More than $70 million in bond-funded infrastructure contracts, including major wastewater system upgrades and utility improvements, were the focus of the Fort Smith Board of Directors' regular meeting Nov. 4 at the Blue Lion.
Also on the agenda are two rezoning requests, a proposed solid waste wash facility and several final payments for parking and communications projects (E911).
Rezoning applications begin the agenda
The meeting opens with two rezoning ordinances recommended by the city's Planning and Zoning Department. One would consider the property at 5724 Wheeler Ave. from institutional and private use to heavily commercial property (C-5). In comparison, another property at 8716 Rogers Ave. convert a mix of residential and commercial properties to light commercial (C-2) properties. Both are intended to better adapt the development to existing or planned commercial activities.
The solid waste vehicle wash is back on the table
A previously submitted proposal to build a new $1.65 million vehicle wash facility for the Waste Management Department is being reconsidered. The project, funded through the city's Sinking Fund, was delayed during the Oct. 21 meeting as board members requested additional bidder information. The car wash would serve the department's growing fleet of vehicles at its new facility.
Sewerage projects are advanced with approval decrees
The majority of Monday's meeting will focus on the city's longstanding effort to meet federal consent decree requirements through comprehensive sewer rehabilitation. On the agenda are more than 20 separate construction and engineering agreements covering multiple sub-basins across the city.
Contracts with companies such as Forsgren, Goodwin & Goodwin and Krapff-Reynolds include pipe replacements and capacity improvements. Engineering oversight is provided by companies such as Hawkins-Weir Engineers, Halff Associates, Crafton Tull, Garver and Freese & Nichols.
All will be funded through the 2025 Sales and Use Tax Bonds, continuing Fort Smith's multi-year investment in modernizing its wastewater system.
Consent agenda completes parking and utility projects
The consent agenda includes final payments and change orders for the Garrison Park Revitalization and Lee Creek Southeast Lagoon Cleaning projects. It also authorizes purchases totaling more than $5 million for the new River Valley Communications Center, including Priority Dispatch software and Motorola radio infrastructure, funded by E911 revenue.
Overall effect
While some rezoning and park improvements are pending, the meeting's focus remains on infrastructure, particularly wastewater and communications systems, which are essential to Fort Smith's long-term growth, public safety and regulatory compliance.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Fort Smith directors weigh sewer, utility contracts