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The Magee Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, for a regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting began with a prayer by Jack Robertson of Renew 96.9, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Afterward, the board held a public hearing for two properties, which was a follow-up to a hearing held on May 21, 2024. At that meeting, the property owners in question were given 30 days to clean up their properties.
According to Zoning Administrator Penny Aguirre, the first property discussed, which is owned by Mary Ann Hudson and located at 807 5th Avenue SE, “it’s really worse now than it was before.”
Aguirre presented the board with photos taken the morning of the meeting and explained that there had been an illegal burning of toxic substances that morning in addition to the clean-up needed.
Mayor Dale Berry introduced David Miller, who is the building inspector for the city of Mendenhall. Miller assured the board he would work with the property owners to have the house down and removed by next Wednesday.
When asked what to specify what would be cleaned, he said, “Whatever we can load on the trailer, we will haul away.”
“The whole lot is supposed to be cleaned up,” said Alderman Sammie Tebo.
“If I go over there to clean up, it’s gonna be gone,” Miller said.
The board agreed to inspect the property again on June 27 and take action at that time.
A second property, which is located at 926 4th St. SE, was also discussed.
“The family has done a lot of cleaning,” said Penny Aguirre. She also explained, “One of the agreements was the fire chief and building inspector were to be called to come and inspect. That did not happen.”
“I didn’t call nobody,” said the tenant, “because I wasn’t through.”
He assured the board he would have the property clean by the next board meeting, asking for time to finish a job to help pay for cleanup and repairs
Aguirre argued that some of the cleanup needed to happen before that time and did not require extra funds.
Alderwoman Lawana Thompson asked how he would be able to complete the cleanup if he is out of town.
“Give me til the second, and I’ll have you taken care of,” he said.
The board agreed to give the tenant until the July 2, 2024, board meeting.
The agenda was approved.
The board approved closing city offices on Friday, July 5, as well as Thursday, July 4.
The board approved a bid from Trustmark for the purchase of a grapple truck for $229,000. The bid was for 5.45% for 36 months and a $140,000 balloon payment. The bid was one of three received and included the lowest interest rate.
The board tabled discussions of janitorial services for the city and decided to make a complete list of buildings to be cleaned and provide that list to companies so they are able to make more informed bids.
The minutes from the last board meeting were approved.
Alderman Mark Grubbs, who was joining by phone, asked Alderwoman Sue Honea for an update on issues at the city cemetery. Honea told him the cemetery committee is waiting on equipment capable of investigating the issue but believes the problem is simply a misplaced tombstone.
The claims docket was approved. Thompson recused herself from the vote.
Attorney Oby Rogers appeared before the board on behalf of Jackie Rogers, owner of Cattle Drive Grill & Waterin’ Hole, who had received a stop work notice for work being done on the lot across the street from the restaurant.
“If you will tell us what she’s violating, she will comply,” Rogers said.
Building Inspector Kara Lucas said, “We have no idea what’s happening on the site.”
Aguirre said, “We need a site plan.”
The board agreed to submit a more detailed notice to the property owner and advised Rogers to meet with Aguirre and Lucas to explain plans for the property.
Brett Duncan of Prince CPA told the board “Sales tax is right on track. Cash is very good at this moment.”
He reminded the board that payment for the new fire truck will be due in October and 85% of revenue comes in January and February.
“We’ve got to have enough money to get from October 1 to December 31,” he said.
Duncan also explained that funds for the upcoming paving project are at $750,000, but the remaining $250,000 should be received around July 7.
The board approved $0.50 raises for eligible employees in the public works department.
Thompson said, “We’ve got to get an evaluation process in place.”
The bid for covered culverts at the Community House and Civic Center is $2,460, reported Tim Bray, but the board advised him to be sure to get a quote for all of the entrances discussed.
“If it’s under $5,000, you can go ahead and get it done,” said Tebo.
“It’s a safety issue,” said Thompson.
Fire Marshal David Craft took the opportunity to remind the public that the city does not have paid firemen.
“We don’t have paid firemen,” he said. “We have firemen who are paid employees of the fire marshal’s office.”
He explained that when they go on a fire call, they are off the clock and serve as volunteers.
The board approved the resolution to join the Main Street organization.
Aguirre reminded the board and the public that special events applications must be completed in a timely manner and must go before the committee for approval.
She presented the board with a proposal she had received for maintaining the city’s landscaping.
Berry said the work was handled by city departments.
“It’s not being done,” said Alderwomen Sue Honea.
The board approved sponsoring a segment of “Your Hometown” with Walt Grayson that will air on July 3, 2024, and feature Magee and Mendenhall. The cost for sponsorship is $4500.
Lucas informed the board that only 15 properties remained on the list for FEMA and that she will have a plan of action for FEMA by July 1. One of the issues that needs to be addressed is sheds that were never permitted.
“Their concern is that they will just float away,” said Lucas.
She also said that one house is being removed from the floodplain.
Jimmy Zila gave an update on upcoming tournaments and city teams in the playoffs.
Mike Berry informed the board the airport has about 3,000 gallons of fuel and is promoting the sale of it to pilots who will be attending the OshKosh airshow in July, hoping Magee will provide a perfect stop for pilots flying from Florida and other states.
The board approved the engineering contract for the upcoming paving project.
The board entered an executive session.
