Warren City Council addresses county payment dispute, approves pool grant
By Heather Perry
Eagle Reporter
The Warren City Council approved a grant application for improvements to the city pool, discussed emergency preparedness concerns, and addressed several financial matters during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 11.
All council members were present for the meeting. Following prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, the council approved the April meeting minutes and financial report. Mayor Gregg Reep reported that city and county sales tax revenues continue to rise and said the city’s budget remains in strong condition.
During the mayor’s report, Reep informed the council that he had received a letter from Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney requesting payment for previous dirt work completed by the county for the city landfill. Reep explained that while the county was already excavating additional cells at the county landfill, the city needed dirt to fill in its landfill area, resulting in dirt being moved from one area to another.
According to Reep, the city has been making payments toward the debt. However, he said a second letter received Monday requested payment in full by Wednesday, May 13, or the county would discontinue certain agreements and services with the city.
Reep noted that Bradley County currently pays the city approximately $8,000 per month for operation of the 9-1-1 system and a district court clerk position.
To help satisfy the debt, the council approved selling the city’s red commercial dumpsters at the highest available rate and using the proceeds toward the balance owed to the county. The council also approved selling a Mack garbage truck for the same purpose.
Also during the mayor’s report, the council adopted Ordinance No. 979, allowing council member Memory Burks-Frazer to continue serving as manager of the city pool during the summer season.
Prior to the meeting, the city held a public hearing regarding a potential outdoor recreation grant for improvements to the city pool. Following the hearing, the council adopted Resolution No. A-713 authorizing the city to apply for the 50/50 matching grant.
Reep also updated the council on ongoing industrial development efforts, stating that a prospect has expressed interest in purchasing land south of Warren. He said the proposal will soon be reviewed by the Community and Economic Development Committee.
During public comments, resident Hajime White addressed the council regarding emergency preparedness after losing her father and brother in the California wildfires during the winter of 2025. White asked city officials what systems are currently in place locally in the event of a similar disaster, including whether the city has warning sirens or an emergency notification system similar to Amber Alerts.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore said he and several area fire chiefs recently met to discuss the need for additional emergency alert systems and disaster preparedness measures throughout the region.
Resident A’Seneque Daniels also addressed the council regarding children playing basketball in city streets by moving portable goals into roadways, creating traffic hazards and obstructing vehicles.
Reep stated the activity is illegal and said local police officers have begun monitoring the issue and issuing citations when necessary.
Council member Chanel Hooper presented requests from the Wolfpack Motorcycle Club for street closures on June 13, July 4 and Sept. 19. The council approved the July and September requests but denied the June 13 request because of limited police manpower during the Pink Tomato Festival.
In departmental reports, Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported the department recently lost one certified officer to another agency. He said another officer is currently attending the police academy and is expected to graduate in 12 weeks. The department is also conducting background checks on additional applicants and is currently short five full-time officers. Hildreth also announced that Officer Robbie Ashcraft will retire May 31 after 28 years of service with the department.
Council member Latanza Atkins asked whether the city had discussed plans for school traffic guards for the upcoming school year. Hildreth said the school district has discussed adjusting traffic flow patterns to reduce the need for officers directing traffic. Reep added that the city is also considering installing another caution light on Martin Street.
Moore reported that the fire department responded to 20 calls during April.
Council member Joel Tolefree stated the fire committee approved sending three fire department employees to a fire convention. The council later approved the request.
Sanitation Manager and Building Official Rob Johnson reported that GFL Environmental is in its second week of commercial garbage pickup service and said the transition has gone smoothly. Johnson also stated that nine new businesses have signed up for cardboard recycling pickup.
“We want to thank everyone for their cooperation with the recycling,” Reep said. “We are able to sell the cardboard and white paper and it helps us pay the bills. Please do not put cardboard in the brown containers.”
In additional business, the council approved adding street signs to West Pine Street and George Street.
The Community and Economic Development Committee reported that the Old Street Shop, located near the city park, was approved for Entergy assistance that will provide upgraded lighting at no cost to the city.
Members of the Ways and Means Committee also stated they would like to review police officer salaries in surrounding communities.
In new business, the council approved participation in the Municipal League Trauma Assistance Program for city employees and approved increasing the city’s credit card limit from $5,000 to $8,000.
City officials also announced that the municipal building will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Trash pickup that week will be delayed by one day.
The council approved payment of the April bills before adjourning the meeting.
The next Warren City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8, at 5:30 p.m.
