Warren Ways and Means Committee talks salary increase, American Rescue funds, and more

Warren Ways and Means Committee members discussed several issues during a meeting Wednesday evening.

Following an executive session, committee members adopted a recommendation to send to the full City Council that a $2 per hour increase in salary be given to assistant to the city clerk.

In other action:

• Mayor Gregg Reep said city, hospital and school administrators had participated in a Zoom meeting with Scenic Solar Co. about a 30-year plan for the company to build, own and operate a solar energy field that would allow city government structures to purchase electricity from the project. A detailed proposal is to be ready next week.
• American Rescue Plan funds were discussed. The city currently has $400,000 available. Committee Chairwoman Dorothy Henderson said the city has until 2024 to spend the funds and a “wish list” from department heads was under consideration. Mayor Gregg Reep said he would come up with cost estimates on the proposals by July. He also said that in consulting with U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman’s office, he said money currently held by the city in bank accounts won’t be subject to being returned to the federal government under the debt ceiling bill.
• The committee recommended that rebidding be done on roof repairs to a former Street Department building.
• A pool manager’s contract for $4,000 from May-August was considered. Alderwoman Memory Burks Frazer, a committee member, said she has served in that position for 22 years without a raise. The committee will look at pool managers from surrounding cities to see how Warren’s position compares. Frazer said she has had problems finding enough lifeguards but that three had been hired this year and the Westside pool will open June 7.
• Tenure bonuses, which are paid twice a year, were examined. Currently, four city employees with 20 years of service and over are each paid $600; two employees, 15 years and over, $500; one employee, 10 years and over, $400; and nine employees, five years and over, $300. The committee recommended increasing those, respectively, to $800, $600, $500 and $400.
• In regard to the Bryant’s Building demolition, Reep said the building had been taken down but removal of debris has been halted after a crack was found in the wall of the adjacent church building. He said the crack was found before demolition was done. The church owners can either provide repairs to it or the city can do repairs and place a lien on the work. Reep said removal of debris will not proceed until a structural engineer examines the property on June 12. He said precautions will be taken to ensure safety of the project during the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival next week.