Agenda Highlights 8/16/22

At the Fort Smith Board of Directors meeting scheduled for 8-16-22 the Board will vote on an amendment to the claims policy that will allow for the City to accept liability for damages to property (up to a maximum of $500) from trees falling from City controlled rights-of-way caused by negligence in failing to remove diseased or damaged trees .

The Board will vote on halting all bidding on utility projects that would exceed 20% of the Utilities Department's gross revenue therefore by State law requiring a water rate study to be conducted. None of the projects currently funded for design would be affected as they are under the 20% threshold.

The Board will vote on budget adjustments for personnel expenses with increases for the Internal Audit, Human Resources, Planning, Fire, Street, Parks, Solid Waste, and Transit departments for a total of $383,126 and a decrease for the Utility Department of $5,891.

The Board will vote on accepting a $720,295 grant from the State of Arkansas to give a one time $5000 stipend to each of the 142 eligible police officers.

The Board will vote on approval to allow La Bodega Bar at 3720 Midland Boulevard to apply for a private club alcohol license.

The Board will vote on applying for a grant from the US Department of Transportation for the development of a comprehensive safety action plan to reduce the number of traffic accidents, especially fatalities. The federal grant would be for $280,000 and require a $70,000 contribution of City funds.

The Board will vote on the purchasing of 3 Chevy Tahoes for the Police Department from Superior Automotive in Siloam Springs for $122,274.00. Citing the “scarcity of vehicles in today’s market”, the Police Department seeks to waive the standard competitive bidding procedure to be able to buy the vehicles quickly while they are still available.