Approved a rezoning request from Anthony R. Dickens to rezone a 6.5-acre tract of land from R-40 residential to B-4 commercial district. The land is adjacent to the western right-of-way  of Highway 125 and south of American Legion Road. There has been no stated intended use of the property or any proposed development plan, city planning and development staff has stated in documents.

Heard City Manager Joseph Scherer’s report which included a statement Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools Superintendent Dain Butler and police Chief Chuck Hasty have reviewed and discussed district plans for a response to an active shooter. “Their plan meets the basic requirements to address serious concerns like assembly areas for students, parents, teacher actions, overall responsibility responding to an active shooter and other topics,” his report said.

The school district and police department are planning to conduct an active shooter drill to test the district’s plan.

Scherer also gave an update of upcoming state Department of Transportation projects which include:

Interstate 95, welcome center building upgrades, ramp improvements and new guardrails.

Bridge replacements in Halifax County.

The turn lane extension project at Exit 173 for I-95 northbound traffic.

The Premier Boulevard extension and Highway 125 widening projects.

Roanoke Avenue resurfacing in which the contract should be let next month.

Heard from 10-year-old Elijah Lee who has already been approved by the police department for a permit to hold a walk at Centennial Park from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to raise awareness of child abuse.

The event is planned for March 3.