WARREN, Ark. – The Warren City Council gathered for its final meeting of the year on Monday, December 9, 2024, presided over by Mayor Gregg Reep. The session, held at the Municipal Building, brought together all Council members: Angela Marshall, Memory Burks-Frazer, Dorothy C. Henderson, Joel Tolefree, Emily Moseley, and Latanya Atkins.
The monthly Warren City Council report is brought to you by Commercial Bank.
Key Decisions and Updates
City Clerk’s Report: The report was reviewed and approved without objection.
Industrial Projects: Mayor Reep highlighted ongoing positive progress in several industrial projects both within Warren and in nearby areas, signaling continued economic development for the community.
2022 Audit Approved: The Council unanimously approved the audit for the 2022 fiscal year.
Voting by Phone Clarification Needed: Discussions addressed state law prohibiting Council members from voting when attending meetings by phone. While this was previously unknown, the Council requested that Mayor Reep seek clarification from the state regarding voting during meetings attended via Zoom video conferencing.
Dog Complaint Addressed: Mayor Reep provided an update on a dog complaint raised at the November meeting, confirming the issue had been resolved prior to the last meeting. He reminded residents that concerns can be brought to his office at any time, not just during Council sessions.
Department Reports
Police Department: Police Chief Shaun Hildreth announced the hiring of two non-certified officers who will soon attend the State Academy. Mayor Reep urged community members to apply, stating, “We need police officers.”
Sanitation Department: Manager Rob Johnson reported significant cleanup efforts in November, including removing limbs from 19 properties and junk from 66 properties. He commended John McCoy and David White for their exceptional work with the boom loader. Mayor Reep praised the Council’s decision to purchase the boom truck, calling it one of the City’s best investments.
Street Repairs: Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger noted progress on Bradley Street repairs and reported that the railroad company completed approximately $300,000 worth of crossing repairs on Main and Pine Streets, entirely funded by the company.
Parks and Recreation: The Council approved $77,123.86 for remodeling the Train Depot at Warren City Park. Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon will install new plexiglass windows, with those costs excluded from the allocated renovation funds.
City Flag and Resolutions
The City’s newly adopted flag has arrived, and Mayor Reep plans to explore pricing options for residents interested in purchasing the flag or smaller versions for Main Street light posts.
The Council approved:
- A $2,000 contract with the Bradley County Historical Museum.
- A $2,000 contract with the Area Agency on Aging for purchasing fans and air conditioners for elderly residents.
- Resolution A-699, which sets official salaries for 2025. Mayor Reep declined an increase for the mayoral position.
Farewell to Angela Marshall
Council Member Angela Marshall, attending her final meeting, reflected on her time serving the City, noting the progress made during her tenure. Mayor Reep and other Council members expressed their gratitude for her contributions, with Reep stating, “We appreciate the time you served.”
Holiday Announcements
The Municipal Building will be closed December 24-25 for Christmas, with garbage pickup scheduled for Christmas Eve but not Christmas Day. It will also close on January 1, with garbage pickup as scheduled.
The next City Council meeting is set for January 9, 2025.
