The Warren City Council held its regular monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 8, with all members present. Council member Emily Moseley attended remotely due to illness.
The meeting began with approval of the minutes from the Aug. 11 and Aug. 18 meetings.
During the city clerk’s report, it was noted that all departments are currently operating within the annual budget. City sales tax revenue, along with the city’s portion of the county sales tax, increased in August compared to the same time last year. The financial report was unanimously approved.
Mayor Gregg Reep provided several updates, including continued efforts to assist in the sale of local industrial properties. Reep said he met with Donna Lawhon of the Bradley County Economic Development Commission and a representative from the Arkansas Development Commission on Monday to ensure all available buildings and land are listed for sale on the statewide website.
“We are doing everything we can to promote these places,” Reep said.
The mayor also reported that work has begun on the city’s solar panel project, which is expected to be completed within the next month.
Two grant applications have been submitted to support improvements to the Cultural Center and the city pool, and the city is actively seeking additional funding opportunities.
The council voted to renew Resolution No. A-706, which maintains the 5-mill property tax levy within Warren city limits. The tax is not an increase but an annual renewal of an existing levy.
Tony Allen, a representative of Prime Time Riders, invited the public to participate in a Domestic Violence Community Walk on Oct. 25 at the city park to raise awareness about domestic violence.
During departmental reports, Police Chief Shaun Hildreth shared that one officer has entered the police academy and is in the second week of training. He noted that the department remains short staffed.
Mayor Reep said he had formally requested a meeting with Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney to discuss the proposed 911 Communications Center that would be located within the new county jail. Council member Dorothy Henderson stated that the Ways and Means Committee would also welcome a meeting to learn more about the project.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore announced that, with assistance from the Red Cross, the fire department will install free smoke detectors for interested residents on Sept. 27. Residents can sign up by calling the department at 870-226-8302.
Sanitation Director and Building Official Rob Johnson said new residential trash bins will be distributed in late September or early October. He also reported that permit fee collections are up approximately $11,000 compared to this time last year.
The council approved one property to be added to the condemnation list and authorized the prosecuting attorney to pursue citations for three other properties already on the list.
Council member Joel Tolefree invited the public to join him and Janice Rochelle for a community cleanup on South Watson Street at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11.
Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger gave an update on the paving of South Bradley, Cook and Fullerton streets, funded through a city grant. He also reported on stabilization efforts at the town branch near Dr. George’s office, where the ground is deteriorating beneath the concrete.
The Street Committee approved restoration expenses not to exceed $15,000 for the intersection of Kelley and Bragg streets, which has caused issues for ambulances and school buses due to its narrow design and susceptibility to washouts during rain.
In response to concerns about speeding on Bond Street — a residential area with many children — the council approved the installation of a speed bump. A decision on installing a similar speed bump on Jolly Street was tabled for further consideration.
Council member Chanel Hooper, speaking on behalf of the Community and Economic Development Committee, presented AI-generated renderings of a proposed food court concept at the old Bryant lot. The project would be funded through the Downtown Tree Project but would not begin until 2026. Reep noted that a company interested in building on the site is still engaged in discussions. Hooper also presented sample sizes for a potential new city flag.
Following board and commission reports, the meeting was adjourned.
The Warren Municipal Building will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, in observance of Columbus Day. The next city council meeting is scheduled for that same day at 5:30 p.m.
