NLR eNewsletter May 2023

North Little Rock e-Newsletter

Provided by Diane Whitbey, City Clerk and Treasurer May 2023

Friday, March 31, 2023, at 2:29 p.m. a strong (possibly) EF3 tornado arrived in North Little Rock. The path was approximately 5.7 miles long and 400 yards wide. Hundreds of residences and businesses had been damaged.

Power went out immediately for approximately 15,000 North Little Rock Electric Customers. At 2:33 p.m. the first 911 call was received.

The city opened its Emergency Operations Center at 2:45 p.m. City staff began heading to the multiple areas of our city that suffered damage.

Throughout this newsletter are photos found on Facebook, or taken by city employees and volunteers. A big shout out to Aaron Stone for the pictures and drone footage he shared on his personal page.

“Where’s Mel”? We are pausing the seek and find this month, but Mel will back in hiding next month!

North Little Rock Animal Services For more information

call 501-791-8577

Do Animals Know When a Tornado is coming?

By Dave Brooks Found at Natureworldtoday.com

There’s a lot of speculation about whether animals can predict natural disasters like tornadoes. Some people believe that they can sense the weather changing, and that they know when a tornado is going to hit. There have been many stories over the years of pets and other animals behaving strangely right before a tornado hits. Is there any truth to this? Or are these just tales passed down through the years?

To answer this question, it’s important to look at the scientific evidence. Studies have shown that animals may indeed possess an ability to sense when a tornado is approaching. This is likely due to their heightened senses of smell and hearing, which can detect changes in pressure and wind direction more quickly than humans can. There are also reports of animals becoming agitated or fleeing for safety well before the storm arrives.

However, there is still much debate as to how reliable these animal indicators are. Some experts argue that animals’ behavior can often be a result of environmental cues and not necessarily a sign that a storm is on its way. For instance, birds may fly away when they hear loud thunder or feel gusts of wind picking up, but this does not necessarily mean that a tornado is imminent.

What do animals do when there is a tornado?

It’s hard to say definitively what animals do when a tornado is approaching, as each species reacts differently and there is still much we don’t understand about their behavior. However, research has shown that some animals may exhibit signs of stress or agitation. For example, cats and dogs may hide in corners or under furniture and/or become very skittish or nervous.

Large mammals, like horses or cattle, may stampede away from the storm while birds may fly away quickly or go quiet before it hits. There have also been reports of wild animals seeking shelter in caves and other safe havens.

Ultimately, it’s impossible to know for sure if animals can detect an impending tornado with 100% accuracy, but it’s clear they can often sense changes in the weather and take steps to protect themselves. By paying attention to their behavior, we may be able to get an early warning of a storm and better prepare ourselves for its arrival. Thus,

while there is still much to learn about how animals interact with their environment during severe storms, it’s safe to say that they have some kind of instinctive ability to anticipate when a tornado may strike.

After the March 31, 2023 tornado, it seems like a good time to remind folks to make a Pet Disaster Kit. Below is a list of what you need:

- 2-week supply of food for each animal stored in waterproof containers

- 2-week supply of water for each animal

- Non-spill food and water dishes

- Manual can opener

- Feeding instructions for each pet

- 2-week supply of medications (if applicable)

- 1-month supply of flea, tick, and heartworm preventative

- Medication instruction (if applicable)

- Leash, collar with ID, harness

- Litter and litter box (cats)

- Appropriate-sized pet carrier with bedding, blanket or towel

- Cleaning supplies for accidents (paper towels, plastic bags, disinfectant)

- Copy of veterinary records, proof of ownership or adoption records, description, recent photo, your contact info.

North Little Rock Fire Department

A Brief History of Fire and Building Codes

A Brief History of Fire and Building Codes

On March 13th of this year the City Of North Little Rock adopted the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. The State of Arkansas had adopted it and it went into effect January 1st. At that point it became state law. The state left one section for adoption at the city level. Those tasked with enforcing the code wanted to wait until we had a chance to review it before adopting it.

I felt this might be a good time share a very brief history of building codes for those who may be interested. I am not a historian so feel free to verify this with your own research.

Building codes date back thousands of years. Wikipedia says The earliest known written building code is included in the Code of Hammurabi, which dates from circa 1772 BC. The book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Bible stipulated that parapets must be constructed on all houses to prevent people from falling off.

After a great conflagration in Boston in 1631, John Winthrop, Governor of Boston, outlawed thatched roofs and wooden chimneys.

New Amsterdam (New York) established the colonies' first firefighting system in 1647. Fire wardens inspected houses and chimneys, issuing fines for hazards. The system provided for the placement of fire buckets in homes and businesses. These water buckets were precursors to fire extinguishers. There is no telling how many large fires were prevented by a quick acting person and a bucket of water.

Cities began to adopt formal fire codes in the 1800’s. New Orleans enacted a law requiring the inspection of public spaces in 1865.

In 1905 the National Board of Fire Underwriters set up the first model code. A model code is a template that governments can use. Governmental authorities may modify the code to their needs and wishes. The common template provides for some consistency in language and requirements making it easier for those who are required to comply with it. If adopted by a governmental body the code becomes law.

Today an organization called the International Code Counsel or ICC develops the model code used in the United States. The council members are stakeholders such as architects, engineers, designers, builders, contractors and manufacturers. Fire, plumbing, mechanical and energy officials are also on the counsel.

The purpose of the fire code is to provide for life safety and property protection. Changes in the environment often lead to new codes to address new concerns. The section of the new code left for local adoption this year pertains to mobile food preparation vehicles or food trucks. It addresses among other things, required inspections of LP (propane) gas tanks, gas detectors and fire suppression systems over cooking equipment that produce grease laden vapors. The city did adopt this section but it will not be enforced until January 1st 2027. This will give food truck operators time to meet the requirements.

The need for fire and building codes has always been recognized. Codes usually come about because of an incident or numerous incidents that led to a large loss of life or property. Please remember these codes are there for your protection. Because of them there are fewer fires, fewer large conflagrations and they are more survivable.

Chief Warren Almon Fire Marshal North Little Rock Fire Department

Mayor Terry C. Hartwick holds a monthly department head meeting. Department heads provide a report of activities, projects and accomplishments.

Due to the March 31, 2023 tornado our focus is to share information by sharing some of the many photos taken across the city which illustrate the some of the damage and neighbors helping neighbors.

We are grateful for each and every one of our residents, businesses, employees, volunteers and hundreds of others who showed up and helped us help our friends and neighbors.

Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out. It will wear well and will be remembered long after the prism of politeness or the complexion of courtesy has faded away.

Abraham Lincoln

Employees from the North Little Rock Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Departments were assisted by officers and others from Conway and Maumelle. Electric and Tree trimming crews from across the state loaded their equipment and headed our way. Hundreds of volunteers began arriving with chainsaws to clear streets.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared an emergency.

North Little Rock Mayor Terry C. Hartwick declared an emergency and established a curfew.

Bottom—Mayor

Terry C. Hartwick thanks one of the many workers from outside NLR who showed up and helped get the power back on!

The top two photos are from inside the Emergency Operation Center (EOC). A lot of folks worked long hours to take care of the wonderful residents of our city—North Little Rock

Left—Neighbors United For Levy held their April 3, 2023 meeting outside the community center. Just because the power was out that didn’t slow them down! NUFL President Doug McDowell, and Neighborhood Services Director Dan Scott carried on with the scheduled meeting!

Below—volunteers from around central Arkansas showed up and showed out by helping residents our residents!

In 2019, the City of North Little Rock contracted with CrowderGulf for assistance in Flood cleanup. Due to an existing contract, the city contacted CrowderGulf Friday evening (March 31). Within 12 hours of the tornado entering our city, a team was in the city performing a site assessment. By Sunday, April 2nd heavy equipment was within our city limits. Below is a picture of a chipper hard at work on large tree debris. Below that is a photo of home debris being unloaded.

Above is an aerial photo of Funland and the Rocket Slide in Burns Park. Thousands of trees were blown over or broken into within the park.

Due to the amount of debris mixed in with vegetation, the city is unable to give away any of the green material being mulched. It is contaminated housing material (shingles, insulation), metal (roofing, siding, etc.) and other items (furniture, clothing) not safe for public use.

If you are a resident (or know of someone) who sustained damage to your home as a result of the March 31, 2023 tornado, and have not reached out to the Red Cross or the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), please do so as soon as possible!

For the Red Cross, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit their website at RedCross.org Displaced storm survivors who still need temporary lodging should call the number above.

For FEMA, call 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov. If you plan to make a claim be sure you have photos of your damaged home and belongings. Make a list of damaged or lost items. And save yourself time, if you have insurance, you MUST file a claim with your insurance company...if you do not have insurance, proceed with making contact using the number or website above.

Members of the North Little Rock High School Cheer Team attended the April 10, 2023 City Council Meeting and were presented proclamations by Mayor Terry C. Hartwick for winning their Third State Cheerleading Championship in December 2022. Members of the team (not listed in photo order above) are: Caroline Jolly, Julia French, Abby Schaefer, Anna Baggett, Tiyah Green, Abrielle Crump, Haley Jordan, Kylie Sartain, Aspen Frensley, McKenna Chism, Iyuana Jones, Kamryn Cottrell, Amaya Kindle, Revell Hogan, Emma Dill, Mallori Holloway, Avery Bilon. Their coach was also in attendance, Ms. Missy Sela.

Left: Long-time North Little Rock Mayor’s Office staff member Charlotte Thomas, retired North Little Rock Chief Deputy City Clerk/ Treasurer Linda Marshall and their friend Joan Ellis, retired Vice President and Trust Officer for Regions Bank were together at the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame Banquet held at the Statehouse Convention Center.

Peddlers Permit City of North Little Rock

Issued to: Mel Dun

Issued: 3/3/2023

Expires: 6/3/2023

If you or a loved one have items you think might have a historic value to our city, please consider donating them to the North Little rock History Commission. Accepted items will be maintained in their archives. For more information, call 501-371-0755 or email nlrhistory@comcast.net.

Sex: Male

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Dun

Height: 15 hands

Employer: Equine sunglasses

Type of Goods Sold: Sunglasses for horses

City Clerk and Treasurer Diane Whitbey

By: _SAMPLE ONLY— only valid with signature ____________________________

Deputy City Clerk / Treasurer, Revenue

To see a list of issued permits, visit the city website at www.nlr.ar.gov, then click on City Clerk/ Treasurer, followed by Licensed Peddlers.

To see an individual ID/Permit, click on the person’s name. All licensed door to door peddlers are required to have the ID issued by the City Clerk’s Office with them at all times

Currently, we have NO permitted door to door solicitors.

All 2022 North Little Rock Business/ Privilege License/Permits expired January 1, 2023.

All persons doing business of any kind within the city limits of North Little Rock are required to have a Business/Privilege License. This includes home-based such as lawn care or internet sales.

**If a business operates 1 day into the new year, it is required to obtain a business license at the full fee.**

If you have any questions, please contact the North Little Rock City Clerk’s Office at 501-975-8617.

The North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau wants to help promote your upcoming events! Visit www.NorthLittleRock.org or call Stephanie Slagle (Director of Marketing) at stephanie@northlittlerock.org or 501.404.0378 to submit your events.

If someone does business within our city limits, they are required to have a city business license. If you operate out of your home you are required to have a business license. If you operate a mobile business you are required to have a business license.

Insured and Bonded. Make sure you do your homework on anyone you are thinking about doing business with. Check to see if the person working for you has a state license (if required) city license (required), and insurance bond (to cover any damages that may occur on your property.

ALL PERSONS DOING BUSINESS OF ANY KIND IN THE CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A CITY BUSINESS LICENSE

Q&A...if I own a short term rental (STR), do I have to have a business license. YES. There are two types of STR’s in our city. Type 1—owner occupied, requires proof of homestead tax. Fee $50. Type 2—requires Special Use, allows up to 8 occupants, Fee $50.00 per occupant—up to $300.00. Also requires collection of Hotel Motel tax.

Q&A...do I need a business license if I sell meat from a cooler out of my vehicle. YES. You must have USDA approval, and Arkansas Health Certificate, and a business license. If you go door to door you also have to have a solicitors/ peddlers license (see below).

Q&A...I want to go door to door to sell products, do I need a business license. YES. All door to door solicitors/ peddlers/transient merchants are required to have a business license.

Q&A...can I buy large quantities of chips, candy and soda and sell it from my home to neighborhood residents? NO. This constitutes operating a business out of your home and is not allowed under a home-based business license. What happens if I do business without a license? You will be issued a citation and have to appear in court. You are then subject to a fine and any court costs associated with the same. Failure to appear could result in a warrant and revocation of your drivers license.

If you want to check to see if a business is licensed with us, please call 501-975-8617.

North Little Rock City Council Schedule

The North Little Rock City Council meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in City Hall (300 Main Street, North Little Rock).

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 501-975-8617 or email Diane Whitbey at Dwhitbey@nlr.ar.gov.

The City Council Agenda can be found at www.nlr.ar.gov, then click on the Government tab, followed by Council Agenda.

City Council Members

Ward 1 Debi Ross 501-753-0733

Nathan Hamilton

Ward 2 Linda Robinson

City Offices located at 120 Main

Human Resources, Betty Anderson 501-975-8855

Moved to 700 West 29th

Construction and Building Services

Mary Beth Bowman 501-975-8881

Finance, Ember Strange 501-975-8802

Fit 2 Live, LaKaisha Shelby 501-442-7406

Planning, Shawn Spencer 501-975-8835

Utility Payment Assistance and Other Numbers

501-952-7679

501-945-8820

Maurice Taylor 501-690-6444

Ward 3 Steve Baxter

Ron Harris

Ward 4 Charlie Hight

Vince Insalaco III

501-804-0928

501-758-2877

501-758-8396

501-951-0786

Other Elected Officials

Mayor Terry C. Hartwick

501-975-8601

City Clerk/Treasurer Diane Whitbey 501-975-8617

City Attorney Amy Fields

Dist Court Judge Randy Morley

501-975-3755

501-791-8562

Dist Court Judge Paula Juels Jones 501-791-8559

North Little Rock Curbside Recycling schedule for the month of May.

May 1 to 5, no pickup

May 8 to 12, recycle

May 15 to 19, no pickup

May 22 to 26, recycle

May 29 to June 2, no pickup

Central AR Development Council……..501-603-0909

Little Rock Catholic Charities...501-664-0640 ext 459

Saint Francis House…………………....501-664-5036

Watershed……..………………………..501-378-0176

Helping Hand of Arkansas……………. 501-372-4388

River City Ministries…………………….501-376-6694

Arkansas Metro………………………....501-420-3824

Arkansas Food Bank…………………...501-565-8121

American Red Cross…………………...501-748-1021

Salvation Army………………………….501-374-9296

Telephone Numbers for City Hall

Mayor’s Office…………………501-975-8601

Terry C. Hartwick

City Clerk & Treasurer………..501-975-8617

Diane Whitbey

Communications………………501-975-8833

Shara Brazear

External Relations…………….501-975-8605

Margaret Powell

Revenue Enforcement………. 501-975-8612

Officer Jim Scott

Special Projects/DEI………….501-975-3737

Arnessa Bennett

May Birthdays

Information regarding employee anniversaries and birthdates is provided by Human Resources the prior year (i.e. 2023 was provided in 2022). So if an employee name is on the list that has retired or resigned, please disregard. Also, typos happen! Please let me know if a name is spelled wrong and a correction will be included next month! For employees who leave the city and come back in a different capacity or department, your length of service may change as well. Example, I worked in the Mayor’s Office 10 years, then was elected City Clerk. I have been in the City Clerk’s Office 23 years. My total service with the city is 33 years.

If this scenario applies to you, please email me at least one month before the month of your anniversary month so I can include your total service to the City of NLR! Diane (Dwhitbey@nlr.ar.gov)

Tres Leches Pina Colada Cake

Found at allrecipes.com

This easy cake is made in the style of a tres leches cake but with Pina colada flavor.

1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix WITHOUT pudding

3 eggs

1 1/4 cups water

1/3 cup oil

1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple

1 (15 ounce) can cream of coconut

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup white sugar

1 Tblsp toasted flaked coconut (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9x13-inch cake pan. Stir yellow cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a bowl until moistened; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in crushed pineapple. Pour batter into prepared cake pan.

Bake in preheated oven until cake is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean or with moist crumbs (about 30 to 40 minutes) remove cake from oven.

Whisk cream of coconut with milk in a bowl until smooth; pour mixture over hot cake. Allow cake to cool.

Whip cream in a mixing bowl with sugar, using an electric mixer, until whipped cream holds soft peaks. Frost top of cake with whipped cream and sprinkle with toasted coconut.

For more and on-going information visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ thepulaskicountyfair/

Admission: $5 for adults

Kids 12 & under FREE

Coming back for 2023... the Pulaski County Fair North Little Rock Riverfront Park! May 19—29, 2023

TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL FOOD VENDORS

Novelty Sales

Amphitheater

Carnival rides

Enter at Main Street and Broadway Bridge entrances

All-day wristbands: $22 per-sale at NLRCVB (600 Main Street) $25 at gate.

Also back for 2023...

North Little Rock City Offices will be closed Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day.

Sanitation office will be closed AND routes will run 1—day delayed all week (i.e. Monday’s pickup will be Tuesday and so on…)