Fort Smith directors detail short- and long-term issues, concerns

Back in May, The City Wire asked two basic questions — via e-mail — to the seven members of the Fort Smith Board of Directors.

• What would you cite as the top short-term vital issues (no limits on the number of issues you may list) facing the city?
• What would you cite as the top long-term vital issues (no limits on the number of issues you may list) facing the city?

Highlights of the responses included a prediction that Ben Geren Park — a Sebastian County-owned property — would be annexed into Fort Smith, a concern that those responsible for economic development aren’t doing enough, and a consensus that funding and constructing Interstate 49 is a top priority.

The responses, edited for brevity, clarity and length, were:
Gary Campbell
• Short-term issues:
“River Front Development — continue support and involvement: Although the riverfront is privately owned, a fully developed riverfront could have an incredible positive economic impact on the city by providing jobs, shopping and entertainment opportunities. The Board should continue to support and encourage its development via a traditional private-public partnership approach.”

“The U.S. Marshal’s Museum will provide the important next step in riverfront development. The Board has long supported the Fort Smith Museum of History for the benefit of this area. In like token, the Board should determine a reasonable approach to support the USMM which will bring significant economic benefits to the city. 

“Board should focus more on it’s leadership role: We should shift our board focus to be more proactive in determining Fort Smith’s future and less reactive and dependent on Staff initiated proposals. A reactive approach shifts our attention from a leadership role to a continual catch up mode.” 

“Aside from the legislative mandated items like budgeting, contract approval, etc., we should fully exercise our policy role in planning the city’s future. A full discussion on the boards collective thoughts would be a good start.”

“We’re fortunate that so many citizens are willing to serve on the 33 Boards and Commissions. To my knowledge, the structure and purpose of these boards have never been fully re-assessed since their creation. I recommend that the Board undertake an examination of the Boards to determine that: (1) their purposes meet the current environment, (2) their structure is correct, (3) we are enabling the citizens to contribute fully and (4) we are showing them appreciation for their service.

“Become proactive in supporting our youth: The Board should examine our support of youth activities to determine if a more proactive approach would be beneficial for our young people.”

“We only get one chance to make a good first impression. An important factor in economic development and quality of place is the city’s appearance. The Board should undertake an effort to assess our ‘Curb Appeal’ and determine if we are doing enough to cleanup and fix up the city for our residents, visitors and prospective employers.

• Long-term issues:
“Better utilize the River Transportation: The river is an underutilized transportation resource. We should take full advantage of potential river transportation facilities which would reduce shipping costs to our existing manufacturers and add new jobs.”

“Continue to support and promote the completion of (Interstate 49) through lobbying efforts in Washington, continual communication with our Congressional Delegation and participation in the I-49 Coalition.”

“Improve Midland, Towson and Rogers Avenue Appearance: Determine what steps could be taken to improve the appearance of these three city gateways, parts of which provide a negative image of the entire city.”

“The Fort Smith area is fortunate to have employees who possess a strong work ethic which is essential to successful manufacturing operations. We should work to retain and grow the existing manufacturing companies in the area to provide employment for the regional labor pool.”

“Full Technology utilization: The Board should support City staff in making every effort to fully implement technology to increase the productivity of the employees, improve citizen services and serve as a “high-tech” showcase to prospective companies.”

“A new city hall is needed to make it easier for those who do business face to face (e.g. utility customers, contractors). An office environment designed for city purposes would improve the productivity of our staff and enable them to better serve our citizens at a reduced cost.”

“Access to Northside of Town: As the city has grown to the east and south, the older section of town has been left with circuitous and insufficient access. Better access would promote higher property values and reduced substandard housing. The Board should explore ways to improve the north-south access to the Northside other than Towson/Midland and I-540. The widening of Grand and Kelley Highway plus the construction of Phoenix Avenue attracted new private  investments. We need improved north-south traffic channels.”

“Develop ways to increase the funding for the repair and  replacement of existing  sidewalks and the building of new sidewalks in all parts of the city. … The Board should give serious consideration to developing a method to fund and build more trails throughout the city. This would help make our neighborhoods more walkable and bikeable.”

Dr. Cole Goodman
• Short-term issues:
“The convention center and the A&P commissions role in it. The decision will have to be made as to how to keep the convention center in operation or to close it down. I think it should fall under the purview of the A&P Commission.”
 
“Maintain the businesses and events (like the) The Fort Smith Classic, that bring jobs and people to our city. However, city government has NO say in whether a private company downsizes, expands, or sends jobs somewhere else. We can help with infrastructure, etc., try to entice business here. I feel strongly that not enough is being done by the entities that are supposedly trying to get more businesses to locate here.”
 
“We must make Fort Smith attractive to young adults to locate in Fort Smith. You mentioned HP moving to Conway, check the percentage of the population in the two cities that have college degrees and a realization as to why HP chose Conway starts to come to the fore. Our UAFS can go a long way to leveling that playing field but it will take years.”
 
• Long-term issues:
“Fort Smith can no longer rely on nor allow the business governance to be controlled by manufacturing. The city has to be very active in trying to lure some forms of ‘high tech’ businesses to our region. This may actually have the effect of increasing the wage scales here that some entities have fought. For the overall betterment of our city and region that has to stop.”

“We must insure that the support this city has always given to the 188th continues to be unabated and we need to be proactive in an ongoing process to be ready for the next BRAC series. We can not afford to lose the 188th for many reasons not the least of these are community pride in the excellence of the unit as well as its payroll and economic benefit to our region.”
 
“It is time the city stood up to the EPA and continue to build our infrastructure as we can without the scare tactics of the EPA. Look at what was done to Fayetteville and their new $30M treatment plant. The city of Fort Smith has spent and is spending in ongoing improvements over $160M in the last eight or so years. A tremendous amount for a city of our size and that doesn’t include our new water supply costs. We, the city, are doing what needs to be done and will continue to do so. If necessary to protect our city and citizens’ rights we must be prepared to go to court.”
 
Don Hutchings
“Some top short-term vital issues facing the city are:
1. The loss of $1.8 million in state turn-back funds which support the operations at the Convention Center.
2. Continued financing of wet-weather sewer improvements.”

“Some long-term vital issues are:
1. Speeding up the funding for I-49
Improving the relationship between the city, county, Chamber, & UAFS. Bridge the gap between the citizens of Ft. Smith & the City Directors.

Bill Maddox
(Editor’s note: Maddox did not distinguish between short- and long-term issues.)
“Always important is economic development which is talked about quite often. With very limited funds and more demands than we have financial ability to handle the City can only do so much. Many Cities have a professional economic development council funded partially by the City and other outside funds. In our case Fort Smith does not have a financially able E.D. department to really do the job needed. Fort Smith relies heavily on the Chamber of Commerce to do the leg work with the City offering as much assistance as it can render. Chaffee Crossing is finally starting to make progress with three major plants announcing future operations. Several residential housing developments have been started. The City had a large financial contribution to the current and future development at Chaffee Crossing. We have spent millions of dollars on infrastructure in the way of streets, water and sewer lines along with foregoing real-estate tax revenue from industrial development for the next several years.”

“I-49 through Chaffee Crossing is a very important project for economic development for this entire area. Fort Smith has it as a top priority for completion. However the City is not able to build it because of the tremendous cost but is developing the City street and road system to accommodate access to the new highway. City representatives have visited with the powers-that-be in Washington D.C. to encourage them with the need for I-49 so as to complete the link from the North and South ends of the USA. We are beginning to see hope in the near future for its completion.”

“Before I was elected in 2004 I had heard of many problems developers etc. had with obtaining permits, of inspectors changing requirements in mid stream along with a long wait for permits. Although I have heard less regarding the earlier complaints we still have a long way to go to be rated efficient. I believe we are gaining ground in that respect but we need to accommodate those that are in development of the City.”

“The City government is becoming more and more aware that the people need to know what is going on that will affect them. We now are having many neighborhood meetings to inform the public as well as using the resources we have had for years such as the Focus magazine and the water billing statements. These are now being used to inform and advise the citizens of what they may expect.”

“Police and fire are perhaps the most important departments in the City and we must keep them strong and well staffed. It is difficult to find quality applicants for these jobs. Not just everyone wants to put their lives on the line for safety of the people. The need for a couple more fire stations is becoming a reality and we must build, equip and staff these stations to stay ahead of the need for them. These stations will have police sub stations along side so that the police will be in closer range to any law enforcement problems that arise in expanded areas of the City.”

Kevin Settle
• Short-term issues:
“City Finances. As the economy continues to struggle, I am concerned with both sales tax revenue and water/sewer revenue for the remaining 2009 year. With the recent rains over the past few weeks, I am concerned that our water revenue will see a decrease.  The recent sales tax figures show a slight decrease and along with a potential loss in water revenue, we will need to make budget adjustments for this year. We cannot do business as was done in the past. We need to be thoughtful with our citizen’s money and lean in our spending. … I have requested a pre-budget retreat in August that will allow the BOD to understand if cuts or reduced services might be needed.”
 
“Economic Development. We need to expand the role of the city in this function. As the economy has taken a downturn, we need to make sure that our existing companies in this region continue to be a vital part of this community. We need to continue to work with the chamber, (Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority), UAFS, and state officials to bring in new companies to this region. The city’s role will need to be redefined. We have a new Chamber president that will work with us in this endeavor. Our city has a lot of good characteristics to offer companies and we need to get the message out that makes it difficult for companies to say no.”
 
“Quality of Life. We have a great opportunity available with the possible partnership with the county in Ben Geren Park. A partnership would enable us to enhance the park and make it a combined regional sports complex with the feel of a community park. The location of this park in relation to I-49 will make this a destination point for multiple sports in this region and area states.”
 
“I-49. This is a very important part of our city and region. I-49 corridor will not only bring in new companies but make it easier for existing companies to conduct business. We need to continue our support on this. The (federal) highway bill is currently being considered in Congress. We need to do whatever it takes to show our support to this project.”

• Long-term issues:
“Riverfront development plan. Earlier this year, during the (board of directors) retreat, I made a presentation to start the planning of riverfront development. A joint public/private partnership plan will be completed in late 2009 or early 2010. Once this plan is complete, we will need to work on how to get this development underway. Intermodal transportation. We will need to work with (Western Arkansas Planning and Development District) on this. This will change our city and region. This will change how goods are moved throughout this region and possibly the U.S.”

“I-49. This project is a must for our city. I stated above why we need to get this completed.”

“Water/Sewer/Police/Fire Expansion. As our city continues to grow, we will need to work on our services in these areas. We will need to expand our fire and police force along with water and sewer expansion. We are looking at putting in a new fire station at Chaffee Crossing in 2010-2011.

“Potential development of Ben Geren Park. As stated above, this development of BG Park will have a tremendous impact on our city in increased revenues by bringing in other people to our city. This regional cooperation between the county and city can and will make BG Park a destination sports complex and regional park.”
   
“Loss of State turn back for the convention center in 2010. This will have a great impact on our general fund. This loss could have a potential loss of money for the city. We will need to figure out how to make up this loss in funds. We have discussed options for this. One of the options is to put the Convention center under the A&P commission.  This is done in other cities. We are looking at all options for this.”
 
“Marshal Museum. The city will need to assist in making sure that people will be able to get to this destination point. We will need to improve traffic flow and aesthetics around this fantastic museum. We will only have one chance to do this correctly and we need to make sure it gets done.”

“Economic Development. I can not say enough about this. We need to make sure that we do everything and anything to retain current jobs, while attracting new jobs.” 

Steve Tyler
• Short-term issues:
“Finding a revenue source to replace the $1.8 million lost of state turn back to the general fund associated with the convention center. I read … that Dennis Kelly is talking about the possibility of a restaurant tax with the A&P Commission. Fort Smith has been slow to talk about tapping this revenue source. I have been amazed at how the board in general, does not even want to talk about a ‘hamburger tax.’ Greenwood and Van Buren have it. We should have done this a long time ago but being the conservative citizens of Fort Smith that we are, we seem to wait until the gun is pointed at our head on most things.”

“Downtown Development: I put this in the short term list as compared to Marshal’s Museum and Riverfront Development. I think Garrison Ave. and the surrounding area including Belle Grove is progressing. I know that the East end, particularly the Otasco Building, needs development. Things are happening on Garrison. This is the jewel of the city (Garrison Ave. and Belle Grove District. Let’s polish it.)”
 
“Accessing all possible Grants, Federal Stimulus Money, Arkansas General Improvement Projects. The Watts Group in DC seems to help with the Feds. I was skeptical at first but after two trips I see how they work and I believe they are worth the $8,500 a month we pay them. They have produced and should help tremendously with I-49.”
 
• Long-term issues:
“Economic Development: This is an ever present and ongoing challenge. I know unemployment is higher here than the state average but we are getting help from the State. The Fort Smith Chamber has a new guy coming that ought to infuse some energy into this. I know Dennis Kelly wants to get more aggressive in this area. UAFS and Chaffee Crossing are big players in this also as well as Intermodal Task Force working at finding a way to tie together truck, rail and barge transportation. Fort Smith has a history of being known as manufacturing city and this is an attractive place for these type operations to look at. (educated work force, good work ethic, low cost of living)  I’m hopeful even in these tough economic circumstances.”
 
“Marshals Museum and Riverfront Development: Museum will be built first and then the surrounding property will be developed over the next 10-15 years. This will happen as Fort Smith grows which has always been slowly. The only people who really care about this are "quality of place" advocates like myself. Most citizens I hear from want to know what the city plans to do about storm water washing out their yards, graffiti problems, or ‘Who does the City Administrator think he is?’”
 
“Quality of Place Issues: Again, I wish that this was a higher priority with citizens and their elected officials. I want Fort Smith to look good. I want this city to be less car dependent. I want urban trails, sidewalks, bike paths. I want neighborhoods to be able to change their character by closing off streets with planters, speed humps, round-abouts to eliminate cut through traffic and speeding cars. A traffic calming policy is badly needed for this city but the board shows little interest in addressing it.”
 
“Ben Geren Park will be annexed into Fort Smith at some point. Money needs to be invested in park projects in this city and especially Ben Geren Park. With Ben Geren Parks connection to Chaffee Crossing and the new neighborhoods around that area with the Nature Center, future Botanical Garden, access of Riley Farms with Chad Colley extension; this is a "natural setting" with great potential. If you take a drive out Massard to Chad Colley you will see bicyclists, runners, and people enjoying a beautiful setting most any time of day.”
 
“These quality of place issues take an investment of public and private funds which will result in more ‘high tech’ companies looking at Fort Smith as a place they want to locate. My question to the citizens of Fort Smith and the other elected officials, is ‘Are you willing to invest now in the things that will make Fort Smith the kind of place in 20-25 years that change its image from a 44%  rental housing, low wage, manufacturing center to a tourist destination and a major distribution center located on the Arkansas River and the junction of I-40 and I-49?’”

MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS
• Gary Campbell
“As John Donne said, ‘… no man is an island…’ The same concept applies to cities who can seldom succeed in isolation. The Board needs to encourage all citizens to build networks outside of Fort Smith to help improve the city’s image and reputation as a team player in the region and the state. We can learn from others and contribute to their success, which in turn benefits Fort Smith.”

• Dr. Cole Goodman
“(If) this city needs to be run like a business, then the city administrator should be given the same authority over his department heads as the department heads have over their departments. I, for one, don’t believe my job as an elected official not trained in city management, is to micromanage the city administrator.”

• Kevin Settle
“Back in January (2009), the (board of directors) had a retreat at the Elm Grove Community Center to discuss an array of topics for the upcoming year.  The BOD put together a set of priorities for the year. These priorities are: Riverfront Development; Economic Development; Quality of Place; Financing Wastewater Improvements; Convention Center; Fort Smith Classic; Branding/Image Improvements. …  As I look back at the priorities the BOD put together at our retreat, here are the topics that I believe are important to the city for the remaining year and into the next year. Some of the priorities are in progress.” 

• Steve Tyler
“I have been appointed to the Ark. Municipal League, Large Cities Advisory Council, and after attending my first meeting, I see how they perform the lobbying task for cities as a group. I see my role as not only as developing legislation that will benefit Fort Smith but seeing that our city is getting everything the state has to offer. The positive signs I see is that Gov. (Mike) Beebe seemed to be more engaged in what is going on in Fort Smith, and Vice Mayor Gary Campbell becoming the new President of the League will help keep Fort Smith in the loop. State Reps., particularly Tracy Pennartz (Fort Smith) and Rick Green (Van Buren), have sponsored legislation that has helped this region. Any money that is available needs to be applied for to help off set the cost of our water/sewer/storm drainage cost. My water bill is more than my electric bill now. We need all the help we can get.”