Warren, Arkansas – Four of the six Warren City Council Members were present Monday evening, December 13, 2021 for the regular monthly city council meeting. A number of issues were acted upon, including the adoption of the 2022 city budget in the amount of $7,063,574.22. Beginning the meeting, Mayor Pennington submitted the November 2021 financial reports and stated the city sales tax revenues remain strong. The Mayor gave the report in the absence of City Clerk Helen Boswell who is recovering from surgery. Mrs Boswell is working from her home.
The Mayor then nominated Roger George to another six year term on the Intermodal Authority. The council confirmed the appointment. The council then approved an emergency purchase of a new truck for the Parks and Recreation Department and authorized the old truck to be sold. Next the council voted to make June 19 an annual holiday for the city of Warren.
Council Member Dorothy Henderson requested a resolution honoring the late former Mayor John B. Frazer be prepared for presentation at a future meeting. She stated she and Council Member Zack Burks represented Mr. Frazer’s Ward and they both desired to adopt a resolution honoring his service.
Dr. Robert Smalling, President of the Bradley County Economic Development Commission addressed the council and provided a handout listing the various activities the Commission has been involved in over the years. The Commission is seeking funding from the city. Council Member Zack Burks asked Dr. Smalling how much the city has paid the BCEDC over the years. Dr. Smalling indicated he did not know. No action was taken by the council.
Scott Richardson addressed the council relating to speed brakes that have recently been installed on a portion of Cedar Street. He owns a business on the street and stated he felt the council should reconsider the action taken. He said a number of people do not want the speed breaks left on the street. Kerrie Bryan and Brittaney Bennett also spoke and stated the speed brakes make the street safer for the people and children that live on the street. They indicated there is too much speeding in the area. The council voted to refer the matter back to the street committeeto investigate the matter and the need.
The council was informed that two new police officers have been hired. Jammie Leigh Smith and Terrance L. Vaughn have been approved by the Civil Service Commission. Both will be required to attend the Law Enforcement Academy.
Acting Fire Chief Larry Hayes gave a comprehensive department report. It was then announced that the Civil Service Commission had approved Nicholas Drake Dunaway as a volunteer fireman and Ray “Chuck” Moore as the new Warren Fire Chief.
Upon approval of the 2022 budget, the fire chief salary will be set. That was done later in the meeting.
In other action the council voted to purchase a new fire engine and equipment and to finance the purchase which will be over $340,000.00. Financing will be considered at the January 2022 meeting.
Sanitation/Building Official Mike May gave his final report prior to his retirement. Mayor Pennington stated she is working on hiring a new Sanitation Manager/Building Official.
Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger reported on street paving and maintenance work.
After a detailed explanation of the proposed 2022 city budget by Ways and Means Chairperson Council Member Henderson, the council adopted a resolution setting the 2022 budget in place as of January 1, 2022 and another resolution setting the salaries of elected officials for 2022. No raise was provided for city council members.
Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon reported on all city recreation facilities and minutes of all city boards and commissions that met during November were submitted for council review. This included the Water and Sewer Commission and the Warren Housing Authority.
Next, the council set the membership of all city council committees for 2022. There were no changes.
The council voted to pay all bills for November, 2021 and set the next council meeting for January 10, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Courtroom. The agenda meeting will be conducted January 6, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. in the Municipal Courtroom.
I find the issue of speed bumps is ridiculous. I watched the blonde lady speak on this and my response to her claims is that there are good sidewalks to walk down or ride bicycles. Stay off the street. I dont live on this street but I do live past it. I have driven thru there for over 40 years without incident. I drive a small car now and I cant drive thru there because speed bumps damage the underside of it.
I’m with Mr Richardson on this. Those are short streets with 3 stop signs. I feel this situation needs to be reconsidered. Thank you.
I live on East Cedar and my mother lives 3 houses down on Pennington. My mother and I have both personally been in recent accidents because of said issues at the intersection of East Cedar. Staying off the street will do NOTHING to solve the problem when multiple incidences have resulted in people running up onto the curb and sidewalks. One in particular a child was almost hit. There maybe sidewalks but at some point or another if you go very far you do have to cross the street. The stops signs you refer to also do NO good when people just run right through them anyway. I drive a Toyota Camry and my car is just fine because I don’t drive through here like it’s a race track. As you said to “stay off the street,” if you’re so against them or they cause damage to your car why not “stay off the street” and simply go around to avoid them. If you don’t currently live on the street how would you know what traffic is like here daily? If you don’t see the issue, you are more than welcome to come park in my driveway and observe the traffic anytime you’d like!
Everyone who lives on Cedar St. loves the speed bumps. Cars and trucks used to come down the road going +50 miles an hour at all times of the day and night. I can’t even count the number of pets that have been run over by careless speeding drivers. Now people have to slow down, go around, or bottom out their cars if they decide to speed.