FORT SMITH, Ark. — At its regular board meeting Tuesday (March 2), the Fort Smith Board of Directors approved an ordinance declaring an emergency situation and allowing water and sewer bill adjustments due to the historic winter weather event the week of Feb. 14.
During the week of Feb. 14, Fort Smith experienced temperatures that fell below 32°F and for several days and never exceeded freezing.
“During this time, customers experienced rolling blackouts and some experienced interruptions in natural gas supply. As a result, some customers’ water pipes froze and burst or experienced post freeze leaks,” said Lance McAvoy, utilities director.
In order to help customers experiencing this, McAvoy asked the board to declare an emergency situation and allow leak adjustments to water and sewer portions of the bill. Customers will be required to provide a plumber’s invoice or receipt to show the repair was made and the customer’s bill will be adjusted to the customer’s average past six months water and sewer usage volume.
In other business, the board tabled two resolutions that would lead to replatting portions of Fianna Hills until May 4 to coincide with the time the board had tabled a similar resolution.
On Feb. 2, the board tabled for 90 days a decision on whether to allow alternative use for a portion of former Fianna Hills Golf Club property to allow for negotiations to keep the golf course after residents of the area appealed a decision of the planning commission to replat a portion of the neighborhood.
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