The Warren City Council met Monday, Feb. 9, with one member absent due to illness and approved a range of financial reports, ordinances and resolutions while receiving updates from city officials and committee chairs.
The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members approved the minutes from the January meeting and reviewed the city clerk’s statement of revenues and expenditures, the first financial report of the year. Mayor Gregg Reep described the report as “off to a normal start,” and the council approved it.
City sales tax revenue was up 4% compared with the same period last year, totaling $89,037.64. The city’s portion of county sales tax increased 2% to $62,654.30.
In his report, Reep provided an update on the Bio-Char industrial project, saying the company is working on a contract with the Arkansas Department of Finance Authority for the former poultry plant. He also said he is preparing a summary for the city’s 2025 annual report.
The council reviewed three bids for standby mowing services for the city, approving the lowest bid of $395 after discussion. The measure passed with Reep casting the deciding vote. The council also approved annual Class I and Class IV landfill financial assurance policies.
Kyle Day, a candidate for Arkansas state representative, introduced himself to the council and said he attended the meeting to learn about the needs and concerns of the district. He said he planned to remain after the meeting to speak with residents.
Council member Chanel Hooper requested permission to hold a Martin Luther King Jr. parade on Jan. 16, 2027, using the original parade route. The council approved the request. Hooper said community volunteers would be welcome.
Department heads provided administrative reports. Police Chief Shaun Hildreth said the department continues to accept applications for patrol officers and a dispatcher. Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported 15 calls in January, including one structure fire at the housing authority. Four apartments were damaged in a fire that began in the attic and will need to be torn down, he said.
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson reported 27 junk pickups in January and noted several recent mechanical issues with garbage equipment. Reep said discussions are ongoing with GFL regarding a proposed contract. He said a revised document will be presented at the next meeting with the city attorney and forwarded to the sanitation committee for review. Reep added that recycling and junk pickup will continue to be handled by city employees, not GFL.
Street Committee Chair Emily Moseley said the committee plans to submit a grant application for street repairs. Hooper commended the street department for its work during recent winter weather.
The Community and Economic Development Committee reported plans to explore grant opportunities for the former Bryant’s lot, potentially for a child-friendly feature such as a splash pad. The committee also plans to obtain quotes for city flags, with the goal of having them available for sale by the Pink Tomato Festival in June.
Hooper said painting at the Old Street shop must be completed by early spring for the building to be available for rent. The committee is considering involvement from the Warren High School EAST Lab or art department to paint murals inside and outside the building. The committee is also seeking ideas to rename the building. The council approved the committee’s request to seek pricing for two window air-conditioning and heating units, as well as tables and chairs, to be presented later for approval.
The council approved Ordinance No. 975, which repeals Ordinance No. 970 related to food trucks. Under the new ordinance, vendors must pay an annual $30 privilege license fee and $55 per month for garbage pickup unless they are legally connected to the city’s water and sewer system and already billed through that service.
The Ways and Means Committee presented Resolution A-710, which merges the Warren Water and Sewer System with the Corinth Valley Water System, which serves 33 customers. The council adopted the resolution and approved the use of $150,000 in Arkansas Department of Agriculture grant funds to pay off any remaining debt owed by the Corinth Valley system.
The council approved the reappointment of Jimmy Sledge to the Housing Authority Board for a five-year term.
In new business, Boyce Hamlet stepped down as chair of the Warren Water and Sewer Commission due to relocation. The commission appointed Clint Horn as the new chair, which the council approved. The council also approved Ordinance No. 976, allowing Horn to serve on the commission as a business owner who sells items to the city.
Council members approved payment of January bills.
City officials announced the municipal building will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents Day, and there will be no trash pickup that day.
The meeting adjourned. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, at 5:30 p.m.
