MAGNOLIA SPRINGS — Last weekend’s heavy rain, and its effects, were a topic of discussion at Tuesday’s Magnolia Springs Town Council workshop.

It was brought to the Council’s attention that a build-up of foliage debris in a ditch that spans along U.S. Highway 98 and turns into the Weslyan Center prevented proper rainwater drainage over the weekend, leaving several properties standing in water.

Discussion of the problem resulted in the Council deciding to look into working with Riviera Utilities to obtain a utility easement to clear foliage causing a problem.

“If you take out too much, you could cause erosion,” Councilman Ken Underwood warned.

The discussion concluded with the Council asking for property owners to be notified and permission sought to clear the debris from the ditch.

“It shouldn’t take more than a day’s work,” Councilman Brett Gaar said.

Also Tuesday, the Council: 

* Discussed authorizing the town to pay for the legal expenses of Councilman Bob Holk and Mayor Charles Houser, both of whom are individually named in a lawsuit that Deidre W. Lee filed against the town. Following discussion, in which Holk recused himself and Houser was absent, the council decided to revisit the issue at its next meeting.

* Discussed May financials and expenditures, which included $29,292.62 in expenses.

* Changed Council workshop and meeting dates through August. Within that time, workshops will be held the first Monday of each month and meetings will be held each third Monday. The next Council meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, June 18.

* Discussed the Magnolia Landing Project.