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The Magee Board of Aldermen met Tuesday, July 16, 2018.
Mayor Dale Berry opened the meeting with prayer then gave the Mayor’s Report.
Mayor’s Report
Berry said that there is an issue with some of the city’s apartment complexes leaving furniture out to be picked up. The apartments in question do not pay for city garbage pickup but contract waste removal out. According to the mayor, some of these apartments have had furniture out for about a month. He informed the board that he would have Joe Worrell send letters to the management of the apartments, informing them that the furniture needs to be removed.
Work Projects & Committee Reports
Mayor Berry reported that city employees had expressed concerns about the growth of the magnolia trees on Main Avenue, saying they feared the roots would soon start growing into the sidewalks and pavement.
Alderman Lane Steele stated that the trees are gem magnolias and will not get much bigger.
“I planted each and every one of them,” Steele said. “You’re in good shape.”
Next, the mayor informed the board that he had spoken with someone at Phelps Dunbar about a new employee handbook for the city and was told the cost would be between $3000 and $4000.
The minutes of the previous board meeting were approved, and the claims docket was accepted by the board.
The board approved the mayor’s signing of an application stating that the city’s airport had received one bid for work to be done.
Grass Cutting Contracts
The board voted to go forward with advertising for bids on four grass cutting contracts in the city for the following areas:
- the highway
- the cemetary
- McNair Springs
- the YMCA.
Board members agreed that the contracts should be sure to include weed-eating or spraying around sign posts and culverts or steep areas.
The contracts will being October 1 and include 12 months of maintenance with a minimum of two cuttings per month from April 20 to October 20.
Alderman Matthew Hickman said that the city’s employees should be able to hand grass cutting in other areas “when we get this burden off them.”
Stray Dogs in the City
Megan Marlove had requested to be added to the agenda to discuss strays and rescuing animals but was not present; however, the mayor said the city had only euthanized one dog in six years, following a vet’s recommendation, which he said indicates the city has a handle on the situation.
Alderman Patrick Brown, however, said, “I went by the dog pound about two weeks ago, and they were at capacity.”
He encouraged other board members to visit the facility and said that they were having a hard time placing animals in rescue shelters or in homes. He also said that, at times, dog owners’ were not willing to pay the $25 fee required to claim their pets.
Splash Pad Phase Two
Alderwoman Whitney Baker informed the board that she and Alderwoman Angel Brister, who was attending the meeting remotely, had met with the company that built the city’s splash pad. She said they have a set of plans for a second phase, which includes an additional four water features.
The city has already budgeted $10,000 for additional pieces to be added to the splash pad. She said that amount would cover two of the pieces in the plans, and the company said that city employees would be able to install them.
Fire Department
The board approved the use of the fire truck for a continuing education course for Phillip Magee.
Mayor Berry said he had been told that the fire department’s rating has gone from a six to a five and is nearing a four.
Steele told the board that members of the department will be taking part in a six-week course which will result of level 2 volunteer certification for 12 firefighters.
“That’s a big step,” Steele said. “I’m proud of them.”
Police Department
Chief of Police Randy Crawford presented a letter of resignation from full-time employee Shane Little and recommended that Little be rehired as a part-time employee, which the board approved.
Public Works
The board discussed disposal of cardboard and decided to continue the pickup that has been in place to prevent additional cost for waste disposal.
The Board ended the public meeting when they entered executive session to discuss a legal matter.
You can watch the full video of the meeting below.
