WARREN, Ark. — Updates on the newly opened Big Chief’s truck stop, ongoing infrastructure improvements, preparations for the upcoming Pink Tomato Festival, and plans to pursue grant funding for upgrades to the city swimming pool were among the topics discussed Monday during the Warren City Council’s monthly meeting at the Warren Municipal Building.
Mayor Gregg Reep presided over the June 8 meeting, which also included reports from city department heads, Warren Water and Sewer officials, and local business representatives.
Council members present included Chanel Hooper, Memory Burks-Frazer, Dorothy Henderson, Joel Tolefree and Emily Moseley.
The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting, along with the city clerk’s report and monthly financial report.
During his mayor’s report, Reep said the city is seeking outdoor recreation grants that could help fund improvements to the Warren City Swimming Pool.
Tenay Sellers of Warren Water and Sewer reported that work is nearing completion on a new well and related infrastructure on property northeast of Warren.
Councilman Joel Tolefree introduced Mike Nichols, owner of the newly opened Big Chief’s truck stop on Smith Road, who spoke to council members about the business’s early success and future plans.
Nichols said the business was established with the goal of helping keep fuel purchases and tax dollars in Warren rather than seeing residents travel elsewhere. He reported that Big Chief’s currently operates from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m., but plans are in place to transition to 24-hour service in the near future.
The business currently employs 35 people and has received strong community support since opening. Nichols reported that the location’s Chester’s Chicken restaurant set a company sales record during its grand opening, surpassing the previous record by approximately 40 percent.
Nichols also announced that Big Chief’s will provide breakfast for the Warren Lumberjack football team Tuesday morning. In addition, customers can register to win one of two zero-turn lawn mowers to be given away July 4.
Nichols said many customers have commented that all the business needs now is the ability to sell a 30-pack and indicated he would be willing to assist with a petition effort should residents decide to move forward with one.
In addition, Nichols said the owner of Chester’s Chicken plans to visit Warren soon to see firsthand the response generated by the new location.
Mayor Reep said the new business is expected to benefit the city through increased sales tax revenue and economic activity.
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that two department vehicles were in the repair shop as of Monday morning.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported the department responded to 10 calls during May, including one vehicle extrication and one grass fire. Moore also noted firefighters conducted a controlled burn for training purposes at 1410 West Pine Street and responded earlier Monday to a fire involving Gilbert’s Taco Truck.
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson reported that the transition to GFL Environmental garbage service continues to go well. He said the sanitation department currently employs five workers.
Johnson explained that city crews continue servicing some commercial locations in the downtown area as well as several streets where GFL’s larger trucks cannot easily operate. He also reminded residents not to litter.
The council approved a motion to begin the condemnation process on a property located at the corner of Shields and Main streets due to concerns regarding the condition of the yard.
Street Department Superintendent Monty Hearnsberger reported that crews are busy preparing for the upcoming Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, which is scheduled for June 12-13.
During discussion from the Parks and Recreation Committee, council members discussed the availability of public basketball goals throughout the city.
Council members were also reminded that the Warren Municipal Building will be closed Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
The next meeting of the Warren City Council is scheduled for Monday, July 13.
Video of the full meeting will be available here later this week.
