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The regular scheduled bi-monthly meeting of the Board of Aldermen for the City of Magee was held on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 6 o’clock.
Aldermen Sue Honea, Mark Grubbs, Patrick Brown, and Lane Steele as well as the Mayor and City attorney were present for the meeting. Alderman Ward 4 Matthew Hickman was absent.
Brother Lee of Living Word Church led in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Mayor introduced and welcome Don Lucas to the City of Magee. He is now working with Landmark Surgery located on Main Street.
Mayor Berry reported the Civic Center has been cleaned and looks good. We are in need of a microwave and new refrigerator for the facility. Rental for the Civic Center is $300.
Tim Bray, City Superintendent, and Mayor Berry are continuing work on securing cameras for areas in the city.
The PriorityOne Senior Citizen building is ready. At this time, the city is uncertain as to who will manage the building.
The Mayor informed the board over-time is still a problem with some employees in the City. The Board has requested a time sheet with information as to what personal is working overtime.
Mayor Berry reminded the public no food can be sold out of houses in Magee.
The Mayor discussed the explosion that happened January 23, 2022 in the Old Magee area. The material used for the explosion is legal.
Hendrick Signs has still not met their end of the bargain concerning signage in Magee. The company has not paid for damages that occurred when one of their new signs was installed nor have the Football Championship sign or the Welcome to Magee sign been replaced.
The downed power pole on highway 49 near Angela’s has been reported to Entergy. Entergy is waiting for permission from MDOT to repair the pole. A car wreck was the cause of the downed pole.
The tornado sirens will be tested at 12 noon on 02/02/2022.
The Aldermen voted to enter into contract with Utility One, LLC. Steve Womack is the owner of Utility One. Womack will contract water and wastewater operations for the City of Magee. The company will take all required samples for the City of Magee as required MSDH.The business will change out all chemicals at the water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants. Utility One will assist the City of Magee with their monthly water loss reports. The contact is $2,675.00 per month and is due the first Friday of every month. The motion was passed with all Aldermen voting for the proposal.
Austin Brown was hired part time as the Information Technology Director . Mr. Brown will restructure and maintain both the City of Magee website and FaceBook page as well as other tech issues. Brown was hired at $2500 up front to bring social media outlets in line. He will be paid $600 bimonthly. Victoria Lawson was hired as part time dispatcher. Vicki has dispatching experience.
Magee High School Principal Bill Broadhead appeared before the Board asking for assistance with the traffic problems surrounding the school. The board voted to enforce one way streets on each side of the school during school hours. The directional change will begin February 21, 2022.
Bids were accepted on the roof for the Pavillon at McNair Springs. The board has since decided to go with a metal roof. Bids will be accepted on metal roofing.
Keiffer with Barge Engineering reported on happenings at the Airport According to Keiffer, additional grant money will be available for the City Airport. Barge Engineering will work with Jon Styron, City Clerk, on the handling of the grant money.
Fire Marshal Charlie Valadie reported the siren located at McNair Springs is fully operational. Tornado sirens will be tested Wednesday at noon. Two city properties will be considered for demolition at a Public Hearing set for March 1, 2022. The properties are located in Ward 2 and Ward 4. (Johnson Drive NE and 121 4th Avenue SW). Valadie requested the Board honor the 50 cents per hour salary increase for Shane Steele because he has passed his 6 month probationary period. The rate increase was built into the budget.
After discussion, the Board voted to table the recommendation until information concerning other workers who had met their probationary period.
Fire Chief Valadie reported that Shane Steele has sent approximately 15 letters regarding inoperable vehicles stored in yards. According to Steele, most individuals state they will remedy the situation ASAP.
City Superintendent Tim Bray reported on continued water leaks in the city. COVID has caused havoc with his department attendance . Although Bray has 14 employees, due to Covid, he has not worked with a full crew in weeks.
Mayor Berry complimented Tim on the excellent job he is doing for the city. Mayor Berry also recognized employee Calvin Williams. Calvin drives the grapple truck. “Calvin gets out and sweeps the street after he picks up a load,” stated Berry.
Contract for asphalting begins February 7, 2022. Weather conditions may hinder the starting date.
The Board adjourned to Special Session to discuss a personal matter. The Board will reconvene at 5 o’clock on Wednesday concerning personal matters.
The next board meeting is February 15, 2022.
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