Hot Springs, Arkansas Development News
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This is the Board Packet for the City of Hot Springs Board of Directors Meeting held on July 7, 2026.
Published: Jul 7, 2026
City Board Approves Zoning Amendment to Allow Dwellings in Commercial Zones
The City Board considered and adopted Ordinance O-26-28, which amends the zoning code to permit dwellings in certain commercial zone districts. This amendment reverses a previous change made in March 2025 that had eliminated dwellings as a permitted use in commercial zones outside the central business district, aiming to address unintended problems for landowners seeking to develop housing and to implement a housing strategy goal for 'missing middle housing'. The ordinance allows for residential uses on commercially zoned land, providing additional housing sites and supporting existing businesses by adding rooftops.
City Welcomes New Hires, Recognizes Promotions and Retirements
The City Manager's report highlighted numerous new hires and promotions within the city government. New hires included Nathan Hawkins (Solid Waste Commercial Driver), Dne Lawson (Solid Waste/Recycling Center Operations), Reed Thomas (Traffic Division Operations Supervisor), Tim Fournier (Utility Assistant Director, formerly of Bryant), and Eric Larson (Utility Lift Station Maintenance Tech). Promotions included John Preop (Fire Department Lieutenant), Austin Miller (Fire Department Driver), Scott Crane (Traffic Division), John Albright (Police Department Corporal), James Irwin (Utilities Operator Production Chief Plant Operator), and Daniel Bailey (Utilities Lift Station Motor Shop Tech). The report also recognized recent retirees: Johnny Whitfield (Street Division, 25 years), John Tenny (Law Enforcement, 18.5 years in H.S. Police Dept.), and Kim Burks (Police Department Dispatcher for 23.5 years, Planning & Development for 11 years, 34.5 years total service).
City Board Votes Down Letter of Intent for New Library on Majestic Site
The City Board considered a resolution authorizing a non-binding letter of intent with the Garland County Library for exploring the creation and development of a new main library at 100 Park Avenue. Option B of the resolution involved accepting a contingent offer from the library to purchase the property for $2,350,000, contingent on voter approval of necessary funding in November 2026 and city approval of zoning and site plans. Despite discussions and public comments, the board ultimately voted against the resolution, causing it to fail.
City Finance Department Earns National Award; Board Members Appointed to State Committees
The City Manager's report included a commendation for the Finance Department's 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), which received the Government Financial Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. Additionally, several board members were recognized for appointments to committees within the Arkansas Municipal League. Mayor McCabe was reappointed to the executive committee. Director Webb was appointed to Cities of the Large First Class, Director Garcia to the Public Safety Committee, and Director Trusty was appointed chair of the Economic Development Advisory Council. Director Garcia also received special recognition for 12 years of service to the city and the Arkansas Municipal League.
Upcoming Events Showcase Tourism, Recreation, and Local Achievements
The City Manager's report detailed upcoming community events and celebrations. The Bass Fishing World Championships were scheduled for October 1st-3rd. Bridge Street Live was set to return every Thursday in October. The first annual Birding Festival of the South was scheduled for October 8th-10th. Director Garcia also noted that the AMP commission received its annual audit for Visit Hot Springs with no findings and significant financial improvement, including bookings through 2032. Director Webb highlighted kayak rentals available at the Gan Wallace Wetlands trail head on July 11th and ongoing rentals at the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail. He also mentioned Michael Todd, the light heavyweight world arm wrestling champion from Hot Springs. Director Do Smith promoted splash activities for children at Garvan Woodland Gardens every Thursday during the summer.
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