WARREN, Ark. – The Warren City Council met Monday evening, June 9, at the Warren Municipal Building with members Chanel Hooper, Memory Burks-Frazer, Dorothy Henderson, Emily Moseley, and Latanza Atkins present. Councilman Joel Tolefree was absent.
Mayor Gregg Reep provided several key updates, beginning with the city’s industrial development efforts. He shared that the new biochar facility remains on track for opening within the next two months. While international tariff complications and other issues had previously delayed the project, a recent meeting between the company, the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA), and city officials confirmed that things are back on schedule. The plant is still expected to bring approximately 25 new jobs to the area, and could be up and running in a couple of months.
In other economic development news, the Bradley County Economic Development Corporation is nearing the closing of a land purchase aimed at supporting future industrial projects.
The mayor also discussed two potential grant opportunities. One is an 80/20 matching grant to renovate the city’s Cultural Center, with an estimated project cost of $700,000 to $800,000. Some of the city’s match for the grant may be fulfilled through in-kind contributions. A separate grant application is being prepared for improvements at the city pool.
During public comments, Janice Rochell addressed the council with concerns about grass growing along the border of the Warren City Pool property. Mayor Reep assured her that the city would have the area cleaned up promptly.
Department heads delivered routine updates. Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that the department remains short on personnel but will receive part-time support during the upcoming Pink Tomato Festival. He also noted that the first five Flock Safety cameras the city is leasing should be installed by late June.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported five calls in May, including one vehicle fire.
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson shared that his department is currently down one driver and one parting thrower. Despite the shortage, 32 limb pickup addresses were serviced in May. He also confirmed that new garbage cans are still scheduled for delivery in September.
Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger said his crews are hard at work preparing for the Pink Tomato Festival this week. The Street Committee recommended the installation of two speed bumps on North Wright Street, a motion that passed unanimously.
Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon reported that the city’s shooting range has returned to full hours of operation, open Wednesday through Sunday.
The city pool is currently open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. Children age 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.
The next regular meeting of the Warren City Council is scheduled for July.
