The Warren City Council met Monday, June 8, for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting with one council member absent.
Following an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, council members approved the minutes from the May meeting and the city's statement of revenues and expenditures.
Mayor Gregg Reep reported positive revenue trends, noting that the city's share of county sales tax collections increased by 5 percent while city sales tax revenues rose by 6 percent.
Reep also provided updates on several industrial development projects. He said he remains in regular contact with a company interested in the former poultry plant. According to Reep, the company plans to auction the facility's equipment and would like to sell the building.
The mayor also reported that Phoenix Corporation, owner of the former AHFP building, is removing and selling equipment while actively marketing the property for lease opportunities.
In an update on the ongoing Weyerhaeuser project, Reep said company officials reported construction remains on schedule. He also noted the company has contributed to activities associated with this weekend's Pink Tomato Festival.
The council approved Resolution A-714, authorizing the mayor to sign documents related to the Corinth Valley consolidation under the Warren Water and Sewer System.
Warren Water and Sewer representative Tenay Sellers attended the meeting and updated council members on water system improvements. Sellers said the systems are operating well following the completion of two new pump stations on the bypass and the addition of a new well system.
Mike Nichols, operator of the recently opened Big Chiefs gas station, thanked residents for their support during the store's opening week. Nichols said local contractors were used whenever possible during construction and expressed appreciation for their work.
Nichols said Big Chiefs currently employs 18 full-time workers, in addition to family members, and hopes to eventually expand to 35 employees. Current operating hours are 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., with plans to transition to a 24-hour schedule in the future.
He also reported that sales of Chester's Chicken during the store's first week exceeded previous company records by 40 percent. Nichols announced that Big Chiefs, in partnership with Warren Bank & Trust and Spartan Intimidator of Southeast Arkansas, will give away two zero-turn mowers on July 4. Customers may register for the drawing at the store.
Department heads also provided monthly reports.
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth said four new officers are expected to be hired this week, with three requiring attendance at the police academy.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported the department responded to 10 fire calls during May and conducted a training burn exercise.
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson said operations with GFL are proceeding smoothly. During May, crews completed junk pickup at 61 residences, removed four inoperable vehicles and collected limbs from 34 properties.
Reep noted that debris previously disposed of at the Bradley County landfill must now be transported to facilities in Monticello or Ashley County after the city was prohibited from using the Bradley County landfill.
Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon reported a strong turnout for the opening day of the city swimming pool, with more than 100 attendees. A total of 103 hot dogs were distributed during the event. The pool is currently open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wagnon also thanked the YMCA for donating supplies.
Council members briefly discussed the possibility of upgrading basketball goals throughout the city to provide improved recreational opportunities for local youth.
Following reports from various committees and boards, the council adjourned the meeting.
The Warren Municipal Building will be closed June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The next meeting of the Warren City Council is scheduled for Monday, July 13, at 5:30 p.m.
