FORT SMITH -- Fort Smith City Administrator Carl Geffken announced Thursday his appointment of Matt Meeker to fill the vacant city streets and traffic control department director position, effective immediately.
Meeker has been serving as interim department director since August, according to a city news release. He previously served in this capacity from April 2017 until May 2018 before the 15-month term of former Director George Allen. Allen resigned in August to accept a similar position out of state.
"Matt has been with the city for over 17 years and is well versed in the streets department," Geffken said in the release. "He knows and works well with engineering, [Arkansas Department of Transportation], and Sebastian County. His knowledge, skills, and work ethic are well-known and -respected among department leadership and the board."
Meeker said in the release his priorities include keeping up with maintenance and ensuring safe traffic and drainage systems. Sidewalk repair and crosswalks also will require attention from the outset.
Meeker joined the city workforce in May 2002, and has held project engineer and senior project engineer positions in the engineering department, according to the release. He is a registered professional engineer, and earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
The street and traffic department, which has 65 full-time employees, is responsible for street construction, drainage, maintenance, and lighting as well as traffic control, signals, the sign shop and administration, the release states.
It is responsible for minor street construction projects; constructing curbs, gutters, and some sidewalks; maintaining the city's drainage system, including storm drains and ditches, detention ponds, creeks and inlet streams; maintaining and upgrading traffic control devices; and producing and installing high visibility street signage.
State Desk on 11/22/2019