WARREN – The Warren City Council approved multiple road closures for upcoming community events, entered into a lease agreement with Warren schools for use of city athletic facilities, and honored a longtime resident with a special resolution during its regular April meeting held Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Warren Municipal Building.
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Mayor Gregg Reep presided over the meeting. Council members present included Dorothy Henderson, Latanza Atkins, Chanelle Hooper, Emily Moseley, and Joel Tolefree. Council member Memory Burks-Frazer was absent.
The council approved the minutes from the March meeting, along with the city clerk’s report.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of Resolution A712 honoring Bernice Martin for her life and legacy. Martin, who recently celebrated her 106th birthday on April 3, is one of the oldest citizens in Warren and Bradley County. Born April 3, 1920, in Wilmar and raised in Warren, Martin was recognized by the council in a resolution presented by Henderson. The resolution passed unanimously, 5-0.
Mayor Reep provided updates on several city projects and properties. He noted that the former poultry plant owned by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority will likely be auctioned soon. Additionally, equipment from the former Armstrong facility is currently being auctioned online, while a realty company continues efforts to sell the property.
The city is continuing work on grant funding for the municipal pool, which is expected to open this summer. Increased attendance is anticipated due to the closure of the YMCA pool. Reep also reported progress on the city’s solar farm project, stating that materials have already been delivered and construction is expected to begin soon.
The council approved road closure requests for the upcoming Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival and the 75th anniversary celebration of the Bradley County Medical Center. Both measures passed unanimously.
During the public comment period, Terence Roberson requested a street closure for a Wolf Pack Motorcycle Club fundraiser scheduled for May 2 from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on South John C. Moss Street. The council approved the request, 5-0.
Mike Jolley, representing the Warren Housing Authority, addressed the council regarding two recent fires at housing units. A January 13 fire damaged four units, and a February 8 fire displaced additional residents. Jolley said affected individuals have been relocated to other units, and the Housing Authority board will determine later this month how to proceed with the damaged buildings. He also noted that both fires remain under investigation and that the authority is exploring options to increase parking capacity.
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that three department vehicles are currently in the shop and that two new certified officers have been hired.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported a busy March, with the department responding to four structure fires and nine grass fires. He warned that if dry conditions persist, a burn ban could be implemented again soon.
A representative from GFL Environmental, Operations Manager Steve Tollette, attended the meeting following the first week of the city’s transition to private garbage collection. Tollette said the initial rollout went smoothly overall and noted continued improvement into the second week. Mayor Reep encouraged residents to recycle cardboard and paper and to take advantage of the city’s recycling program. Additional garbage cans are available for $7 per month. Officials also reminded residents that can lids must be able to close at least partially in order for automated trucks to collect them.
The council approved a lease agreement allowing Warren schools to use the city’s baseball and softball fields for $5,000 annually. The agreement will help offset utility costs, including lighting, during the baseball and softball seasons.
In other business, the council approved Rezoning Ordinance 978 for property located at 414 North Martin Street. The Planning Commission recommended changing the zoning designation from Residential 1 to Commercial 1, and the council approved the change unanimously.
The next regular meeting of the Warren City Council is scheduled for May 11.
The full video of the April meeting will be available here later this week.
