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The January 4, 2022 City of Magee Board of Aldermen was called to order at 6:00 PM. Alderman Patrick Brown led in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The minutes and claims docket were approved.
During the Mayor’s report, Mayor Berry announced the Insurance Committee for the city will meet Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 9:00 AM in the board room. The Mayor has requested Brett Duncan of Charles R. Prince, CPA to gather information what each city department has spent as compared to their budgeted amount. Duncan will report on overtime for the first 3 months of the fiscal year. The Mayor reminded employees to present any money questions to the Mayor and not Brett Duncan.
The Mayor thanked Punch Walker for his donation of pressure washing an area in the city.
Mayor Berry introduced David Keyes with Insurance Associates. The Mayor invited Mr. Keyes to appear before the board and explain the history of their company as well as plans for their future.
The Mayor explained that business garbage bills will increase. Amounts presently charged do not match services rendered by the city. The businesses will be contacted by a letter from the Mayor with their new charges. Mayor Berry hopes the increase will go into affect March 1st.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shane Steele discussed a scam taking place in our city. He spoke of the need for the Fire Marshal Office to have the ability to write tickets to speed up the process of cleaning up our city. A burn ordinance as well as an illegal dumping ordinance will be presented to the board in the future. Mr. Steele discussed the problem behind the shopping center where Auto Zone is located. Although the businesses pay for a private dumpster, trash is scattered behind the buildings. Shane is working with the businesses to address this problem.
The board voted to purchase a jack hammer to be used with the mini excavator at a cost of $5,850.
City Superintendent Tim Bray has 5 workers absent. Bray explained Christmas decorations will be removed this week as well as clean up at the Library. Mayor Berry discussed with Tim the 3 problem areas in the city. The ditch near Waffle House which contains water and sewer lines has been damaged when outside workers tried to repair the ditch without permission from the city. The City is attempting to enforce Waffle House to clean up their mess. At this time, Waffle House will not agree to the deal. Hendrick Signs requested for the city to allow the company to put a billboard recognizing the Magee Championship Team and other advertisements. The company was to contact MDOT and 811 before beginning work. No contact was made. Work was begun in the area without permission and a water line was hit. The Mayor feels strongly that Hendrick should repair the line. Spire gas has caused havoc in the Goodwater Community destroying and not repairing roads. The Mayor is still dealing with Spire to “clean up their mess.”
Ashley Steel, Airport personal, informed the board all lights have arrived for the runway. The airport is closed for 60 days while lights are installed.
Police Chief Chris Jones informed the board Park Place apartments should have cameras by the end of the month. Mrs. Taylor of Park Place Apartments said the cameras would be paid for by the owners of the apartments.
Chief Jones is working with other apartment complexes to install cameras. Azalea Apartments spokesperson said purchasing cameras was not in their budget at this time. She did say possibly a Courtesy officer will be on site.
Jones bragged on the cameras at Eastside Apartments. “There cameras are better than Walmart…you can see everything,” stated the Chief.
The board adjourned into Executive Session to select a new City Attorney.
Following the Executive Session, the Mayor announced Marc McMillian had been chosen as the City attorney.
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