WARREN, Ark. (3-9-26) — The Warren City Council held its regular monthly meeting Monday night at City Hall with all members present except Emily Moseley, who was absent due to illness. Mayor Gregg Reep presided over the meeting.
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Council members approved the minutes from both last month’s regular meeting and last week’s special called meeting. The city’s financial statement was also presented and approved.
Mayor Reep updated the council on developments related to the proposed biochar facility. He said that if the offer from the company to the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) is not accepted or does not move forward, the former poultry plant property would be auctioned off by ADFA.
Reep also reported that the city is currently working on grants aimed at improving the city pool. In the meantime, the city plans to have the pool operational for the upcoming summer season.
The council considered options regarding the city’s boom truck, which is used to collect large debris such as limbs and bulky junk. Officials said the city could either purchase the currently leased vehicle for the remaining balance of more than $200,000 or renew the lease. Renewing the lease would provide the city with a brand-new truck during the lease period. The council voted 5-0 to renew the lease for a two-year period at just over $4,000 per month.
Members also approved a $6,500 contract renewal with McClellan Engineers to continue maintenance of the city’s former landfill site, which is no longer in use but must still be monitored. The motion passed unanimously.
Council member Dorothy Henderson brought forward a request to honor Warren resident Bernice Martin, who will celebrate her 106th birthday on April 3. Born April 3, 1920, Martin will be recognized with a resolution from the city at the April council meeting. The council approved the request with a 5-0 vote.
Mike Nichols and Thomas Frazer, representing Big Chief Petroleum, addressed the council regarding a new gas station currently under construction on the Fordyce Highway in north Warren. The business is expected to open in early April and will include a daily plate lunch and Chester’s Chicken. The store plans to operate from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. initially, with plans to transition to 24-hour service once fully staffed. The business could employ up to 30 people.
“We’re excited,” Nichols said.
Council member Joel Tolefree praised the project, saying it would help bring additional activity to that section of town, particularly with the nearby school.
Jason Britton of South Arkansas Pet Cremations spoke to the council about a property located across the street from his business at 1335 West Central Street. Britton expressed concerns about the condition of the property, describing it as overgrown and poorly maintained.
Building official Rob Johnson told the council that cleanup efforts began about a year and a half ago, but the process has been complicated because the property owner passed away and the land has since been inherited by multiple heirs. Johnson said the city had been working with the current owner for about four months and had already removed an old house from the property, though a mobile home remains on the site. The city has been told the property will be cleaned up by May.
Council member Joel Tolefree made a motion to place the property on the city’s condemned list, which would give the owner 30 days to bring it up to code. Dorothy Henderson seconded the motion, which passed 5-0.
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that three department vehicles are currently in the repair shop.
Police Committee Chairwoman Memory Burks-Frazer also addressed the council and reported on a recent committee meeting where the issue of stray cats in the community was discussed. She said the committee is exploring possible grant opportunities related to the issue and is also discussing encouraging residents not to feed stray cats. Council member Joel Tolefree noted that stray cats can sometimes contribute to nighttime garbage problems.
Sanitation manager Rob Johnson reported that the city is continuing preparations to transition residential garbage collection to GFL Environmental. As part of the change, once-per-week pickup routes are scheduled to begin April 6. Residents will soon receive information by mail from GFL regarding the new service schedule, and city officials plan to assist citizens during the transition.
The council also approved the purchase of eight new trash receptacles for the downtown area at a cost of $1,708 each. These are to replace the current round green receptacles. Council member Latanza Atkins made the motion, which was seconded by Tolefree and passed 5-0.
Council members also discussed a proposed agreement with the Warren School District that would have the district contribute $5,000 annually toward operational expenses at the city’s baseball and softball complex, including costs such as electricity for field lighting. No action was taken Monday night, as the agreement requires some revisions and will be brought back for consideration at the April meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Warren City Council is scheduled for Monday, April 13.
Video of the full council meeting will be made available below later this week.
