The Warren City Council met Monday for its regularly scheduled meeting with one council member absent due to illness.
Following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting was called to order. Council members approved the minutes from the February meeting as well as the special meeting held March 2. The council also approved the city’s statement of revenue and expenditures for February.
Mayor Gregg Reep reported that both the city sales tax and the city’s share of the county sales tax were up 5% compared with the same time last year.
“We are off to a decent start,” Reep said.
In the mayor’s report, Reep said a potential buyer visited Warren on Saturday to look at the former hardwood flooring business that is currently for sale. He said he plans to follow up with the prospect this week.
Reep also told the council he plans to submit a new grant application for the city pool once the application period opens.
The mayor presented the city’s required federal audit, which is conducted separately from the city’s regular audit. Reep said the report showed no issues.
“Everything came out in good shape,” he said.
The council also discussed the city’s boom truck, which is used for collecting limbs and debris. The current lease on the truck is expiring. Reep presented three options from River City Hydraulics: allowing the company to repurchase the truck, purchasing a new truck for $207,000, or entering into a new two-year lease for a new truck with a slight increase in the monthly payment. The council voted to approve the new lease.
Council members also approved the renewal of an annual contract with McClelland Consulting Engineers. The agreement allows the company to maintain permits for former landfill sites until they can be officially closed. The firm will conduct site visits, document any changes, complete necessary paperwork and assist with closing the landfill sites.
The council also voted to adopt Resolution No. A711, approving the Bradley County Hazard Mitigation Plan as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Council member Dorothy Henderson brought before the council a request to recognize a Warren resident who will turn 106 years old in April. The council unanimously approved presenting a resolution in the citizen’s honor at the next meeting.
Mike Nichols addressed the council regarding the progress of Big Chiefs, a new gas station being constructed on North Martin Street. Nichols said significant work will occur in the coming weeks, including the installation of fuel pumps, completion of the canopy and the placement of above-ground fuel tanks.
Nichols said the business plans to open during the first week of April with initial operating hours from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., with plans to eventually operate 24 hours a day. He said the store plans to employ 25 to 30 people and will offer Chester’s Chicken along with daily plate lunches.
Jason Britton, owner of a local pet crematorium, spoke to the council about concerns regarding an overgrown and deteriorating property located across from his business.
“People from all over Arkansas come to our business but comment on how bad the property looks,” Britton said.
Britton asked the city to require the property to be cleaned or place a lien on it if necessary.
Building Official Rob Johnson said he has been working with the property owner and family members for approximately a year and a half. The owner has since passed away, leaving five heirs responsible for the property. The council voted to place the property on the city’s condemnation list and begin the next steps in the process.
Johnson noted the high cost the city incurs when it must intervene to clean up properties.
“It is a minimum of $5,000,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the city recently went to court regarding a property on the condemnation list. A judge gave the property owner 30 days to bring the property into compliance or face a $100 fine for each day after the deadline until the property meets city standards.
During departmental reports, Police Chief Shaun Hildreth said one officer is currently attending the police academy and is expected to graduate in about five weeks. Hildreth also said two new employees have been hired, and one will be sent to the academy when the next class begins.
Members of the Police Committee also said they are continuing to research possible solutions to address the city’s feral cat population. Council member Memory Burks-Frazer said the committee has identified potential grant opportunities and is also studying how other cities are addressing the issue.
“We do want to ask citizens not to leave food out for feral or stray cats,” Burks-Frazer said.
Sanitation Director Rob Johnson reported the department is moving forward with GFL Environmental for garbage pickup services. Mail notices outlining collection routes will be sent to residents soon. Johnson also said the city plans to transition to once-per-week trash pickup beginning the week of April 6.
The Sanitation Committee also recommended purchasing new side-by-side trash and recycling receptacles for the downtown area. The council approved the purchase of eight receptacles.
The Parks and Recreation Commission presented a proposed lease agreement with the Warren School District for use of the baseball complex. The council discussed several items in the lease and will revisit the agreement for possible approval at the next meeting.
Under new business, the mayor introduced discussion regarding the collection of fire costs from insurance companies, which was referred to the Fire Committee for review.
After approving payment of the city’s February bills, the meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting of the Warren City Council will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 13.
