WARREN, Ark. – The Warren City Council convened Tuesday night, November 12, 2024, at the Warren Municipal Building, with Mayor Gregg Reep presiding. Present were council members Angela Marshall, Memory Burks-Frazer, Dorothy Henderson, Joel Tolefree, Emily Moseley, and Latanza Atkins.
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City Business and Reports
The Council approved the October minutes and reviewed the City Clerk’s report. Mayor Reep began his report with an apology for his “demeanor and decorum” at the October meeting. He also shared updates on upcoming developments:
- Sky Blue Carbon Inc.: The company is preparing to open a new factory at the former poultry facility, anticipated to start one production line by Thanksgiving. The factory plans to employ around 20 individuals initially, with a target of 50 employees as additional lines are added.
- Maxim Environmental: This biochar company, based in Connecticut, requested an additional 45-60 days to finalize a property purchase at the Industrial Park. Tolefree’s motion for a maximum 60-day extension passed unanimously, 6-0.
The Council approved street closures for Warren’s Christmas Parade and reappointed Dr. Joe Wharton to the Aviation Commission for another five-year term.
Community Concerns
Residents Charlene Stewart and Mary Wiley addressed concerns about a property at 1103 Deer Street with multiple parked vehicles, and Andrea Willis, a Cloverdale resident, reported issues with neighborhood dogs tearing up garbage on Pinewood.
Police Department Update
Police Chief Shawn Hildreth discussed plans to lease flock camera systems, which include license plate readers and stationary cameras, at a cost of $20,000 for a two-year contract, funded by the American Rescue Funds. Frazer’s motion to approve the lease passed 6-0.
Fire Department Update
Fire Chief Chuck Moore announced the lift of the recent burn ban, noting that burning remains illegal in ditches and after dark. The department responded to 22 calls in October, with $2,370 in volunteer payroll for the month.
Sanitation and Building Maintenance
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson reported cosmetic improvements underway for the pink building on East Church Street, which may soon be available for sale. Cleanup has also begun next to the old Grider’s fish market, with new recycling drop-off construction set to start soon.
Ordinance 959, which proposed a $2 fee increase for residential garbage fees, was removed by the Council from the agenda after concerns from constituents. Mayor Reep commented that garbage rates will likely need to increase in the future to address budget constraints, and that the longer the Council delays, the more taxpayers are going to get hit. The vote was 6-0 in favor of removing the item from the agenda.
Building Codes and Development
The Council unanimously passed Ordinance 960, establishing limits on residential privacy fencing height and visibility. A new city flag, symbolizing Warren’s community heritage with a lumberjack, pine tree, and pink tomato, was adopted with a 6-0 vote. Additionally, the Council approved the sale of 7 acres in the Industrial Park to the Warren School District for $26,600 to support solar energy initiatives.
Employee Christmas Bonuses
The Ways and Means Committee approved 2024 Christmas bonuses for city employees, excluding the Mayor’s position at his request.
Upcoming Events and Announcements
- Mingle and Jingle Event: Downtown merchants will host this event on November 15-16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thanksgiving Closures: The Municipal Building will close on November 28-29, with garbage collection resuming during this period.
- Warren Christmas Parade: Scheduled for December 7 at 6 p.m.
- Football Playoffs: Mayor Reep encouraged community support for the Warren Lumberjacks in the opening round of the 2024 Arkansas State High School Football playoffs this Friday.
With no further business, the Council paid the October bills and scheduled the next meeting for December 9, 2024.
Watch the full Warren City Council Meeting below:
