WARREN, Ark. – The Warren City Council convened on Monday evening, May 13, 2024, at the Warren Municipal Building to address crucial matters concerning the city’s governance and upcoming events. Chaired by Warren Mayor Gregg Reep, the meeting saw active participation from council members and significant decisions that will impact the city’s future.
Five council members were in attendance: Memory Frazer, Dorothy Henderson, Joel Tolefree, Emily Moseley, and Latanza Atkins, with Angela Marshall being the sole absence. Mayor Reep commenced the session by presiding over the approval of minutes from the previous April meeting, which were swiftly endorsed. City Clerk Janice Nelson’s report was also presented and met with approval.
One of the early decisions made during the meeting was the approval of necessary street closings for the highly anticipated 2024 Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival. The council sanctioned the parade route closure alongside other areas designated for festival activities, ensuring a well-organized and enjoyable event for residents and visitors alike.
The council voted to approve Ordinance 956, permitting Council member Memory Frazer to continue her role as the City Pool manager for the summer—a responsibility she has undertaken for several years. Frazer abstained from voting, though it was unanimously approved 4-0.
A significant discussion centered around the city’s property insurance policy, with local insurance agent Roger George from Merchants and Planters addressing the Council. The Council received two bids, one sticking with Merchants and Planters Insurance, which has held the policy over the past year, or transitioning to the Arkansas Municipal League Insurance. George advocated for prioritizing local businesses and elucidated the assessment process conducted by the Municipal League. Following this presentation, the council decided to table the issue to gather more comprehensive information.
Local citizen Micky Charles petitioned the council to close a portion of Kelley Street for a family reunion June 14th—an appeal that garnered council approval.
Warren Fire Chief Chuck Moore’s report highlighted the department’s proactive measures in touring Potlatch and AHF Products plants for fire prevention assessments and familiarizing new firefighters with these facilities. The tours occurred in April. The Department also conducted extensive training during the month.
A strategic move towards environmental sustainability was unveiled as the council voted in favor of establishing a new sanitation collection center on the west side of town. Additionally, plans to initiate white paper recycling, excluding paper used for bodily fluids(such as tissue), were disclosed, with Mayor Reep emphasizing the cost-saving benefits to taxpayers of removing white paper from basic household garbage. The plan to implement white paper recycling is forecast to begin around August at the start of the new school year according to Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson.
Traffic management was a focal point as well, with requests from Oak Street residents for speed bumps leading to a council decision to install a single speed bump with warning signs. Conversely, residents on East Cedar sought the removal of speed bumps, which the council approved. The votes were both 4-1 in favor with Council member Joel Tolefree voting against.
In another development, the council extended an opportunity for city employees to enroll in Pafford’s Air One Ambulance Membership program, offering affordable access to emergency helicopter services—a measure aimed at enhancing employee welfare and emergency response capabilities.
A generous donation from the Donald W. Reynold’s YMCA injected excitement into the meeting, with Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon announcing over $100,000 worth of equipment donated for use at the City Baseball/Softball Complex. This donation, comprising various amenities like a jungle gym, batting cages, bleachers, and an ice machine, reflects a collaborative effort to enhance recreational facilities for the community.
Looking ahead, the council addressed the impending need to replace trees previously removed due to sidewalk issues and disease, referring the matter to the Community and Economic Development Committee for further action.
The meeting concluded with the announcement of the next council gathering scheduled for June 10th at 5:30 p.m..