The Warren City Council met for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The Municipal Building meeting room was filled with individuals who wished to speak to the council.
Mayor Gregg Reep opened the meeting with the minutes from the previous meeting. A motion was made to accept, and all voted in favor. The council also voted to accept the City Clerk’s report.
The next item on the agenda was the recognition of Warren’s Employee of the Quarter. Mike Miller, who works for the sanitation department was honored and presented a gift card. Miller has worked for the satiation department for three years.
The council voted to approve street closures for the Fall Festival which is sponsored by the Bradley County Chamber of Commerce.
Following was the appointment of Boy Brown to the Board of Adjustment of Appeals.
The council then moved on to discuss the placement of the city’s new solar farm. The issue of the Warren School District possibly purchasing part of the land where they city will place their solar panels was discussed but the council opted for more discussion on the matter.
Next the discussion of a possible $2 increase in the city’s garbage pick-up fee. Before the item was reached on the agenda, members of the community spoke to the council and voiced their displeasure at the price increase. Reep then explained that the increase will save money and possibly keep the city from having to lay off employees. The council did not reach a decision on the issue.
The council then voted to start the process of condemning four separate properties. Those properties are as follows: 110 Penister Street, No. 7 Southern Court, 504 Rock Street, and 1007 Phillips Street. The council also voted in favor of Abernathy Street being dedicated in memory of Alice J. Henderson.
The next item on the agenda was the perspective purchase of 112 acres of land that would be used for industrial and economical development. Despite the issue being brought before the council multiples times, a final decision has yet to be made. In possible hopes of helping the council decide, Reep laid out a plan that involved the Bradley County Economic Development Commission borrowing money for a 25-year loan at an interest rate of only three percent. The city would renew the lease yearly.
Warren City Council member Joel Tolefree made a motion to move forward, which was seconded, but only Tolefree and councilmember Emily Moseley voted in favor.
Following the announcement that the motion failed 4-2, Reep spoke directly to the council with frustration.
“I am extremely disappointed,” said Reep. “You’ve chucked our economic development program. Apparently y’all want out of economic development. I don’t care anymore. You’re not going to do what’s needed to push the town forward. I’ve got a big problem. This is wrong…Y’all have punted on the city of Warren.”
Reep then said he was done and intended to “make an issue out of it.”
“What do y’all suggest we do,” asked Reep of the council. “You have all of the answers, tell me.”
Following the question, council member Latanza Atkins responded.
“We haven’t looked at the budget,” said Atkins
“If we don’t do somethings to grow the economy in Warren, then you are not going to have to worry about the rest of it,” responded Reep referring to the budget, then explaining to the council areas where the budget would be cut, and layoff would possibly have to be made. “That means street paving, that means police department, that means everything.”
Councilmember Memory Burks-Frazer then told Reep that due to the discussion of possible budget cuts that it wouldn’t be wise to spend the money at the moment.
“You won’t have the land left,” responded Reep in frustration. “The owner says either he’s ready to move or they’re going to pull it…You’ve said where you stand. You’re not going to work for economic development in Warren.”
“That is not what the council is saying,” responded Atkins.
“Well then give me another solution,” exclaimed Reep.
“We have to have meeting so we can discuss it logically and sensibly,” said Atkins
“You have discussed it and discussed it, and you have all the information,” said Reep. “I guess you don’t trust me.”
Councilmember Henderson called for the “order of the day,” closing the heated debate.
“So, you want to shut it down,” said Reep in further frustration. “I’m disappointed in where this city is headed, and y’all will answer for it.”
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12.
