MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — Tuesday’s regular workshop of the Magnolia Springs Town Council became heated several times over two key issues.

The first issue to stir debate was the town’s desire to obtain the old school property from the Baldwin County Board of Education. Mayor Ken Underwood and Councilman Bob Holk conflicted over the proposed use of the property. Underwood said former Mayor Charlie Houser had previously drafted a letter that included a list of ideas.

However, Holk quoted from several passages of the town’s comprehensive plan, which can be found on the town’s municipal website, and said the only approved proposed idea for the property was for a town park. But Underwood said other uses could accompany such a park, including a municipal-resource center.

“We definitely had plans for that piece of property,” Holk said. “I never heard of it being a resource center.”

Upon the request of Councilwoman Dotty Johnson, Underwood agreed to provide Council members with copies of Houser’s drafted letter that was intended for the School Board.

Holk and Underwood also conflicted over the idea of paving Cougill Avenue, which had been discussed during the January meeting. Holk said he preferred the width of such paving to be smaller. But Underwood cited his experience as a civil engineer when maintaining his desire to pay at and 18 foot width.

Residents also voiced their frustration with the project, as several opposed Underwood’s idea of 18-foot-wide streets.

“If it’s working as it is, why do we need to be wider?” one resident asked.

Resident Ed Stone advised the Council that before any paving is done on Cougill, the potholes along it need to be filled.

Others who live on neighboring Bay Street expressed concern that paving Cougill would lead to even more flooding than residents already receive in their yards.

“Paving Cougill won’t have any adverse effect on Bay street,” Underwood told them. “Granted, there will be slightly more runoff from a paved road than a gravel.”

Holk added that the town has had a design plan for storm drainage of Bay Street in place for a while.

“I think the biggest hold up to some things is that somebody wants to pave everything at 18 feet,” he said.

This was also in response to an audience member asking why it has taken the town so long to pave its streets.

“All I’m trying to do is get our town up to standard,” Underwood said.

“Kenny, that standard is for new construction,” Holk countered.

Underwood then listed his work as an engineer on military projects.

“I know you're an engineer, too,” the mayor told Holk. “You could be a lawyer.”

The Council will consider the these issues during the next regular meeting, which is schedule for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25.