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The January 16, 2018 Board of Alderman meeting was called to order by Mayor Dale Berry. The former honorable Mayor Jimmy Clyde led in the opening prayer. The pledge of allegiance followed.
(Links are provided at the bottom of this page to other board business)
Food Trucks and Commercial Signs
Tuesday nights January 16th Board of Alderman meeting consisted of a lengthy discussion concerning Food Trucks in the city of Magee. David Dunn explained that special events such as Crazy Day would not come under the undecided regulations. Events are considered differently than Food Truck permits.
Alderman Ward 3 Whitney Baker presented information she has gathered on what other cities have enacted concerning Food Trucks. Alderman at Large Angel Brister had also checked with other cities on their regulations.
The board decided to ask zoning board members to attend the January 30th work shop and further discuss the matter along with the ordinances surrounding commercial sign sizes.
Alderman Ward 4 Patrick Brown expressed a need for caution in changing any standing ordinance.
Sanctuary Building
Mayor Dale Berry brought before the board the idea of using the old YMCA building as a sanctuary for people during extremely cold weather. No food would be provided only a place to sleep. The Mayor explained that local churches said they could help with food if needed. Due to the extreme weather conditions Tuesday night, voting precinct 4 North served as a shelter. 4 North is located in an area of the Police Department. Alderman Ward 4 Matthew Hickman questioned the situation of liability at a Sanctuary Building. Following discussion, the board decided not to use the old YMCA building but to continue with voting percent 4 north. The feeling among the board was that the situation for a shelter for extreme cold would be seldom needed, but we would be prepared.
Briefings from the Capital
Mayor Berry reported that a bill is before the House and Senate concerning raising the amount of sales tax that would come back to the cities to 20.5%. The increased percentage would be a huge help for our city.
Airport
Ashley Steele reported on a continued problem with the visibility of the gas pumps showing amount of fuel pumped as well as the cost. The pump has been worked on several times but problems still exist. Gas sales at the airport are going well. No other problems at the airport at this time.
Police Report
The board approved the hiring of Lauren Welch Escalate as a part-time dispatcher. Lauren has her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, certified, is in the military and will probably be deployed in the summer.
Cypress Lake
A discussion was held concerning a request by sub-division owner Chris Lane for the city to add gravel to a city controlled street in Cypress Lake. Lane paid $2,040 in the spring of 2017 for gravel on the roads. Because the streets have been deeded and recorded to the city, Lane felt upkeep of the streets was the cities responsibility. Following a brief discussion, the board agreed not to provide gravel for the roads.
Later in the meeting, Lane appeared before the board questioning their decision not to provide gravel. Three homes are located in Cypress Lake with phase 2 of the development set to begin. Lane will be paying for 1 fire plug, 2 man holes, and piping to continue the development. Lane stated, “two administrators live on that street and they are driving in deep mud to reach their homes on streets that are to be maintained by the city.” Lane repeatedly questioned if the city had accepted the streets and were they to be maintained by the city. Attorney Bruce Smith acknowledged the streets were city property. Following Lane’s departure, the board agreed to clean up and work on the streets.
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