The Warren Community and Economic Development Committee met for the first time in several months to consider some long-standing problems but didn’t come away with any immediate answers.
Committee members included Chairwoman Angela Marshall and Alderwomen Memory Frazer and Dorothy Henderson.
Top photo: Warren Community and Economic Development Committee members met Tuesday. Shown, from left, are Memory Frazer, Chairwoman Angela Marshall and Dorothy Henderson. Photo by Tim Kessler.
Considered first was a Request For Qualifications or RFQ. This was an attempt made over a year ago to advertise for an economic developer, whether an individual or firm, with $75,000 set aside in the current city budget to aid with economic development from city sales tax funds.
Frazer noted that only two responses were received for the position. “I would like to see someone local who knows Warren who could sell Warren,” she said.
“After we advertised, COVID hit heavy,” Henderson said. “If we are going to hire someone, hire them on a contractual basis so we can terminate them if necessary.” She said she was still in favor of submitting a RFQ.
Next, the committee turned to the question of employee recognition. “They take care of the city; they have the heart of the city at hand,” Marshall said. The committee noted that the city employees should be commended at each City Council meeting.
On the Street Department building, Marshall noted the building’s roof needed some work. Frazer said she felt the Water Department should be allowed to use it, possibly under a lease agreement. Henderson said the building was initially intended for use as a community center.
On the former National Guard Armory building, Marshall said the Street Department was now using it. Mayor Denisa Pennington said if a renovation grant was to be sought, the city would have to hire an architect. Frazer said she felt it could be used as a command center during a disaster and Henderson remembered that churches used the building to help Hurricane Katrina victims who were displaced to Warren.
The city has been in the possession of the Bryant’s Building for the past several years after it was donated by the Bryant family. However, its condition is such that it will eventually have to be torn down with asbestos abatement, all at city expense. Pennington said the City Council would have to advertise for bids sometime next year.
Committee members commented that some other business buildings were in need of repair. “We have to keep these owners accountable for their property,” Marshall said.
Of the Warren Cultural Center, it was noted that Warren School Board had gone on record as saying it would not put any more money into repairs.
Frazer said an estimate of repairs two years ago indicated at least $700,000 would be needed to do repairs on the roof, air conditioning units and women’s bathroom.
Pennington said the building is only used now for lunches for Warren High School as the school cafeteria is unusable due to the fire there.
Dr. Bob Smalling, chairman of the Bradley County Economic Development Corp. board of directors, addressed the committee about a $20,000 request for funding. “We deal every day with industry. You have to try to keep the people here,” he said.
Smalling commented that BCEDC has been working in conjunction with Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority to try to entice a $250 million project to locate in the area. He said the project would require at least 100 acres, a railroad siding, three-phase electricity and other land options.
“We need the support to get at least a part-time person in the office to do the legwork (on such projects),” he said. “We want to assist anyone who wants to help with economic development in Bradley County.”
A request for funding of $20,000 for Bradley County Chamber of Commerce was considered. Representing the Chamber were board Chairwoman Terrie White, who also serves as part-time executive director; board member Tim Kessler; and incoming board Chairman Ron St. John.
“We are the front door for this community with new businesses, new families,” St. John said. He pointed out that the Chamber sponsors special events such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas celebrations; Market On Main; seven ribbon-cuttings held in the past year; and assists with the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival.
He said the Chamber board has committed itself to continuing the work of Make Warren Shine, including decorating the former Martin’s lot and the City Park. The Chamber is in the process of producing new city and county maps, and it has attempted to draw major corporations to the county. There have been 66 new Chamber members this year.
The committee adjourned without making any recommendations to submit to the City Council, although reports will be submitted with information on each of the projects considered.