The Warren City Council met Monday, July 13, for its regularly scheduled meeting with one member absent. After prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, council members approved the minutes from the previous meeting before accepting the city’s monthly financial report.
Mayor Gregg Reep told the council the city’s finances remain stable overall, although cash flow continues to be a challenge due to rising operating expenses. He noted the city recently liquidated a certificate of deposit to transfer funds into the general fund, a move he said had been anticipated and would require a budget amendment later this year.
Despite the city’s financial pressures, Reep reported that revenue remains steady. County and city sales tax collections continue to perform well, with receipts running approximately 5 percent ahead of last year’s pace.
The council also received quarterly overtime reports, with the majority of overtime occurring within the Warren Police Department. Reep said overtime costs in the sanitation department are expected to decrease following recent operational changes.
During his report, Reep recognized Assistant City Clerk Linda Morgan as the city’s Employee of the Quarter. Morgan serves under the city clerk while also assisting City Treasurer Bob Milton and providing administrative support for the mayor’s office. “She does a fantastic job and we are thankful to have her,” Reep said.
Reep updated council members on several economic development efforts, saying representatives from New York recently toured the former poultry plant as potential buyers. The property is currently being marketed while remaining equipment from previous operations is being sold.
He also reported the city continues pursuing every available grant opportunity, including a grant application to help rehabilitate and improve the city’s swimming pool. Reep praised Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon and council member Burks-Frazer for maintaining the aging facility throughout the summer despite ongoing mechanical issues.
The mayor also informed the council that the city’s federally required audit involving American Rescue Plan funds has been accepted by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Legislative Audit has completed fieldwork for the city’s 2024 audit, with the final report expected in the near future.
Kingsland Mayor Samantha Johnson addressed the council seeking assistance with her city’s growing stray animal problem.
Johnson asked whether Warren’s animal control officers could provide services for Kingsland through an agreement between the two municipalities.
Council members voted unanimously to refer the request to the Police Committee for further study. Committee members will review legal requirements, liability concerns and the feasibility of such an agreement before making a recommendation.
The council also heard a presentation from Dr. Matthew Pelkki, director of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, regarding a potential Delta Regional Authority grant.
Pelkki outlined a proposal for up to $1 million in federal funding to improve transportation infrastructure serving the timber industry. The project would include improvements to Clingman Road and Pennington Road to create a safer and more efficient truck route serving Ouachita Townsend Hardwood Flooring.
The proposed improvements would reduce heavy truck traffic through residential neighborhoods while supporting future economic development. Pelkki said the grant requires no local matching funds and applications are due Aug. 24.
Reep said city officials plan to work quickly with engineers and the Street Committee before bringing a resolution to the council authorizing submission of the application.
In departmental reports, police chief Shaun Hildreth reported the department continues working to fill vacancies. Four new employees have been hired, two of whom will require training at the academy.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported the department responded to 16 calls during June, including one vehicle accident, one electrical issue involving a power line, one brush fire and one structure fire, along with several automatic fire alarms and other service calls.
The council approved moving forward with the sale of the city’s 2013 Ford F-550 rescue truck with an asking price of $135,000, pending confirmation that all legal requirements for disposal of municipal property have been met. Fire officials plan to replace the truck with a larger rescue vehicle better suited to the department’s operational needs.
Building Official Rob Johnson reported continued progress with nuisance property enforcement. One property remains in compliance, another is actively being cleaned, and a third may require court action if violations are not corrected.
Officials also reported more than 200 inoperable vehicles have been removed from throughout the city since the cleanup initiative began.
The sanitation department collected junk from approximately 60 residences, removed limbs from 37 properties and recycled nearly 120 tons of material during the reporting period.
Johnson also reported work continues on several major construction projects, including renovations at the former Bradley County Farmers Cooperative building and construction of a new church on the bypass. He also announced the former Fred’s building will be converted into a climate-controlled self-storage facility.
Reep reported the street department is currently short-handed following the resignation of one employee and medical leave for another employee. The city is actively seeking applicants to fill the vacancy.
The mayor praised Parks and Recreation staff for a successful summer at the city pool. Council member Burks-Frazer noted attendance has been the highest in several years. Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon stated that the basketball court at the city pool renovation was complete. Reep highlighted continued improvements to basketball courts, city parks and recreational facilities, including growing use of the city’s shooting range.
The Ways and Means Committee reported reviewing the city’s financial position and encouraged council members to begin considering long-term revenue options as operating costs continue to increase.
Committee members also discussed the timeline required should the city decide to pursue a future sales tax election.
The council approved a recommendation from the Aviation Commission to award a $191,487 contract for airport improvements funded primarily through a state aviation grant.
Council members also approved reappointments of Jennifer Rodriguez, James Cooper, Dana Lankford and Abraham to the Warren Planning Commission for new three-year terms.
The Parks and Recreation Commission announced the Warren Woman’s Club will donate a new illuminated American flag and flagpole for installation near the gazebo at Warren City Park.
The annual Back-to-School Giveaway will be held July 25 at the Westside Pool beginning at 11 a.m. Students accompanied by a parent or guardian will receive school supplies while supplies last and will be admitted to the pool free of charge.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next Warren City Council meeting will be Monday, August 10, at 5:30 p.m.
