Board reappoints Bill Walker to airport commission; Wendell Scales named to food commission

Summary

After an executive session, the Little Rock Board approved two appointments — Wendell Scales to the Little Rock Food Commission (voice vote) and Bill Walker—s reappointment to the airport commission (roll-call, 6–3). A separate speaker announced plans for a new Arkansas professional football franchise.

After recessing to executive session, the Little Rock Board returned and announced two appointments.

The chair asked those in favor of Wendell Scales— appointment to the Little Rock Food Commission to say "aye;" the chair said the ayes had it. The board then considered a reappointment to the Little Rock Airport Commission and, after a roll call, the clerk announced a 6-to-3 vote in favor of Bill Walker's reappointment.

Separately, a visitor at the public meeting identified himself as the general manager of an Arkansas Major League Football franchise called the Arkansas Smoke and asked for the board's "support and blessing" for the team planned to arrive in fall 2025; the speaker did not give a personal name during that brief announcement.

What happens next: With both appointments approved, the board adjourned. The Arkansas Smoke announcement was a nonbinding informational notice; any city-level engagement or formal support would require separate follow-up with city staff.