigation rate at the same as the 3rd tier residential rate of $5.26 per CCF. This issue was discussed at the 11-12-24 study session meeting.
The Board will vote on whether to lease the County’s half of the Parrot Island Water Park for $1 per year resulting in the City of Fort Smith having sole control of and responsibility for the park instead of sharing control jointly and splitting financial responsibility equally with the County. This issue was discussed and tabled at the 9-3-24 meeting.
The Board will vote on allowing the convention center to offer off-site catering to their clients. This issue was tabled at the 11-4-24 meeting to allow for a change to the wording of the agreement with OVG that manages the convention center to specify that outside catering must be only in support of events booked at the convention center.
The Board will vote on a resolution formally approving the actions taken by City Administration related to Climate Pollution Reduction Grants and confirming the allocations for the federal grant money awarded. Those actions include agreements and collaborations with other regional cities and organizations and a letter of intent aligning the City’s efforts with regional greenhouse gas reduction goals. The grants awarded included $14.5 million for sustainability projects including the alleyway rehabilitation project , workforce development, solar power for Nelson Hall Homes, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The Board will vote on whether to contract with Hawkins-Weir for $143,890 for design engineering services for 5,280 ft of water line and a pressure reducing station along Racetrack Road.
The Board will vote on whether to contract with Forsgren for $8,231,278 for a consent decree sewer project including 12,476 ft of pipe repairs and replacements, 73 clean outs, and repairs or replacements of 82 manholes. This issue was discussed at the 11-6-24 meeting, but the lowest bidder Royal Ridge Construction withdrew their bid, leaving Forsgren as the second lowest bidder. The project would be funded through the sales tax for consent decree projects.
The Board will vote on whether to renew the lease with the State of Arkansas until 2-28-2030 for a portion of the parking lot at 801 Rogers Avenue. Through this lease agreement the City currently allows the State to use 51 spaces on the top level of the City’s parking garage next to the lot in exchange for the City being able to use spots on the State owned parking lot for public parking.
The Board will vote on whether to re-apply for two Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) federal grants from the Department of Transportation. The grants are one for the Bass Reeves Legacy Loop Greenway for $24,987,098 and one for the Butterfield Overland Trail Pedestrian Bridge for $2,724,600. The City applied for both grants in 2024 but was not awarded them. If awarded, the grants would come with no cost share required from the City because Fort Smith is considered “rural” and the proposed projects are also within areas designated as Areas of Persistent Poverty.
The Board will vote on whether to apply for $18,550,000 in federal grant funds from the Environmental Protection Agency through the Environmental Justice and Community Change Grants program. The community based partner organization required for the grants will be Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation. If awarded, the grants will not require any local cost sharing.
The Board will vote on whether to purchase playgrounds from ACS Playground Adventures for Hillcrest Park for $252,218.76 and for Woodlawn Park for $269,995.83.
The Board will vote on whether to issue a two year non-residential waste collection permit to In & Out Roll Off. The permit would include a 5% franchise fee.
