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The May 6, 2025, Magee Board of Aldermen meeting was called to order by Mayor Dale Berry. Magee Fire Department Chaplin James Fortenberry led in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Mayor reported problems at the Sportsplex with parents of teenagers just driving up and putting their teens out with no supervision. Mayor Berry stated that if the practice continues the police will be involved. The police are already patrolling the area and will assist with getting parents involved.
The material for the 12 batting cages has arrived. Director Jimmy Zilla is waiting on a second bit for instillation.
An electrician is coming Wednesday, May 7th to survey the splash pad and hopefully find and correct the problem.
Mayor Berry reminded the public the equipment for the City Park should arrive in July. Dirt work should begin soon.
Libby Shivers, water clerk for the city of Magee, expressed the success of the new system (Iris) in contacting people in the city. Citizens are contacted through phone, text, and /or email. The main use for the Iris program is water notices. But, the system can be used for any notification. If you have not registered for the system, call city hall and ask for Libby. (Libby is extension #2). Libby will need your name, phone number, & email address.
In the absence of City Engineer Forrest Dungan, Mayor Berry presented updates:
Erosion Project on 11th Avenue and Big Creek—bids have been taken.
ARPA projects: Water Meter replacement – 12 -2” meters to be replaced.
Construction of the Lamar Road Sewer Extension is nearing completion.
Paving project: Southern Paving has completed paving. The job is expected to come in under budget. Shoulder gravel in select locations still to be placed.
Park Project: Ordered and waiting on equipment. Installation is expected in July.
Highway 49 Frontage Road Sewer Main Replacement -engineering complete, project on hold.
City Attorney Wesla Sullivan gave an update on audit situation which allows the city to move forward under what is called a cash-based audit and is a saving to the city.
Zoning Board chairman Jim Ball appeared before the Mayor and Board with an update on zoning issues. Morgan Lewis was granted a 30-day contingent for clean up on his property which is located behind the City tennis courts. Eight days remain on the time limit. After the 30 days, the city will pursue legal action.
Chairman Ball discussed RV parks in the city. According to Ball, most of the people who contacted him were against RV Parks.
Jim told the board, “We need more guidance from the board in making this decision.” The board instructed Ball to work with a recommendation from the zoning board on (1) No RV parks
(2) Restraints on RV parks.
Citizen Bruce Lewis appeared before the board to express his displeasure in the handling of the Hand land situation. Following a heated discussion, Mr. Lewis was told his time had run out, and he would need to be seated. (Check out the video)
Landowner Chad Hand expressed his displeasure with the city for conflicting information given to him. “I have done everything the city has asked. For two years we have dealt with this situation and still do not have an answer. My wife and I have spent between $60,000-$100,000 already on the land,” explained Hand.
Tim Bray reported no equipment broke nor anyone hurt in the last week! Bray bragged on the good job the street department guys are doing. Board members and Bray discussed needed equipment for the street department. Dark blinds have been placed around the fencing of the City Barn to make the area more eye appealing. The board passed placement of a 4 way stop on 8th avenue near Colonial Chapel. A 25 MPH sign will be added to 8th Avenue.
Magee Police Chief Denis Borges asked the Board to accept Policeman Steven Creel’s resignation which the board approved. A motion was made to pay for Brandi Hanna to attend a class for dispatchers. Chief Borges reported work is continuing the evidence log/locker with progress being made.
Fire Chief David Craft informed the board that the fundraiser held for fireman Tate Clayborn raised the most money ever for any fundraiser. The Chief continues to work on different property in the area for unsafe conditions. Craft reported 16 calls.
Penny Aguire, Zoning Director, discussed a question concerning the Zoning of an area off Paul Kennedy Road. Brother Darnell Moffett and Alderman Patrick Brown had questions concerning the updated map. Penny will continue to work on finding older maps which may give direction in the matter. Penny asked for permission to publish in the newspaper (Magee Courier) a request to inform the homeowner and general public about the property located on 5th Street SE.
Permission to allow a Farmer’s Market 3 Saturdays in the summer was approved. The request was made by the Chamber of Commerce.
Dewayne Simmons, Building Inspector, reported: issued 6 residential electrical permits; issued 1 residential fence permit; completed 1 residential gas inspection,; renewed 2 city license,; issued 1 deck permit; issued 3 remolding permits; completed 1 commercial electric inspection; issued 1 gutter and fascial board permit; issued 1 plumbing permit, and completed 1 plumbing inspection.
Mike Berry, Airport manager, asked for permission to attend AvFuel Training in Denver, CO. Permission was granted. Funds from the airport budget will cover the expense. Cleaning and updating will begin on the house at the airport. Funds are budgeted for this action. Mike continues to work on removing vines from fencing.
The meeting was adjourned to executive session which was requested by Tim Brey.
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