The Warren City Council met Monday, Aug. 11, with all members present and approved they July meeting minutes.
The meeting opened with a report that the city’s main departments remain within budget for the year. Mayor Gregg Reep cautioned, however, that cash balances are shrinking because operating costs are exceeding incoming revenue. City tax collections are down 4 percent from the same time last year, though July’s numbers were slightly higher than July 2024. The city’s share of the county tax is also down both year-to-date and compared to last July.
Reep said the Blue Sky Carbon project at the former poultry plant is moving slower than expected because the company has not provided needed paperwork to the ADFA. Two other companies are interested in the property, which the city does not own but is assisting in marketing. The mayor also reported interest from a company in property on the east side of town, though development could be one to two years away. In addition, the hardwood company site in south Warren is for sale by a private owner; one offer has been made but rejected.
The council heard that a grant application for the Cultural Center could provide about $600,000 with some funds expected to be matched by the city. Another grant is being prepared for needed upgrades to the city pool. Reep thanked Council Member Memory Burks-Frazer and Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon for keeping the pool operational this summer.
Council Member Dorothy Henderson commended Aldermen Hooper and Alderman Frazer for organizing the Aug. 9 “Pool to School” event. She also wanted to honor Alderman Burks for his service to which the mayor agreed stating, “He was a good guy and great city council member”.
Angela Russell, representing the Union Cemetery Cleaning Committee, thanked city leaders for their assistance with this project and invited the community to their next meeting Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at Union Hill. Russell also informed the council that if anyone wanted to be on the Union Hill Cemetery Association, they can contact Stacy or Billy Jo Harding.
The meeting then went into departmental reports with the police department stating they are still short-staffed and advertising for open positions. Reep said the shortage is “getting serious” and stressed the need for improved traffic signaling near the school. The mayor stated he spent the morning at the school along with two police officers whom did a marvelous job, but they are not able to be there everyday.
The Fire Committee noted that the department has 33 qualified firefighters, including three paid staff. The Fire Chief proposed a need for a new vehicle to which the council approved $25,000 from 833 funds. The Fire Department will utilize the chief’s current vehicle for brush work.
The Sanitation Committee is asking residents to keep cardboard and paper separate from household garbage. Drop-off sites are available at the fire station and Senior Citizen Center located on Etheridge Street, and large quantities can be picked up upon request. Shredded paper can be placed in garbage bags. This will keep garbage costs down as the city is charged by the ton.
Building Official Rob Johnson reminded residents that a building permit is required for projects inside the city limits costing $2,000 or more in materials with the exception of a roof or window replacement or a concrete slab. This includes remodeling. The condemnation list was reviewed and the steps for condemning property were discussed.
Wagnon reported that winterization of the pool will begin soon and that he is exploring cover options. The city is also seeking a grant to revitalize the high school tennis court as this is considered a city park.
The Community and Economic Development Committee met about the old Bryant’s lot on Main Street. They are waiting on a property developer that is interested in potentially building apartments or townhouses in this location to develop a presentation to the council. They are also entertaining the idea of a food court for this location. The committee would also like to make the new city flag available to sell to the public. They are going to look into sizes and prices. Ordinance No. 972 was discussed regarding tiny houses in the community. The committee has decided to hold off on this ordinance until more information is available.
The committee met in regards to ordinance No. 970 which pertains to food trucks in the city. They proposed a few amendments such as adding outdoor vending regulations to other mobile vendors, not just ones selling food; change the permit fee from $250 per quarter to $55 per month during the month of operation (unless they already pay a water/sewer bill) in addition to the $35 privilege license fee; change hours of operation to no set hours of operation; and locations that are exempt from these regulations are as follows: churches, church events, non-profit organizations, residential or commercial catering, residential or farm-raised products, Warren Chamber of Commerce. These changes were approved by the council members and will go back to the city attorney to amend Ordinance No. 970. After updated by the city attorney, the ordinance will come back to the council for approval to be adopted.
The Ways and Means Committee presented and the council approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Arkansas at Monticello for the shooting range, subject to annual renewal.
After going over reports and business of boards and commissions, the meeting was adjourned.
The Municipal Building will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day. The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8.
