The Warren City Council convened for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 10, 2024 in the City Council Chambers of the Warren Municipal Building. The meeting began on a somber note with a moment of silence to honor the late Jerry Daniels, a longstanding member of the Warren School Board and a beloved community leader who recently passed away.
Council Members in Attendance
- Angela Marshall
- Memory Burks-Frazer
- Joel Tolefree
- Emily Mosely
- Latenza Atkins
- Dorothy Henderson (via Zoom)
Warren Mayor Gregg Reep presided.
Key Actions and Discussions
The meeting proceeded with the approval of the May 2024 meeting minutes and the City Clerk’s report.
Public Comments: Maintenance Issues During the public comments section, local resident Janice Rochell brought attention to an issue involving neglected property at 822 and 826 S Wright Street. Rochell reported that the 10-acre parcel, owned by Billy Reddick, has not been maintained in compliance with city ordinances. She highlighted the overgrowth of grass exceeding 10 inches, which has attracted field rats and snakes, adversely affecting her adjacent property. The Council acknowledged that Reddick had already received the mandated notice to address the issue. The Council voted unanimously (6-0) to enforce the cleanup; if Reddick does not comply, the City will intervene and bill him for the expenses.
Police Report and Community Safety Police Chief Shaun Hildreth presented his monthly report, drawing attention to the circulation of counterfeit $20 bills designed for motion picture use. He urged residents to be vigilant in checking their cash to ensure it is legitimate.
Addressing Homelessness A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the growing homeless issue in Warren. Council member Memory Burks-Frazer announced that District Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain would soon address the Council to explore potential solutions. Mayor Reep noted that the homeless population includes individuals camping in public areas, squatting in vacant houses, and occupying sidewalks and streets. He emphasized the complexity of the issue, pointing out that many affected individuals suffer from mental health problems, which limits the police’s ability to intervene effectively. He did note that the City must find a way to address the problem.
Ordinance 953: Livestock Regulation The Council unanimously passed Ordinance 953, which amends the city’s existing livestock regulations. Under the new law, owners of large and small hoofed animals must obtain a permit from the City Building Official’s office. These animals must be kept in a proper enclosure at least 25 feet away from any neighboring residence. The ordinance does not grandfather existing animals, meaning current owners must comply with the new permit requirement. Additionally, swine and roosters remain prohibited within city limits.
Property Cleanup and Illegal Structures The Council moved forward with the cleanup of condemned properties at 1007 Phillips Street and 504 Rock Street, voting 6-0 in favor of the action. They also voted unanimously to address the illegal placement of a mobile home at 113 Cloquet Street. The mobile home is set to be removed by the City.
Depot Kitchen Renovations and Insurance Bids In other business, the Council authorized Mayor Reep to solicit bids for various renovation projects at the Depot kitchen, including flooring, plumbing, and electrical work. They also accepted a property insurance bid from the Arkansas Municipal League.
City Pool Opening It was announced that the City Pool would officially open on June 17th from 1-5 PM, with the possibility of a soft opening later in the week.
Downtown Tree Initiative In the final matter of the evening, Mayor Reep assigned the downtown tree issue to the Community and Economic Development Committee. The city had removed trees from Main Street several years ago due to disease and damage to sidewalks and buildings. The committee will now explore suitable tree species to replant, ensuring they do not repeat the problems of the past. Community input is welcome with a number of residents already set to speak with the Committee.