The Warren City Council took another step Monday night toward pursuing a potentially significant infrastructure project aimed at addressing a longstanding truck traffic issue in the city, while also hearing concerns from residents about the proposed route.
The council also approved a contract for a drainage master plan, heard department reports, discussed a mobile home appeal, and handled several other items during its regular monthly meeting Monday, Aug. 10.
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Mayor Gregg Reep presided over the meeting in the council chambers of the Warren Municipal Building. Council members present were Chanel Hooper, Memory Burks Frazer, Dorothy Henderson, Latanza Atkins, and Joel Tolefree.
Proposed DRA Grant Could Help Address Longstanding Truck Traffic Issue
A significant portion of Monday night’s discussion centered on a Delta Regional Authority grant the City of Warren is pursuing for a proposed road project involving portions of Clingman Street and Pennington Street.
The grant represents an opportunity for the city to address a longstanding issue involving large truck traffic currently traveling through heavily residential areas of Warren on the way to Ouachita Hardwood Flooring’s manufacturing facility.
If, and only if, the City of Warren is awarded the grant, portions of Clingman Street and Pennington Street would be reconstructed to better accommodate large truck traffic and provide an alternative route. The proposed roadway changes would not take place unless the grant is awarded.
Several residents spoke during the meeting about concerns related to the proposed route.
Jana Mann, co-owner of a business on Gannaway Street, said she was concerned about the possibility of individuals leaving the nearby Human Development Center and accidentally being struck by a large truck if truck traffic is rerouted through the area.
She also expressed concerns about how the proposed changes could affect her business.
Mayor Gregg Reep said Gannaway Street would not be closed and that C & J Rental’s trucks would still be able to use their current route.
Carol Little also addressed the council regarding the proposed project. Little expressed concerns about the proximity of the proposed truck route to the Human Development Center and the potential safety issues that could create. She also raised concerns about pedestrian safety and the ability of residents to safely walk along Pennington Street if the roadway begins carrying increased large-truck traffic.
Later in the meeting, the council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution A715, authorizing the City of Warren to apply for the Delta Regional Authority grant.
The grant application is being developed with assistance from the University of Arkansas at Monticello School of Forestry.
Mayor Reep said Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney has expressed strong support for the proposal and indicated the county would also pursue the effort.
Councilman Joel Tolefree thanked Dr. Pelkki of UAM for his assistance to the city over the years.
The complete statements from Mann, Little, and other speakers will be available when the full council meeting video is posted.
Mobile Home Appeal Raised
Blanco Castro addressed the council regarding an appeal involving a mobile home she wants to move into the Warren city limits from a property outside the city. The Warren Planning Commission had previously denied the request.
Building Official Rob Johnson later explained that the Planning Commission denied the request because those seeking to bring the mobile home into Warren had not produced a title for it.
Johnson said that once a title is provided, the mobile home must be inspected before it can be moved into the city limits, as required by state law.
Because those requirements have not yet been met, Johnson said there is currently no action the City Council can take regarding the request.
Police, Fire and Street Department Reports
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that an additional certified officer has returned from training. Two more uncertified officers are scheduled to leave for training in approximately one week for a 14-week course.
The council also discussed concerns about feral cats in the city. Members agreed to approach local veterinarians to determine what would be involved in a spay and neuter effort. Officials also discussed the possibility of coordinating with other cities and counties to potentially bring in a mobile clinic.
City officials briefly discussed issues involving electric bicycles and scooters, which are governed under Arkansas bicycle laws. No action was taken.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported that the Warren Fire Department responded to 22 calls during July, with several requiring firefighters to be toned out.
Moore also reported that the city’s Safe Haven Baby Box is nearing completion. The city is awaiting piping work needed to relocate a gas line before the project can be completed.
Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger reported that the department has filled an open position but is continuing to work through a backlog of projects.
Street Hearing Scheduled for Aug. 13
City officials reminded residents that a public hearing concerning Warren’s streets will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, at 5 p.m.
The hearing will provide residents an opportunity to present their street needs, concerns, and opinions to city officials.
City Moves Forward With Drainage Master Plan
The council discussed ongoing drainage concerns involving Town Branch and the Meadowview area.
Mayor Reep said a number of repairs and restructuring projects will be needed and that the city first needs a comprehensive plan for addressing the drainage problems.
The council voted 5-0 to enter into a contract with McClelland Engineers to develop a master plan for Town Branch and drainage in the Meadowview area.
City Pool Reports Record Summer
Mayor Reep reported that the Warren City Pool experienced a record summer of usage.
The city also continues work on the former street department shop at Warren City Park, which now features the recently completed train mural. Officials hope to have the building available for rental by early 2027.
Council Approves Employee Tenure Bonuses
The council voted to authorize tenure bonuses for city employees.
Mayor Reep told the council he did not want to accept a bonus himself. Council members voiced no objection.
Planning Commission Appointments
The council reappointed Nick Mann and Herman Phillips to the Warren Planning Commission for three-year terms.
Labor Day Closure Announced
The Warren Municipal Building will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.
There will be no garbage pickup that day.
The next regular meeting of the Warren City Council is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14.
