LITTLE ROCK — Council meetings 30 minutes earlier
Regular meetings of the North Little Rock City Council will begin at 6:30 p.m., one half hour earlier than previously, starting with the next council meeting Feb. 11.
The council approved the change 8-0 at its last meeting in a reworking of meeting procedures proposed by Mayor Joe Smith, who took office Jan. 1.
The start time was proposed to move from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m., but aldermen amended the change to 30 minutes earlier instead of 60 minutes as a compromise because of concerns that an earlier meeting time could create an inconvenience to some residents.
The council could still begin 15 minutes or so earlier than 6:30 p.m. for special meetings, presentations or other events as needed, Smith told the council.
“That would be my option, I think, to call,” Smith said. “If we don’t like this we can always change it back.”
The council regularly meets on the second and fourth Mondays of every month.
Church to host 2013’s health fair
Free flu shots and health screenings will be offered at Baptist Health’s annual Head North to Health event 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 16 in the First Assembly of God Church’s fellowship hall in North Little Rock.
Baptist Health has been host to a health fair for community residents for more than 20 years, but this will be the first in its new venue at First Assembly of God, 4501 Burrow Drive.
Free screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index, will be available. The first 100 participants will receive gifts and there will be hourly door prizes.
More information is available at the hospital’s website at baptist-health.com.
Lands task force sets public hearing
North Little Rock’s Public Land Development Task Force will have a public hearing at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow St.
The public is invited to hear and comment on the panel’s coming recommendations to the City Council about the best use for publicly owned properties.
The City Council formed the task force last year in response to a proposed sale of the former Big Rock Quarry property along the Arkansas River that was withdrawn after public opposition.
The panel was to review all public properties within the city to help determine its possibility for development, sale or its best use.
Arkansas, Pages 18 on 02/03/2013