The Warren City Council met for their final monthly meeting of the 2022 calendar year Monday evening, December 12.
All members of the Council were present.
Immediately upon the start of the meeting, Alderperson Dorothy Henderson made a motion for the Council to go into executive session “for the purpose of the resignation of an employee.” After about a 20-minute executive session, the Council returned to the public portion of the meeting. Mayor Pennington announced that no action was taken in the executive session. Alderperson Joel Tolefree then made a motion for the City Attorney to contact the local legislative representative to try and get the State of Arkansas’s Attorney General involved to investigate the City of Warren’s “workplace culture and hiring processes.” The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The Council then approved the minutes of the November 2022 meeting and heard the City Clerk’s report.
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth gave a detailed report in regard to the number of officers currently on the force. He stated that the Department is currently two to three people short. Officer Jaye McMillan recently passed her Academy training to become fully certified within the last week. Some discussion was held related to officer retainment due to competition of salaries region-wide. Hildreth stated that not only does competition for officers remain high throughout Arkansas, but the modern job of policing is both rigorous and stressful. The Council did provide a salary increase last year for the Warren Police Department noted Alderperson Henderson.
Fire Chief Chuck Moore informed the Council that the Fire Department responded to 11 calls during November. Alderperson Tolefree asked about a controlled burn that damaged some siding on a neighbor’s home. Tolefree asked that controlled burns be put on hold until the new year so that the Department can discuss in-house what occurred for the accident to occur. Chief Moore agreed. The full discussion can be watched at the 15-minute mark in the video.
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson reported that some part-time help is currently needed within his Department. A thrower position and a driver position are both needed for part-time work. Johnson also addressed questions in his capacity as Building Official as to whether or not Warren recognizes Louisiana electrician and plumbing licenses. Johnson confirmed that Warren does reciprocate those licenses as long as the individual can show the proper qualifications. That is governed through the International Code Council, not the City of Warren.
Street Forman Monty Hearnsberger reported that the Street Department crews were busy putting up signs and filling potholes. The Street Committee report stated that the bump on Cedar Street will remain for the time being. The Committee also indicated it is studying the leaf problem in ditches.
Alderperson Henderson presented the Ways and Means Committee report, which consisted of several items relating to the 2023 budget. The full report can be seen starting at the 27:20 mark of the video. A two percent salary increase was approved for all employees and elected officials within the City.
A motion failed to pass which would have eliminated a currently vacated CDL position within the Sanitation Department. Alderperson Memory Burks-Frazer and Alderperson Emily Mosely were the only two votes in favor.
The Council voted unanimously to budget $30,000 for repairs to the Warren City Pool before next year’s opening. The repairs will be required by the Health Department before the City Pool can operate in 2023.
A significant investment in Warren’s streets could also be on the horizon, as the Ways and Means Committee Chairman Alderperson Henderson stated it was their desire to use $400,000 of American Rescue Grant Funds to tackle the project.
Towards the end of the meeting, Alderperson Henderson addressed the Council and asked that the incoming administration present resolutions honoring outgoing City Clerk Helen Boswell, outgoing Mayor Denisa Pennington, and outgoing Alderperson Zack Burks for their service to the City of Warren. Burks is exiting after 37 years of service on the Warren City Council.
Bradley county Arkansas needs to look into the people that are missing.