WARREN, Ark. – The Warren City Council convened for its monthly meeting on Monday, July 8 at the Warren Municipal Building’s Warren City Council Chambers. The session featured an extensive presentation by District Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain on the challenging issue of homelessness and public property squatting, alongside decisions on several other key matters. Councilmembers Angela Marshall, Memory Burks-Frazer, Dorothy C. Henderson, Joel Tolefree, Emily Moseley, and Latanza Atkins were in attendance. Mayor Gregg Reep presided.
Recognition of Service
One of the highlights of the meeting was the recognition of full-time firefighter Adam Cameron as the City Employee of the Quarter. Cameron’s dedication and outstanding service to the community were celebrated by the Mayor and Councilmembers. He was presented with a gift card as a token of appreciation. Mayor Reep commended Cameron for his hard work and commitment, which has made a significant positive impact on the safety and well-being of Warren’s residents.
Industrial Development
The Council moved forward with economic development initiatives by giving final approval for an agreement with MaxSum Environmental to purchase a piece of property in the Warren Industrial Park for $150,000. The transaction is required to close within 90 days. Mayor Reep emphasized the importance of this development, noting that the new business will create a number of jobs for the local community. County Judge Klay McKinney, who has been instrumental in working closely with Mayor Reep and MaxSum on this project, was also present at the meeting. He stated that the company is ready to start investing in the project. The property will undergo an environmental survey before closing. MaxSum Environmental specializes in producing Biochar, a product beneficial for various agricultural and environmental applications, promising to bring innovative technology and employment opportunities to Warren.
Infrastructure Improvements
In a significant step toward improving the city’s infrastructure, the Council approved a $154,840 contract with Premier Facilities Group of Russellville to construct a new sidewalk south of Molly’s Diner.
Addressing Homelessness and Public Property Use
A focal point of the meeting was the presentation by District Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain, who addressed the Council on the complex and pressing issue of individuals sleeping and loitering on public property. This includes major downtown roadways and The City Park. Spain provided a brief analysis of a recent Supreme Court ruling (Grants Pass vs. Johnson) that has opened the doors for communities to make camping and sleeping in public spaces illegal. He elaborated on the implications of this ruling for Warren and highlighted the benefits of community policing strategies. However, Spain also acknowledged the extreme complexities of the problem, pointing out that it requires a multifaceted approach involving legal, social, and community support systems. The Council engaged in a lengthy discussion on the issue, recognizing the need for a balanced and humane approach to address homelessness while maintaining public order and safety. A more detailed story of this section of the meeting will be coming soon.
City Updates
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson provided an update on the City’s sanitation services, noting that the new Boom Loader is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.
Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger reported that his department has been busy with several ongoing tasks, including bushhogging, patching streets, and preparing to install several culverts.
Mayor Reep took the opportunity to update the Council on several industrial prospects, including potential developments at the Griggs property east of town.
Additionally, the Mayor mentioned that a consulting firm is working on developing options for the future use of the old Bryant’s lot on Main Street. This site holds significant potential for redevelopment, and the City is exploring various possibilities to maximize its benefit to the community.
In another important financial update, Mayor Reep announced that the closing date for the Solar Bonds is Tuesday. Once closed, the City will have approximately $625,000 in a construction account at Union Bank for the solar project. This project is expected to bring sustainable energy solutions to Warren, reducing energy costs for City facilities.