The Warren City Council met Monday, April 13, for its regular monthly meeting with one member absent and City Clerk Janice Nelson out due to illness. Assistant City Clerk Linda Morgan filled in.
Following a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, the council approved minutes from the March meeting. Members also approved the city’s statement of revenue and expenditures for May. Mayor Gregg Reep said the city’s finances are strong through the first quarter, noting a 5 percent increase in city sales tax revenue and a 4 percent increase in the city’s share of county sales tax collections.
In his report, Reep presented Resolution No. A-712, which the council approved, honoring Warren resident Bernice Martin, who turned 106 on April 3. Born April 3, 1920, Martin is among the oldest residents of Warren and Bradley County. A Wilmar native who grew up in Warren, she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. and remains an active member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Reep also updated the council on industrial development. He said the former poultry plant on Central Street is being marketed by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. The former Armstrong Flooring facility has been sold to Phoenix Investments, a real estate firm that is currently selling equipment from the site and plans to lease the building. No timeline has been announced.
The mayor said the city has also been approached by a prospective buyer interested in property at the industrial park and will coordinate with the Bradley County Economic Development Commission. He added that the city is preparing a grant application for improvements to the city pool, which is expected to open this summer.
Council member Latanza Atkins asked about solar panel installation, and Reep said equipment is on site but awaiting connection.
The council approved street closures for the Pink Tomato Festival, scheduled June 11–14, and for Bradley Street during Bradley County Medical Center’s 75th anniversary celebration on June 11. Members also approved a request from Terrance Roberson of the Wolfpack motorcycle club to close John C. Moss Street on May 2 from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. for a fundraiser.
Housing Authority Director Mike Jolley reported on two recent fires that destroyed a total of eight units. The first fire in January damaged four units, and a second fire six weeks later destroyed four more. All residents were relocated within the housing authority. Jolley said investigations into the causes are ongoing.
He added that the housing authority board has decided not to rebuild the first four units due to their proximity to the office and potential fire risk. Instead, the board plans to construct a pavilion for elderly residents, which will include picnic tables and possibly a grill. The board is scheduled to meet April 27 to discuss plans for the remaining units.
In departmental reports, Police Chief Shaun Hildreth said a full-time dispatcher has been hired, one officer recently graduated from the police academy and three police units are currently undergoing repairs.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported a busy March, with four structure fires, nine grass fires, one vehicle fire, two extractions and nine assists. The structure fires remain under investigation. Moore said the department also received an insurance payment related to one fire response.
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson said the rollout of services by GFL Environmental has gone smoothly overall. Atkins, who serves on the sanitation committee, noted that as of April 8 only a small number of complaints had been received, though some issues arose with missed pickups and incorrect information on mailed service cards.
GFL Operations Manager Steve Tollette said Warren’s rollout was among the best he has overseen. He attributed the mailing issues to a data transfer error involving a third-party vendor and said the problem has been corrected. He explained that routes are based on total bin pickups rather than streets due to disposal logistics in El Dorado. Tollette added that bins may be tagged if they are improperly placed for automated collection.
Johnson encouraged residents who have not received service cards or who experience issues to contact the sanitation department at 870-226-5860.
Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger said ditch mowing is expected to begin in late May or early June. He also reported that crews are maintaining newly planted trees on Main Street, with assistance from the Department of Agriculture, and plan to fertilize them next year.
Council members discussed installing signage to address illegal dumping in parts of the city.
The Community and Economic Development Committee reported that renovations have begun on the Old Street Shop building, which will be available for community rentals once completed. The council approved $2,500 for paint and materials for murals to be completed by Warren School District art teacher Kiara Brown. Additional improvements, including a new door, sink, fans, tables and chairs, are planned. The committee will also meet with Entergy to discuss lighting improvements and potential grant opportunities.
The Parks and Recreation Commission presented a one-year lease agreement for the city’s baseball complex, which the council approved. The agreement requires the Warren School District to pay $5,000 for use of the facility and takes effect immediately.
The Planning Commission presented Ordinance No. 978 to rezone 414 N. Martin St. from residential to commercial. The ordinance was approved.
The council also approved payment of March bills. With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
The next Warren City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 5:30 p.m.
