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Mayor Dale Berry called the April 2, 2024 City of Magee Board of Aldermen to order which was followed by prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda and minutes were approved. Mayor Berry announced a workshop for Thursday, April 4, 202 at 5 PM at City Hall. Clear Point engineering firm will attend the workshop bringing more information on electronic water meters for the city, condition of city wells and lagoon, and paving and park projects.
The Mayor again emphasized the importance for everyone joining forces as we clean our city in preparation for the Bicentennial events to be held in Magee. The City has awarded a contract to Outdoor Solutions Maintenance Division, LLC for a one-time mulching of the entrances to the city. The cost of the project is $8,575. The public works department is assisting in other areas in the city for targeted clean-up areas.
Citizen Paul Arnold appeared before the Board with a request for all citizens to receive equal treatment when dealing with any city matter. Mr. Arnold is in the process of cleaning his parent’s property. (As of April 2, 2024, the property was clean). “People need to be treated the same,” explained Arnold. Paul believes “I am being singled out.” He cited a pick-up he had requested in October which never happened. Paul referenced 231 Section 407 of the zoning ordinances in question. Zoning director Penny Aguirre explained every case has a set order to follow…the time frame just may be different. Arnold praised Tim Bray and the city crew and Mayor Dale Berry for assisting him with his issues. Several board members assured Mr. Arnold that he was not being singled out but appropriate action would be taken in the future to assure equal treatment for all.
At the request of Ward 1 Aldermen Mark Grubbs, Dr. Paul Calhoun of NVA Animal Medical Center of Hattiesburg presented information on the parvo virus which the City Animal Pound has experienced. Dr. Calhoun explained that moving the pound to another location was not necessary…”the virus will follow you anywhere,” stated the doctor. Dr. Calhoun suggested changes that could be made to help control and possibly eliminate the problem. The cages should be hosed down with a clorox/water solution daily and sometimes more. Presently the city has only 5 working runs (pens) but has the compacity for 10 with some repairs. (The Board approved Benny to pursue repairs of the pen. Money is available in the Pound budget.) A micro-chip reader should be purchase and every dog scanned when picked up in case the dog is a family pet. Each animal should be vaccinated. The board decided Animal Control officer Benny Blair should vaccinate the animals. “Washing and drying the dog bowls is very important,” explained Calhoun. “There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog.” “The best method of protecting your dog is vaccination.”
The Board expressed thanks to Dr. Calhoun for the information and agreeing to appear before the Board.
Zoning Commissioner Penny Aguirre reported 81 cases of violations in the city which the zoning department is actively working. Alderman Mark Grubbs stated 30 to 40 could easily be added to the list. The sign for Marvin Jackson Park is to be erected Wednesday. Penny is in the process to secure funds for additional tables and landscaping for the park. Work should begin soon on repair of the beam at the library.
Plans are continuing for repair of the McLaurin High School building and gym. The ongoing project is headed by a volunteer committee. A Prayer breakfast is scheduled to be held at the school on April 16th at 7 AM as part of the Bicentennial plans. The public is invited.
Mayor Berry announced Sammy Graham is to contact the mayor with information on repair of the Splash Pad.
Vice Chairman of the Airport Committee Larry Partridge introduced a new member to the board, Skip Russell. Partridge reported on several actions and on going projects at the airport. Mike Berry is the city employee who is in charge of the airport. Mike has attended the last two board meetings. Keifer Grimes has been in attendance. Keifer has worked with the airport for years in obtaining grants.
Most immediate needs for the airport:
Jet A fuel—Failed the test for use as aviation fuel but can be used in ground equipment. 2,500 gallons of fuel remain in the tank. The fuel must be disbursed allowing cleaning of the tank and a re-examination of the tank will take place following the cleaning to hopefully allow for future Jet A sales.
100 LL, Av gas-passed the test and is ready to sell to the public; however, our price is not competitive with other airports in our area. The airport commission will work on a solution to lower prices for a quick sale to prepare the tanks for additional fuel.
Fuel pricing-The board felt in order to stay competitive moving forward a 3 man board should be appointed to deal with price changes in a timely manner. The airport board suggested the board be composed of the Mayor, airport manager, and the airport board chairman.
Pilot services: When pilots are deciding where to land for fuel, pricing is just one consideration. Many airports offer several services, such as tie downs and a courtesy car. The ropes are available at the airport now but were not available to the pilots. Mike Berry, airport manager, will prepare the ropes for use. A courtesy car is a great idea and may be considered in the future.
Tim Bray, public works, reported on a water and sewage line break.
David Craft, fire chief, informed the public everything was fine at the department but a door motor had to be replaced.
Mayor Berry reported Jimmy Zilla, parks and rec, was at the Sportsplex working with city league and unable to attend.
Animal Control office Benny Blair earned his National Animal Care and Control Association Officer I. Benny has one more class to take to be fully certified.
Garbage rates for apartment complexes:
Shane Steel, code enforcement, and Penny Aguirre presented the following suggestion for the ordinance for implementing fees for debris disposal for multifamily dwellings.
Multifamily dwelling debris removal fee schedule: $7 per unit per month for all complexes for debris such as furniture, mattresses, construction debris (excluding prohibited material such as asbestos and lead). TV’s and appliances to be picked up and hauled off at least twice per month. This does not include normal household trash, the disposal of which is the responsibility of the apartment manager or owner to provide dumpsters for residents.
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The meeting was adjourned for executive session.
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Main Picture: Police chief Shane Little, Animal Control Officer, Benny Blair, Public works Tim Bray, Aldermen at Large Sue Honea
Alderman ward 2 Lawana Thompson, Alderman Ward 1 Mark Grubbs, Mayor Dale Berry, Aldermen Ward 3 Sammy Tebo
Alderman Ward 4 Patrick Brown
