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The April 16, 2024 City of Magee Board of Aldermen meeting was called to order by Mayor Berry. Jim Ball led in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members were in attendance.
In the Mayor’s report, Mayor Berry announced the grand re-opening for Walmart is scheduled for May 3rd. The Mayor reaffirmed the success of the Bicentennial Parade and Fair which were held on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Additional Bicentennial events were discussed.
The agenda and claims docket were approved.
Paul Arnold appeared before the board to express his displeasure with an article on MageeNews.com. Arnold felt the date he began clean up on his parents property was not correct. The initial clean up began in October. The reference to April 2, 2024, was the last inspection of the property which was given a clearance.
Hal Berry was next on the agenda. Alderman Mark Grubbs made a motion the Mayor should recuse himself from hearing the compliant because Hal is the Mayor’s brother. The motion received a second. At this time, Hal Berry made the decision not to appear before the board.
William Hathorn of Colonial Drive in Magee came before the board to ask that his dog be returned. Mr. Hathorn’s dog bite Benny Blair the Animal Control officer breaking the skin. The dog was taken to the pound and kept for two weeks. Hathron said he knew his dog was getting out of the fenced area and has made the decision to keep the small dog in his house. The Animal Control officer and the Board agreed for the dog to be returned to Mr. Hathron as long as he gets a rabies shot for the dog and gives proof of shot to Benny Blair.
Dr. Monica Webber asked the Mayor and Board to declare April Child Abuse Awareness Month. Mayor Berry signed the proclamation.
Zoning Committee Chairman Jim Ball requested clarification on who could seek rezoning of an area. The Board stated the property owner is the person who could seek rezoning. Mr. Ball stated the Zoning Board supports and has complete confidence in Penny Aguirre, Zoning Director for the City.
The mayor explained the city caterpillar is no longer working. This piece of equipment is necessary for city business. A state of emergency was declared allowing the purchase of a caterpillar.
Chief of Police Shane Little announced the new city app is live and ready for everyone to download.
David Craft said the department answered 10 fire calls in March. The new fire truck is in the completion stage. Once the company contacts the department, several firemen will visit the truck plant for a complete check of the truck before accepting the truck. Mayor Berry reminded everyone that the Magee Fire Department is celebrating 75 years.
Fire Marshal Charlie Valadie announced his retirement date, May 31, 2024.
Mike Berry reported on airport. Bids are being taken for bushhogging/hay cut. The gas at the airport is $5 a gallon in an effort to sell all gas for cleaning of the tanks.
Brett Duncan announced that the city is on track for $80,000 over budget. Duncan also complemented Tim Bray for the good job he is doing with the Public Works budget.
The Board adjourned for Special Session.
Upon exiting the session, the announcement was made that Deputy Fire Marshal & Code enforcement employee Shane Steele gave his 2 weeks’ notice of leaving city employment. Shane will begin a job with MEMA. His last date of employment is April 30, 2024.
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