WARREN, Ark. – 4-14-25 – The Warren City Council convened Monday, April 14, for its regular monthly meeting, with all members present and Mayor Gregg Reep presiding.
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The Council approved the minutes from the March meeting before moving into a series of updates and action items. Mayor Reep noted that city sales tax revenues remain down, a trend reflected across the state.
A highlight of the meeting was the recognition of John McCoy as Employee of the Quarter. McCoy, a two-year city employee and current boom truck operator, was praised for his outstanding work—hauling around 40 loads per month. His grandson Casen was present for the recognition. Rob Johnson, head of the sanitation department, and Mayor Reep both commended McCoy for his service to the community.
In other business:
- Street closures for the 2025 Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival—scheduled for the second full weekend in June—were approved.
- Dale Wheeler and Keneetra Owens were both reappointed to three-year terms on the Planning Commission.
- John Harrison addressed concerns over low water pressure on Church Street. While the City doesn’t oversee the water department directly, the mayor said he would speak to the department, and Harrison plans to attend the upcoming Water Commission meeting on Thursday.
- A’Seneque Daniels requested new speed bumps on Lincoln Street and attention to road conditions at Kelly and Bragg Streets following water damage.
In departmental reports:
- Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported one officer is graduating from the academy this week, and the department is continuing to accept applications. Mayor Reep reiterated the city’s challenge in retaining officers due to competitive salaries in other law enforcement opportunities. Council member Joel Tolefree suggested the state consider allocating more funds to local municipalities for law enforcement staffing rather than investing in new mega prisons.
- Fire Chief Chuck Moore received approval for four firemen to attend the state convention, with the city covering all related expenses.
The Council also took action on several issues:
- The city’s new 90-gallon garbage containers are not expected to arrive until September.
A significant contribution was accepted from Mrs. Maribeth Frazer, who offered to fully sponsor and oversee a downtown tree beautification project in memory of her late son, John Frazer III. The gift includes around 37 new trees, a watering system, and full project management. The Council unanimously approved the donation, with Mayor Reep calling it a “substantial contribution.”
The Council passed Ordinance 970, regulating food truck operations within city limits. Among the requirements:
- Trucks must have a privilege license and quarterly permit ($250),
- Be located on approved, properly zoned property,
- Pay sales tax and submit proof before renewal,
- No stand-alone signage, only signs attached to the truck.
The ordinance passed 6-0 and will take effect upon public publication. Churches and nonprofits are exempt. Council member Memory Burks-Frazer emphasized the ordinance was not intended to put anyone out of business but to ensure fairness to all food vendors, including local restaurants, as well as to compensate the City for garbage pickup.
Finally, the Council unanimously approved a pay grade increase for the boom truck operator to $13.67 per hour, retroactive to January 2025.
Announcements:
- City offices will be closed Friday, April 18, for Good Friday. No garbage pickup will occur that day.
The full Council meeting video will be made available later this week.
