On Monday, April 10, 2023, the Warren City Council held their monthly meeting at the Municipal Building in Warren, Arkansas. Mayor Gregg Reep presided over the meeting with council members Memory Burks Frazer, Dorothy Henderson, Emily Moseley, Joel Tolefree, and Latanza Atkins, who participated by phone, in attendance. Council member Angela Marshall was absent.
The meeting began with the approval of the March 2023 meeting minutes. The City Clerk’s report was also approved, including the statement of revenue and expenditures, report of City sales and Use tax, County sales and use tax, District Court Clerk’s Report, and the overtime report.
Top photo: Warren Police Chief Shaun Hildreth addresses the Council Monday night about police hires and recent overtime costs.
The council then passed several resolutions to honor the late Mr. Sam Fullerton, the late Mrs. Fufa Fullerton, and the late Coach Don Whittemore. They also approved street closures for the upcoming Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival.
During the meeting, Ms. Porter of McCauley Street addressed the council about concerns she had with properties near her home that were overgrown.
The council approved a street closure on Cypress from Main westward going the length of the old Martin’s lot for Saturday’s Market On Main.
Mr. Archie Domineck asked the council about pavement repairs on Glover St. He also mentioned the need for repairs or replacement of stop signs on Peirson, Rock, and Glover Streets. Mayor Gregg Reep noted the City is actively working on the stop sign issue, some of which have been run over.
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that police are working a lot of overtime hours due to a staff shortage at this time. However a hire is currently at the state academy. He hopes some relief is in sight.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported that there were 11 calls in March, with only one toned out.
The council approved Fire Committee recommendations on Live Fire Training, Department Station Coverage, Non-emergency rules for firemen, as well as an increase in pay for volunteer captains and lieutenants. They have received $15 per call in the past, but the council approved $40 for captains and $30 for lieutenants. To see more details about the approved policy changes made, read our last Fire Committee report.
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson reported that a new container truck will be here in two weeks. Crews are currently pulling dumpsters by hand due to a truck breakdown. Issues with parts are making repairs take longer than normal. He applauded his crews’ effort in handling the extra work.
Additionally, the company that hauls off Warren waste is going up from $65 to $80 a ton. Mayor Reep asked that the council research a new waste-to-energy facility being built near Lake Village, Arkansas, that will be ready in two years that would only cost $45 a ton.
Rob Johnson’s Building Official’s report noted issues with car property letters being rejected by property owners. The issue is hampering some cleanup efforts of inoperable cars throughout town.
Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger reported that digging ditches and patching potholes are ongoing. ADC prisoners are scheduled to come back to assist in the future with Street work that is continuing.
The council adopted Ordinance 946, which bans burning trash, leaves, or any other item in public ditches and right-of-ways.
The Parks and Recreation Commission report noted that two new scoreboards were donated.
Finally, the Cultural Center report noted that the building is structurally safe according to engineers, though extensive work is needed. David King sent the City of Warren a letter offering to lead an effort to help repair the Cultural Center. Saline River Chronicle will have more on King’s letter and plans in an upcoming article.
Mayor nominations were confirmed for Herman Phillips and Nick Mann to the Planning Commission.
The next council meeting is set for May 8, 2023, at 5:30 pm.