The Glenwood City Council approved a resolution at its monthly meeting Tuesday, Aug. 18, authorizing Mayor Billy Plyler to complete the transfer of property occupied by Great Southern Wood Preserving from the city to the company, a move that will return the property to the tax rolls.

Plyler told council members the property has been held in the city’s name and exempt from property taxes under an arrangement dating back nearly two decades, when Great Southern established operations at the site formerly operated by Curt Bean Lumber Co.

The council also heard that a recent inspection found hail damage to the roofs of 26 of 28 city buildings covered by property insurance through the Arkansas Municipal League. Glenwood experienced severe storms earlier this year that caused widespread property damage.

Plyler said dealing with the damaged roofs could become a significant undertaking because repairs or replacements may be required for the buildings to remain insured. The city’s property insurance renewal, excluding two buildings, is $47,277.90, an increase of about 3%.

Council members also received a progress report on an ongoing project to replace sewer lines throughout the city. Plyler said similar reports will be presented at each monthly council meeting as work continues.

Councilman Alan Moore, whose property has been affected by the work, praised the construction crews but suggested residents could be given more advance notice before work reaches their property.

“They’ve been doing a real good job,” Moore said, but added that having someone go ahead of construction crews to notify property owners “could really help them so they don’t get stalled out on the project and help us all.”

Plyler said the project inspector has been working to improve communication with residents.

The council also received information from Kingdom Technology Services concerning the city’s planned ultraviolet wastewater treatment project. No action was taken.

The approximately $500,000 project is being funded through grant money and will replace chlorine treatment with ultraviolet disinfection. Plyler said electrical and internet service wiring will need to be moved at the site, while a roof will be placed over the UV equipment.

Plyler expressed a preference for a proposal that would allow the equipment to be installed without substantially altering the wastewater plant’s existing treatment configuration.

An inspection of the city’s water tanks found all but one to be in good condition, Plyler said. Money from a 5% depreciation fund collected through water bills could potentially be used for work on the tank that needs attention. Plyler said use of the restricted funds requires state approval and that he would try to have a cost estimate available for next month’s meeting.

The council also discussed a sidewalk project near Smokey Bear Lane for which the city has been setting aside money. Plyler said additional paperwork is expected by next month’s meeting as the city prepares to seek bids for the project.

Council members tabled action on amending Ordinance 26-03 after questions arose about language concerning requirements for posting or publishing city ordinances. Officials said the language needs to be clarified before the council decides whether to amend or repeal the measure.

Toward the end of the meeting, the council went into executive session for about 35 minutes to discuss a personnel matter. No action was taken after members returned to open session.

This report was prepared by viewing a video of the meeting posted by Rhonda Eleazar on her YouTube channel, Rhonda’s 2 Cents Worth. The Glenwood Herald staff was unable to cover this month’s meeting in person.