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The February 20, 2024 City of Magee Board of Aldermen meeting was called to order followed by a prayer led by Alderman Patrick Brown and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Randolph Trailer submitted an event permission for a tent revival at the City Park from April1-5. The request was approved.
A public hearing was held concerning the property of Bernie Stubbs. Mr. Stubbs did not appear at the hearing which results in a citation and court date.
Three bids were submitted for clean up (trash & mowing) of the entrances to the city. The board requested the bids be resubmitted clarifying exactly what is required. Mayor Berry is to contact the 3 people who submitted bids for a resubmission.
Bids for the roof on the PriorityOne Senior Citizen building were opened. The Board approved RN Roofing. The inside of the building received damage . Bids will be taken for repair.
The agenda, minutes, and claims docket were approved.
Tony Wallace came before the board with a request for his business, Dabbs Cannabis, be allowed to open on Sundays. “We are just like a pharmacy…we sell needed medicines,’ explained Mr. Wallace. Penny Aguirre, zoning director, explained that Mr. Wallace had signed the agreement for the hours of the business Monday-Saturday with no opening on Sunday. “ For cannabis to be sold on Sunday, an existing ordinance would need to be changed which requires Mr. Wallace to appear before the zoning board,” stated Mrs. Aguirre.
Issues with tractor/trailers parking on city streets was discussed. Alderman Mark Grubbs reminded the board “we are just about to undertake a Million dollar paving project…our streets (asphalt) are not designed to handled the weight of these trucks.” The issue was tabled to research weight limits and procedures in other towns.
Tim Bray, City Superintendent, reported the ordered street signs should arrive in the next two weeks. Bray explained that 20 tons of asphalt was poured last week for pot holes and “we hope to do 20 more tons this week.”
The public is encouraged to report potholes to City Hall (601-8449-3344). Please give the address of the problem.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre introduced the two new interns for the city Ariana Gaspar and Kierah Robinson. Both ladies are seniors at Magee High School. A grant through the CPDD allowed for their employment.
Special Event request: April 13, 2024 a Bicentennial parade permit and April 16, 2024 Bicentennial Prayer breakfast permit. Both permits were granted.
Penny Aguirre presented an update on the progress and problems at the Community House. Two large holes were found in the floor near the stage area. Repairs to the ceiling and floor will began shortly.
Kara Lucas, Building inspector, Charlie Valadie, Emergency management, and Penny Aguirre will hold town hall meetings each Monday during March. The meeting will begin with Ward 1 and work forward. Each alderman is requested to attend. The meetings are an opportunity for answering questions concerning activities within the city which relate to building codes etc.
Jimmy Zilla, Parks and Rec, reported 35 teams were in Magee the previous weekend. March 2-3, 57 teams will participate in a tournament at the Sportsplex. 480 kids have registered for city baseball. (Ages 5-12—-girls and boys). 12 select teams have signed rental agreements for the fields for practice with more expected. Zilla explained that all bathrooms at the Sportsplex are cleaned and stocked with toilet paper before each game. Additional paper towels and toilet paper are stored in the concession stand. Whoever is manning the concession stand is responsible for upkeep of restrooms.
The seven member Airport Commission is actively involved with changes and updates at the City of Magee airport. Joe McNulty is chairman of the committee. Larry Partridge is Vice Chairman and Susie Bourne is the secretary. Mr. McNulty gave an update on progress at the airport. Hanger locks have been changed. All lighting is now working. General maintenance in and around the airport plus locks on gates has been secured. The situation with the fuel is an ongoing process. Hanger rental will be paid at City Hall. Dusty Drennan, Sammy Tebo, and Susie Bourne met with Rebel to develop a plan to clean and resupply the tanks. The airport board requested the hiring of Dusty Drennan on an interim plan until a new hire by the city is secured. The Board took the matter in Executive session. Following the executive session, the board voted 3/2 to hire Drennan. (Patrick Brown, Mark Grubbs, and Sue Honea voted yea; Lawana Thompson and Sammy Tebo voted nay ). The part time job will be offered to Dusty Drennan at an hourly rate of $15.00.
Kara Lucas, building inspector, led a discussion concerning replacement of the office furniture. The furniture has not be updated since the 60’s when MPL gave the furniture. Ms Lucas is to come back to the board with a definite cost.
Shane Steele, code enforcement, informed the board bids for tearing down the old Grace Healthcare on Main Street, will be taken from now until March 15th at 3 PM. Four properties are scheduled for a hearing on March 19th due to public health and safety. The city continues to have public health and safety issues with the SASE apartments. Shane, Penny, Charlie, and Kara are working on the issues.
Fire Chief David (Buck) Craft reported inspections are on going. A winch and bumper have been purchased for Engine #5.
Brett Duncan, of Prince CPA, reported sales tax for this period should be $150,000 more than last year. Duncan encouraged the Aldermen to begin work now on choosing which roads will be paved under the Million dollar paving project. “A lot of cities have gotten money for paving, we need to get in line now,” expressed Duncan.
Alderman Lawana Thompson requested 4 new light poles in areas brought to her attention by the public.: 900 block on 5th AV SE; 5th Street SW—pole off Main Avenue; 5th Street SW—-close to 4th Avenue Crossing; and Siloam Avenue SE. A light was approved for 3rd Avenue SW a year ago but was never installed. Mayor Dale Berry is to contact Entergy.
The board approved the hiring of Mark Smith for Parks and Rec, and Devionne McCann for public works.
City Attorney Marc McMillian tenured his resignation as City Attorney effective March 1, 2024 to allow for additional time with his private practice.
City of Magee Dog Pound Closes
City Park and Playground Moving Forward
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