The Warren City Council met Monday, October 13, with all members present. The meeting opened with approval of the September meeting minutes.
Two-time breast cancer survivor Arletta Allen presented the council with a “Paint Arkansas Pink” sign from UAMS Health in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about breast cancer.
The City Clerk’s report included a detailed statement of revenue and expenditures, showing that most departments remain within budget for the year. The Municipal Building exceeded its budget due to repairs, while the Cultural Center ran over because of a lack of revenue. The city’s cash balance was slightly down in September compared to the previous month. Council Member Dorothy Henderson requested a comparison of the city’s financials to this time last year, which will be provided at a later meeting.
City sales tax collections are down slightly compared to last year, while the city’s share of the county sales tax rose in September but remains down for the year.
During his report, Mayor Gregg Reep recognized Street Department employee Jeff Savage as the city’s Employee of the Quarter, commending his strong work ethic, dependability and dedication to the city’s infrastructure. Street Department Supervisor Monty Hearnsberger praised Savage, saying, “We can always depend on Jeff.”
The council approved Reep’s request to close Main Street on the evening of October 25 for the annual Fall Festival.
Reep said the proposed Biochar project remains a possibility as the company continues to finalize financing. He also reported that two grants — one for the Cultural Center and another for the city pool — have been submitted and are still pending.
The council renewed its annual contract with the company responsible for storing and installing downtown Christmas lights.
Reep announced that the National Guard Armory’s maintenance facility at the Warren Industrial Park will close, with operations moving to Little Rock. The armory itself will remain open and continue to be used for drills.
Reep also said he is working to expand high-speed fiber internet access throughout Warren, though he was told current service is adequate. Unity (formerly Windstream) is installing fiber in the northern part of the city and has expressed interest in expanding further. “Our schools and businesses need good internet,” Reep said.
Reep informed the council that City Attorney Murray Claycomb resigned effective September 30. His term was set to expire December 31, 2026. The council voted to advertise the position for two weeks in the South Arkansas area.
Latisha Roberson, representing Ladies of Wolfpack, requested permission to block off the parade route at 10 a.m. October 25 for a Breast Cancer Awareness March. She also asked to close John C. Moss Drive from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. that evening for a Breast Cancer Awareness Kickback event featuring survivor recognition, balloon releases, luminaries and food. The public is invited to attend.
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that the department hired one certified officer last week and is in the process of hiring an uncertified officer.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore said the department installed 34 smoke detectors during last month’s free installation event and has a few remaining for residents who contact the department. He said firefighters responded to 13 calls in September, including one vehicle fire.
The Sanitation Committee reported that new 90-gallon containers are being delivered, with all expected to be distributed by Friday, October 17. Residents can begin using them Monday, October 20. Trash pickup will continue twice a week. The council authorized the department to obtain bids from private companies for garbage collection to compare costs.
The Street Committee recommended — and the council approved — installing two signs noting a deaf child lives on South Martin Street and two speed bumps on Jolly Street in partnership with Bradley County Medical Center. Henderson also relayed a request from a resident on Butler Street for a speed bump, which the committee will review.
The Community and Economic Development Committee reported continued interest from a private developer in the Main Street lot, with a decision expected by the beginning of the year. Consideration of Ordinance No. 970 is on hold pending the appointment of a new city attorney.
The Ways and Means Committee asked that the Arkansas Municipal League Defense Program be reauthorized for another year, which was approved.
In new business, the council assigned a request to convert Cobbs Street from a two-way to a one-way street to the Street Committee for review. The Bradley County Economic Development Corporation’s request to annex industrial property on Highway 189 was assigned to the Community and Economic Development Committee.
Announcements:
The meeting adjourned. The next city council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, November 10.
