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The City of Magee Board of Alderman meeting was called to order by Mayor Dale Berry. Alderman Matthew Hickman led in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Dale Berry reported work continues on the non-working street lights. Mayor Berry emphasized for citizens to contact City Hall (601-849-3344) if a street light is out in your neighborhood.
Continued problems with vagrants living at McNair Springs at night in the bathroom was discussed. The police and city maintenance personnel are checking the area every morning and night. The problem will be solved.
The official letter from the Commission of Corrections was received terminating the lease with the CWC/TV (714 Wood Road). The letter serves as the official thirty day written notice to the City of Magee of MDO’s intent to officially vacate the stated property and facility.
According to Berry, Brother Gene Henderson and his son Chip (Pinelake Church) are interested in the existing facility for use as a place of residence for people who have been paroled and do not have a job but are seeking employment. The program would present an opportunity for the residents to acclimate to their new surroundings. The program is somewhat similar to Gateway. The men are coming Thursday to tour the facility and talk in detail with the mayor. The rental amount for the property would be $2,500 per month.
Following the closing of the city pool in the Eastside community, the city has been stock-piling dirt in preparation for filling the old pool with dirt. The fence surrounding the pool must be kept in tack until enough dirt and man power time is available to complete the project.
Bids were accepted from Peoples Bank, Trustmark, & PrioirtyOne Bank for depository account interest. The board will review the findings.
The minutes and claims docket was approved.
Approval for the city to again sponsor fireworks on July 4th was given at a cost of $2,700. Mayor Berry asked that the Chamber consider some type of activity on that day in conjunction with the nighttime fireworks display.
Three bids were submitted for replacing the air conditioning unit at the Civic Center. All bids had a five-year warranty and 1 year labor coverage. The board accepted the lowest bid but the name of the bid company was not stated at the meeting.
The property at the old elementary school in Magee was discussed. Mayor Berry explained that the Head Start project would bring $9 million and 40 jobs. Patrick Brown stated that the information printed in last week article by Pat Brown in the Magee Courier was incorrect. Editor Pat Brown questioned whether the company was truly Head Start or a privately-owned company. Attorney Bruce Smith stated, “we have never tried to misrepresent anything…it is Head Start.” Often companies such as Medicare are referred to as Medicare although they are managed by private companies. Pat Brown questioned what the board had to hide by not making the information public. Patrick Brown replied, “what is it to hide?” “Head Start has not made a firm decision to locate here. The false information in the paper is making the process difficult.” Patrick went on to explain that if Pat Brown had dug a little deeper he would have found that there was no intention by the board or anyone to mispresent or deceive the public. According to Mayor Berry, the alderman acted in good faith with our proposals to the school board…we hid nothing…we have $9 million and a 40-job opportunity.
Patrick Brown explained that an appraised value is needed for Head Start to get insurance information. Head Start is getting bids on different projects that will be required for the building. Mayor Berry stated, “keep working Patrick.”
Garbage pick-up was discussed. The labor situation (loss of inmate labor) has put the city in a crunch not only with the garbage trucks but in every area of city maintenance. The increase earlier in the year of the water bills is not designated for garbage pick-up. The money is in reserve for work that will be required on the water tanks in the near future.
Mayor Berry suggested a once a week garbage pick-up. City maintenance department head Nevis Rankin addressed the board. He felt there was no way the garbage could be reduced to a weekly pick-up. “There is just too much garbage for once a week,” stated Rankin….”but I will do what the board says.”
Mayor Berry stated that Nevis is the “Head Coach” and the city needs him off the garbage truck and available for the many decisions required of Nelvis. Chief Randy Crawford informed the board he had 3 prisoners who wanted to work. A question of liability was discussed. At this time, using city prisoners is not an option.
The board is checking into the legality of hiring 4-part time 20 hours per week workers with no benefits. If legal, the plan will be implemented for six months with changes made to the budget in the fall.
Problems with the assortment of garbage was discussed. Nevis Rankin again explained that garbage cannot be mixed! No bagged leaves can be picked up at any time. Leaves must be placed near the curb for pick-up. Limbs are picked up Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Again, piles must be made for leaves and limbs and another pile for assorted items such as plastic. (3 piles). If citizens do not follow the rules, the items will not be picked-up.
Continued work on the paving project was discussed. Online water bill payment was discussed. Alderman Whitney Baker is researching the different options. At this time, the city already offers online draft though your bank.
The Splash Pad will open Monday, June 4th. Cost is $5 per day. A pass for 15 visits may be purchased for $40 which is a savings of $35. Hours of operation are to be announced.
In airport matters, Mayor Berry said that the two ambulance services considered by the county offer helicopter service which might present an opportunity for additional gas to be sold at the airport.
Joe Worrell reported clean-up of the property at 608 Hilton Drive would began soon. Motion was made to clean up the property. A meeting with representative from the apartments in ward 4 that burned was held. Clean-up of that property is scheduled.
Charlie Valadie, Fire Marshal, reported “all is good” with the MFD.
Chief Randy Crawford requested shot guns not being used and outdated handguns be declared surplus property. The board approved the request. The PD is working on an upgrade of duty weapons. The department is seeking to have all new generation hand guns for the officers. A request for Ben Stephens, Chris Jones, Matt Gipson, and Mike Davis to attend a school in Columbus, Ohio was made by Chief Crawford. The school is free. The city will pay for motel room which is $119 per night and use the city’s fuel card. The board approved the request.
Chief Crawford announced that the Ouachita Hill Ministries, Seventh-day Adventist Church, will be in our area May 27-August 1st. The student missionaries will go door-to-door distributing free religious literature. The city has requested that no visits be made after 8 PM.
Thirty street light bulbs have been replaced according to Crawford. The on-duty police officers are checking lights in the city.
Nevis Rankin requested permission to cut a large cedar tree in the cemetery that is rotten. Permission was granted.
In 2016, a water line broke at 202 4th St NW in Magee. The city repaired the line. The city insurance made an offer to pay on the claim. The home owner declined. The city is still dealing with the situation. Attorney Bruce Smith will draft a letter with the city’s final offer. The house was built in 1930. The home owner feels the damage from the water (3/4-inch pipe) caused excessive damage to the underside of his home causing floors to buckle.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.