Sherwood A&P commissioners discuss moving to bimonthly meetings and boosting economic development efforts

At the Feb. 5 meeting, commissioners debated whether the Advertising and Promotion Commission should meet less frequently — for example, every other month — to reduce travel and time burdens. Several commissioners said they would like time to consult with peers; one commissioner asked that the discussion be tabled until after a planned meeting with a North Little Rock representative who has operated a larger A&P program.

Mayor Joe and Commissioner Steve cautioned that reducing meeting frequency does not permit members to transact commission business by email; Steve warned that exchanging substantive emails among commissioners could constitute a meeting and violate open-meeting rules. The mayor said staff can circulate monthly reports and that commissioners may call a special meeting if urgent action is required.

Commissioners also discussed expanding the commission's role in economic development. The city’s staff speaker said Sherwood traditionally focuses on restaurant, retail and entertainment recruitment and noted examples — including contact with Panda Express and other restaurant prospects — but said landowner price expectations can be a barrier. The commission discussed alternative strategies such as leasing city- or A&P-acquired land to entice tenants, and staff said selling land must be at market value; the group discussed legal and practical constraints, and the potential to contract with a more aggressive consultant in the regional market to attract development.

Ending: Commissioners agreed to continue brainstorming, to allow one commissioner to meet with North Little Rock representatives and to return with proposals for the commission to consider at a future meeting.