WARREN, Ark. – The Warren City Council convened for its first meeting of the year on Monday evening, January 14, 2025, at the Warren Municipal Building. A full quorum was present, marking the official introduction of Chanel Hooper as the council’s newest member. Hooper fills the seat previously held by Angela Marshall, who opted not to run for reelection. Council member Dorothy Henderson welcomed Hooper to the team.
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Employee Recognition
Scott Steadman of the Street Department was named Employee of the Quarter. Mayor Gregg Reep praised Steadman for his dedication, particularly during the challenging winter season. Steadman received a gift card and was joined by his wife, council members, the mayor, and Street Department Foreman Monty Hearnesberger for a photo to commemorate the occasion.(See photo at the top of this article.)
Committee Assignments
The council voted 5-1 to retain current committee assignments for the next two years. Council member Latanza Atkins opposed the decision, advocating for new perspectives on city business through refreshed assignments. She stated she thought it would be good for members to get a better understanding of multiple facets of how the City operates.
Treehouse Program Proposal
Reverend and Mrs. Vernon Colvin presented a proposal for the Treehouse Program, a faith-neutral initiative providing a safe space for children to combat social isolation. Tammy Colvin, a licensed social worker, outlined the program’s curriculum and structure. The council unanimously assigned the matter to a committee for further review, with an anticipated launch date of February 6. Council member Zack Tolefree expressed strong support for the program.
Monthly Reports and Updates
- Fire Department: Responded to nine calls in December, with $920 issued in volunteer payroll.
- Recycling Center: Discussions on a proposed recycling center near the city pool were held. One concern was brought up by Council member Memory Burks Frazer, who stated there might be issues with bringing more adult traffic near the City Pool during the summer months. While the site offers benefits such as lower traffic and ease of advertisement, no action was taken pending a review by the sanitation committee.
- Other Recycling Discussions: Mayor Reep emphasized the rising landfill costs and urged residents to recycle cardboard at the fire department’s designated drop-off area, citing misuse of city dumpsters, of which all 79 are for private use only. He stated the rising cost of landfill is costing the taxpayers of Warren money every month, and by utilizing cardboard recycling, money can be saved.
Budget and Approvals
- The council unanimously approved a $10,000 contract for the 2025 Pink Tomato Festival.
- Bonuses for tenure, Christmas, and holiday pay were also voted to be incorporated into the upcoming budget.
Shooting Range Hours Adjusted
It was announced that a cost-saving measure to limit public shooting range hours to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will be starting in March, citing heavier weekend usage.
Upcoming Closures and Meetings
The Warren Municipal Building will be closed on January 20, 2025, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged with local developments by attending council meetings and following updates on city initiatives.
