The Glenwood City Council is considering the best way to market and sell an industrial tract along U.S. 70. The issue was one of several discussed during the council’s monthly meeting Tuesday, July 21.

The property, located near the highway rest area, is owned by the city’s water department and was divided into five lots years ago. Mayor Billy Plyler said the land has been on the market since a proposed development deal fell through. While he did not identify the companies involved, Plyler said two businesses have recently inquired about purchasing the property.

Councilman Alan Moore urged the council not to rush into a decision.

“We’ve just got to be very careful on ultimately determining by looking at our zoning if it’s good for Glenwood,” Moore said. “I’d sure hate to see us make a mistake with this. It’s a nice piece of property.”

Before the land can be sold, Plyler said the city would need to complete some work, including improving the property’s entrance from U.S. 70, something the state requested about a decade ago.

The council agreed to have Moore, Councilman Johnny Cox and Treasurer Jason Lenderman study the issue and return with a recommendation at next month’s meeting.

Repairing city streets

Plyler also suggested the city conduct an assessment of its streets and prioritize those with cracks that can be sealed before conditions deteriorate further. He said the city has grant funding that could be used to pave about 2.1 miles of streets.

“If you don’t get that sealed, you’re going to lose the street eventually,” Plyler said.

He noted the city will need to ensure that any streets selected for repairs are not scheduled for underground sewer line replacement as part of another project that is ongoing.

The council took no action on requesting bids, but Plyler said he wanted to bring the matter to members’ attention.

Funding for a new police officer

Council members also discussed a state grant that could help the city hire an additional police officer. The Glenwood Police Department currently has three full-time officers. 

The grant would pay an officer’s salary for three years, while the city would be responsible for funding the fourth year. Grant rules stipulate the position could not simply be a patrol officer. Instead, the officer would have specific duties intended to support business development.

Council members raised several questions about the grant that could not be answered during the meeting.

Restrooms proposed for Trestle Park

Plyler also introduced a proposal for the city to apply for a grant to fund construction of restrooms and a pavilion at Trestle Park, located along the Caddo River at a historic railroad trestle.

He said the park is frequently crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays, but currently has no public restrooms.

Plyler said he would like the facilities to be built on top of the hill so they would also be accessible to visitors of Glenwood Cemetery. 

The council then met in executive session from 6:52 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. After returning to open session, Plyler said members discussed personnel matters and took no action.