Hot Springs Board Makes Appointments to Commissions and Committees

Reappointments and new members added to planning, zoning, civil service, and community development roles

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a city hall building or other iconic local government structure repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the diversity of voices on Hot Springs' advisory boards and commissions.The Hot Springs Board of Directors' appointments to local commissions and committees aim to maintain a diverse group of community voices guiding the city's development and quality of life initiatives.Hot Springs Today

The Hot Springs Board of Directors has made several appointments and reappointments to the city's planning commission, board of zoning adjustments, civil service commission, community development advisory committee, and historic district commission. The board reappointed three planning commissioners and made new appointments to fill vacant seats on these various commissions and committees.

Why it matters

These appointments help shape the leadership and direction of key city advisory bodies that oversee land use, development, historic preservation, community investment, and public safety hiring. The composition of these commissions and committees can have a significant impact on the future growth, character, and priorities of Hot Springs.

The details

The board reappointed Bill Vowell and Bill Lemond to represent city director districts 3 and 4 on the planning commission for another three-year term. Lemond was also reappointed to one of the board of zoning adjustments seats reserved for planning commissioners, while alternate commissioner Ashley Campbell was appointed to the other seat. Wallace Stone was appointed to an at-large planning commission seat, and Brock Baker was appointed as an alternate. The board also appointed Dr. Stuart Fleischner to the civil service commission, Garrett Schwebel to the community development advisory committee, and Melinda Shunk and Virginia Laliberte to the historic district commission and parks and recreation advisory committee respectively.

  • The reappointments and new appointments were made at the Hot Springs Board of Directors' special meeting on April 7, 2026.
  • The terms of the newly appointed members will begin immediately, with some seats expiring in May 2027.

The players

Bill Vowell

A planning commissioner representing city director district 3.

Bill Lemond

A planning commissioner representing city director district 4 and a member of the board of zoning adjustments/board of adjustments and appeals.

Ashley Campbell

An alternate planning commissioner appointed to the board of zoning adjustments/board of adjustments and appeals.

Wallace Stone

An at-large member of the planning commission who owns an insurance agency and is also a real estate developer and vacation rental owner.

Brock Baker

An alternate member of the planning commission who works for a residential program offering substance abuse treatment and behavioral health services.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm happy that if you're serving, you get to cast votes.”

— Pat McCabe, Mayor

“I moved to District 2 because of a beautiful house. Fixing up that old house has been a lot of fun. I've really appreciated the sense of community that's been built in District 2.”

— Garrett Schwebel, New member, Historic District Commission

“I am happy to continue serving on this board, as I feel the board has good momentum toward what the city's goals are for preservation. I would completely concede to any resident of Pleasant Street who would like to be involved as a representative to their home and community.”

— Melinda Shunk, Reappointed member, Historic District Commission

What’s next

The newly appointed and reappointed members will begin their terms immediately, with some seats expiring in May 2027. The planning commission and other city advisory bodies will continue their work on issues like zoning, development, historic preservation, and community investment.

The takeaway

These appointments demonstrate the city's commitment to maintaining experienced leadership on key commissions and committees while also bringing in new voices and perspectives. The diverse backgrounds and expertise of the appointees suggest Hot Springs is seeking to balance continuity and change as it navigates important decisions about the city's future growth and character.