By Katie Bohannon, News Editor
As 2021 progresses, the City of Glencoe reflects on the previous year and its goals moving forward.
2020 served as the first full fiscal year in Glencoe’s new city hall, which provided the mayor, council and employees with beneficial meeting and office space to ensure city operations are efficient and productive. The city’s public safety building was completed, housing both the police and fire departments, resulting in better communication and cooperation for the public safety department.
The city appointed a full-time fire chief, purchased a new pumper truck for the fire department and three new Tahoes for the police department. In addition to current purchases, four new pieces of equipment were added to the public works department to provide for more proficient services.
Indoor practice facilities for baseball and softball teams began construction in 2020 and are anticipated to reach completion in 2021. While following CDC guidelines for COVID-19, Glencoe’s senior outreach program proved unwavering, continuing to feed up to 75 seniors per day nutritious meals. Also following guidelines regarding the pandemic, the city’s library has remained open, offering citizens the opportunity to use computers or internet if needed.
Several new businesses opened in Glencoe in 2020, while others received a modernization of facilities. Briarmead Shopping Center gained a face-lift, with multiple businesses locating in the newly refurbished area. Alaco Pharmacy renovated its location at 544 West Main Street. After serving its community in a temporary location a few doors down while its original building underwent renovations, Alaco returned to its newly-renovated building that includes drive-thru access at the back of the building. Mi Casita, a favorite restaurant among the community, also moved into the shopping center.
“Our mindset for 2021 has not changed from previous years,” said city councilman Danny Wagnon. “We are aggressively recruiting business and working toward improving services.”
As Glencoe progresses, the city continues to strive to accomplish numerous goals for the betterment of its residents. Wagnon noted that the city continues to recruit a grocery store in the city, while its second Dollar General plans to open in 2021.
The current Dollar General will feature a remodel that will increase grocery selection and add cooler space. Improvements to Glencoe’s parks and athletic facilities are on the horizon, with the city continuing to work with developers to build new businesses and homes throughout the community.
“We feel we have made great strides in growing our city in the way we feel most citizens want,” said Wagnon. “We will continue to work to improve city services for all age groups. Everyone at city hall, from the lowest level employee to the mayor, are working together as a team to accomplish this.”