[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6568088,"mediaKeyId","3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6","parentId",3210786,"title","Fort Smith board approves rezoning at 721 N. Greenwood and changes allowing duplex driveway access on classified streets","audioSeconds",139,"startMs",519000,"endMs",658000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6&start=519&end=658","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6/thumbnail_519000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6568088/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Fort-Smith-board-approves-rezoning-at-721-N-Greenwood-and-changes-allowing-duplex-driveway-access-on-classified-streets","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568088-e8a4f4a62fa51b210739901fe64a7e60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095104&Signature=XRUtt9BcYEvkWNoGiS610s5a~TT6MVEYrG9GTI6qQh5i92~dXVY8QHTCgV2k1S~4RN5AOLZ1a3x9j4r2m-Uaiw-KdGJg0kGfDPv2iAy5N-5cgoDNmzqPqw-8oGw3Vd8sh0NWKLBT2c6ooCeqXoz4W5kaGgGozg3PQQpy6eiUOZFeJ-sn7vZgFuhhST3DFGCYKxQwzQFY7dLQ4QbJyyqbOznbAdAMpAfM6jyiIZh5tR0Yq-I87v6ewD1WRtasnKF1ThHKaBytlwR3IPNT0gQetBg3r30U-CnmMSQlIk7BB6G4YpC8XVe0Ln7ipdPBoy3UG9X0sZaSr367T6dLdKF5eA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fort Smith","date","2025-05-06T17:57:00Z","article","The Fort Smith City Board of Directors on May 6 adopted two planning items: an ordinance rezoning property at 721 North Greenwood Avenue that will allow the existing building to be used as a single-family residence, and an amendment to the city's 2019 Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to permit duplex driveway access onto certain classified streets.

Why it matters: The rezoning lets the property owner use the existing structure as a residence consistent with zoning; the UDO amendment removes an access restriction that forced some property owners to seek variances to obtain building permits on classified streets.

Deputy City Administrator Maggie Rice told the board the planning commission held public hearings on April 8 and recommended both actions unanimously (8-0). Rice said a neighborhood meeting was held on Greenwood and no neighboring property owners attended. Jasmine Ortega represented the Greenwood item at the planning commission and appeared available to answer questions at the board meeting.

On the UDO amendment, Rice said planning staff were prompted to pursue the change after multiple subdivision variances were required to allow driveways for duplexes on classified streets. The amendment adds duplexes and clarifies that certain future minor arterial classifications were inadvertently omitted and should be included for access allowances. Staff consulted the engineering department and reported concurrence.

Board members asked whether allowing driveway access on classified streets could create safety or access problems; Rice and staff said qualifiers and engineering review within the UDO remain in place and the planning commission and engineering review would continue to control specific approvals.

Both ordinances were adopted with suspension of rules and both emergency clauses were approved by roll call. Each item passed 7 in favor and 0 opposed.

Ending: The rezoning and UDO amendment will take effect under emergency provisions; staff said property owners who previously sought variances may now pursue building permits under the amended code, subject to standard qualifiers and engineering review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fort Smith - Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - May 06, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board adopted an ordinance rezoning 721 North Greenwood Avenue to permit single-family use and passed an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance allowing duplex driveway access onto classified streets; both items had 8-0 planning commission recommendations and passed the board 7-0 with emergency clauses.","taxTitle","Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas","taxId",3748,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568093,"Fort Smith board approves draft Community Development Block Grant and HOME budgets; HUD award pending",104,412000,516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6&start=412&end=516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6/thumbnail_412000.jpg","/articles/6568093/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Fort-Smith-board-approves-draft-Community-Development-Block-Grant-and-HOME-budgets-HUD-award-pending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568093-009d7da0e9254de65dfe16652f1fc293/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095104&Signature=kWQcBCUK7A02IgQl7EoPyu171zfPp~TyVw~MuLyYJSsk3UryLz5LvliGiAKjIrKz4yF82XBEdbnd4woAvly1w9mtrCG70lfAnjMTXhhdUKsjtPkn8EUy6nBEEH6KkuyZeKKwYzNmfq2I7m2JS~QLu4TUrSct1VN4B1FhOKIHcG2Gchz8Co~PYummhKV8sf1sYxRRZ0D5tjDXWUt1KfxhZg3d8K8Y2S4thpo4wfFjvJiF3jOCb25qFHHFTWdy75MJVsyjiCJFZkssVUmGJUOqVgb3LU~HZbEWo3vtWzr6p-2G1el7rTH~Uac4Oi7CHz6jhwYaxqMgGmx2Iya-1BNbRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Smith City Board of Directors on May 6 adopted a resolution authorizing the draft Year 51 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Year 32 HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) budgets and the submission of the 2025 action plan.

Why it matters: CDBG and HOME funds support housing, community development and nonprofit programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. Local funding recommendations set by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) guide city allocations once HUD final grant amounts are confirmed.

Candace Gubucci, director of community development, told the board the Community Development Advisory Committee held three public hearings on March 20, 2025 to review funding requests and had forwarded recommendations to the board. She said the city had not yet received HUD's final award figures, so recommended line items in the packet are conservatively flat: $780,000 for CDBG and $360,000 for HOME.

The board opened and closed a public hearing on the item; no citizens registered to speak at the hearing. Director Settle asked for clarification about how the city would handle a lower HUD award; Gubucci said the city would prorate awards proportionally if the final HUD allocation comes in lower than the amounts shown in the packet.

The clerk called the roll and the resolution passed 7-0.

Ending: With passage the city is authorized to submit the action plan to HUD; staff will finalize line-item awards when the federal grant amount is announced and will administratively prorate awards if needed.","The Fort Smith board adopted a resolution May 6 to authorize the city's draft Program Year 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships budget and submission of the action plan; allocations are conservative pending final HUD numbers.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568098,"Fort Smith board discontinues citywide mosquito fogging; board splits on policy change",0,5280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6&start=5280&end=5280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6/thumbnail_5280000.jpg","/articles/6568098/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Fort-Smith-board-discontinues-citywide-mosquito-fogging-board-splits-on-policy-change","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568098-649abc94429806e72738e69b5fd2d528/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095104&Signature=oaBmp8ERcPZgq6GRwGQQpLiTktv5IMzj9TAAsQfK~RI9vMdHFZ2eo2sPpTsH2FpO6-AZSXDzAKKLTwgM2C6LKMoHIPKjcnpXFPwd~sbyGJcdLA58TjhIQ8pwusMD0yjqkcD9cRNR~qIH2wk5cSkOIGCcCwxaOnNy0xpIDUQYZeQDk11gEYZdviiINDnqo8NlG1oaof1SEE-j2YMX56gpxG~gm64d42VPG17eAE2rNGOCBHlZ-TdlA7DPfvdX2V1g6800ZwOjzJvJc0ld1GErID6lirRoOM6sovGEqS2xZKqaBoFhyjREsbOBYXF4EFMVVbstGIo~cvit5jABl6-41g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Smith City Board of Directors voted to discontinue the city's adult mosquito fogging program, approving a consent-agenda resolution on May 6 by a vote of 4 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 abstention.

Why it matters: The decision ends a long-standing, city-conducted adult-mosquito fogging program that used an EPA-registered insecticide mixed with mineral oil; staff said the program also distributed larvicide pellets for standing water. Supporters of discontinuation cited public concerns about chemical exposure; opponents warned the change could reduce a familiar vector-control tool.

Matt Meeker, the city staff member overseeing mosquito operations, described operational details: the adult fogging used a permethrin-based material mixed with mineral oil and was applied by seasonal crews in a city truck designed for fogging. Meeker said the program has used larvicide pellets for standing water (one pellet treats about 25 square feet for roughly 60 days) and that staff can provide pellets to residents on request.

Meeker told the board he had not been made aware of a city employee filing a medical claim tied directly to fogging activities, but said he had read research linking mineral oil exposure to certain skin cancers. He also explained that the opt-out system the city uses is address-specific: if a resident requests no spraying at their address, crews are supposed to skip that address and resume spraying on adjacent properties. Meeker said the operational practice of stopping and restarting sprayers for opt-outs creates potential for errors and driver safety concerns.

Board members asked about logistics and safety. Some directors supported discontinuation and recommended retaining the fogging truck and supplies in case the program is later restored. Others urged more public education about larvicide use and cautioned that discontinuation could leave some neighborhoods more exposed, particularly where standing water and leak-related ponding are common.

The clerk called the roll for the separate vote on item 6C; the motion passed with four votes in favor, two opposed and one abstention. The board directed staff to implement the resolution and provide information on alternative mosquito control resources for residents.

Ending: Staff said they will retain equipment and materials for a possible future reinstatement and will continue distributing larvicide pellets and public information about standing-water controls.","After public and board discussion about health and efficacy, the Fort Smith Board voted to discontinue citywide adult mosquito fogging; the measure passed with four votes in favor, two opposed and one abstention.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568103,"Fort Smith board orders special election on sales-tax reauthorization to fund sewer work under consent decree",654,4590000,5244000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6&start=4590&end=5244","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6/thumbnail_4590000.jpg","/articles/6568103/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Fort-Smith-board-orders-special-election-on-sales-tax-reauthorization-to-fund-sewer-work-under-consent-decree","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568103-1d50fdad745efeda5e5fd6195b48be9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095104&Signature=akvMGikBevXMMGOLvX2x0ar7Ow71zMpO8S3DGxo0Ab-4xB1jqnKlVnye7ia1nx6T6Tm~KKYnMOHi45wFsYuldXbj0qrVbWqqrSlKdBzCbL65JKyylrRqAcMoaNq-WPy5pVKD-xFu0ERBgz-ImWsDLp~vEnXU9J2OoVSO62utJXeEtwHB9c33Gp99YeiSg4Xm1FFzHOLmDQNLF8Th-kyjymx2WeCploNsBY3WtcryUfC5v51eizDLzKxTylr60xIGgy2KLzSK-HhN96cAnI1CKr5mjWD~TxsRoyHHVMAfjyXbCFyw6gEAA3K8YN7PSL9ZX5mWC9vy1ygqOen1~gR3Wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Smith City Board of Directors voted 7-0 on May 6 to direct a special election that will ask voters to realign and reauthorize available city sales and use taxes to fund long-term sewer system work connected to the city's federal consent decree.

Why it matters: The ballot measure would allow the city to use existing sales-tax dollars for bond-financed construction or other funding approaches to accelerate sewer repairs required by the consent decree. City officials and citizens argued the measure would avoid a large sewer-rate increase while opponents urged oversight and restraint.

Board members said the measure is intended to give the city a financing mechanism to address an estimated multi-year construction program without imposing a new sales-tax rate or an immediate sewer-rate increase. In remarks to the board, a citizen who identified himself as Baer said a successful vote would let the city issue bonds and pay them down without a tax-rate increase; he said citizens could hold the city accountable through citizen oversight committees.

Walter Echols, chairman of the Sales Tax Review Committee, told the board the citizen committee has reviewed quarterly reports of sales-tax collections and expenditures and voted each quarter to accept the city's reports; Echols said the committee found expenditures from January 2022 through December 2024 were made for the purposes approved by voters or by prior Board resolutions.

Mayor and board members discussed oversight and outreach to reassure voters. Director comments noted the consent-decree schedule, the city's recent pace of construction work and the need for a financing plan that allows more work to be completed sooner.

The board approved the resolution directing a special election; the clerk announced vote tally 7 in favor and 0 opposed. Early voting and election logistics were stated by staff after the vote.

Ending: With the board's vote, the measure will appear on the special election ballot; board members and staff said they would pursue additional public outreach and continue negotiations with federal and state agencies on time and scope if the measure passes.","The Fort Smith City Board of Directors voted unanimously May 6 to place a sales and use tax reauthorization/reallocation measure on a special election ballot to fund sewer system work tied to the federal consent decree; supporters said the plan avoids new tax rates and sewer-rate hikes while opponents had urged fiscal restraint.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":102,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568108,"Fort Smith board adopts revised 2025 operating budget after votes restoring allocations and transit funds",3630,960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6&start=960&end=4590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210786-d816da878ba02feed24a3af77a0d39d6/thumbnail_960000.jpg","/articles/6568108/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Fort-Smith-board-adopts-revised-2025-operating-budget-after-votes-restoring-allocations-and-transit-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568108-735d8e19fdc011e4fcaf39cb978798d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095104&Signature=agjnpPTTWtkoqjhW3a3YVdWUqCiGmSSXzzu9qaXWbNreAVg2fX6SAR9jKXoXt1gkSuWhVfNmUzTcWL6hRXQOo6czXS52lX1apxq0TL58Slrq0LQ-t2OKz13TRzHmbGI2kDCZDMdwwCV0vrrgiZvJm9z06-S9qd-NburOGAHIhypZY-jfaOS1azb6FYl2s7yQppRgTMTtY6hZBCKEp0H1mKK3p2AzadFTzqYZH68~eJxGUJkJmyuEdsgd~YHTu6481-bkQclH8zqxtzKy-vIoBJS98rU2rXi1gTWihyTi79VoB-JIfYxzgvsvPZEm8b7MRxackW40jugQfS9HEdx3AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Smith City Board of Directors voted on May 6 to adopt an ordinance amending the city's 2025 operating budget as presented and amended, after a series of motions that restored the 2024 cost-allocation percentages and rescinded proposed cuts to the public transit program.

City Chief Financial Officer Andy Richards told the board the packet included a proposed \"projected\" column that incorporates the cuts and instructions discussed in recent study sessions; he said the budget as amended would set the city's contingency reserve at about 17.7 percent, below the board's 20 percent policy threshold.

Why it matters: the board's actions determine department operations, vacancy management and the city's reserve level for the fiscal year. Members voiced particular concern about preserving public safety and utility finances while finding savings in other departments.

Richards summarized the packet and said the amendment would adopt the projected column as the new current FY2025 operating budget. Directors questioned whether additional shortfalls would be handled by a prorated reduction across programs or by administrative holds. Director Neil Martin said the administration's recommended administrative hold and department-level adjustments would be central if projected revenues underperform.

Board debate focused on three issues that produced formal amendments: the city's new cost-allocation formula, proposed transit cuts that would eliminate mostly federal grant-funded items, and a proposed vacant planning department position. The board voted first to retain the 2024 cost-allocation mix rather than adopt the newly proposed allocation model; that amendment passed unanimously.

A subsequent motion to rescind proposed transit cuts passed, restoring roughly $446,000 in recommended reductions; administration said about $337,500 of the $446,000 represented federal grant-driven dollars. A separate motion to rescind a planning department personnel cut (salary line ~ $67,000) failed after votes and a failed motion to reconsider.

Director discussion repeatedly returned to contingency policy and how administrative holds would be enforced. Richards and other staff said the administrative hold is directive from the administrator, not a formal board motion, but that it has been used successfully in prior years to reduce spending and avoid year-end deficits. Board members also noted vacancy savings would naturally accrue if positions remain unfilled.

The board approved the ordinance as amended (final roll call produced six votes in favor and one opposed). The adopted package removed the proposed reallocation to the new cost-allocation formula, and the transit cuts that had been included in the packet were not adopted. Director comments made clear the board expects departments to return with formal requests if operational shortfalls arise during the year.

Board actions and next steps include continued use of administrative holds as warranted, monitoring of contingency and reserve ratios, and a staff directive to bring any urgent operational shortfalls back to the board for legislative approval.

Ending note: Directors asked staff to provide clearer, graphical progress and financial metrics during upcoming study sessions so the board and public can track contingency, vacancy savings and the effects of any midyear adjustments.","The Fort Smith City Board of Directors on May 6 approved an amended 2025 operating budget after restoring the 2024 cost-allocation mix and reversing proposed transit cuts; board debate centered on contingency levels, vacant positions and how cuts would affect operations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fort Smith board approves rezoning at 721 N. Greenwood and changes allowing duplex driveway access on classified streets

Fort Smith board approves draft Community Development Block Grant and HOME budgets; HUD award pending

Fort Smith board discontinues citywide mosquito fogging; board splits on policy change

Fort Smith board orders special election on sales-tax reauthorization to fund sewer work under consent decree

Fort Smith board adopts revised 2025 operating budget after votes restoring allocations and transit funds