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The Magee Board of Aldermen held its regularly scheduled meeting on June 20, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting began with a public hearing about the property at 1400 1st Avenue NE.
Afterwards, new Alderman Sammie Tebo was sworn in by Mayor Dale Berry.
The mayor reminded people that the city’s equipment is not designed to help tree contractors, citing recent storm damage and problems caused by debris left after contractors cut trees.
Bart Ballard reported on the status of the CDBG project, which has a deadline of December 31. He requested that the original engineering agreement be voided, that the board approve a revised agreement and that the board grant permission to advertise.
Changes to the agreement resulted from a new scope of work and additional survey and testing required.
Brett Duncan reminded the board that the city received $581,000 in grant funds, that the city had set aside $300,000 in local funds, and that an additional $80,000 would be needed to cover the changes to the agreement.
The board approved all three requests.
Forrest Dungan of Clearpoint Engineers reported to the board on the status of the MCWI project on water well number 2, which he said has been kicked off and is underway. He requested that the board approve a change order, increasing the number of valves to be replaced from four to eight. The cost will be $4,200 per valve, totaling $16,800. There is also a need for $18,800 to vacuum out the pit.
The original estimate for this portion of the project was $250,000, and the revised cost is $215,000, which is still under the proposed budget. Dungan reminded the board that this is one phase of a $2 million project.
Dungan said the pit needs to be pumped out once or twice a year.
“Rewashing these filters is a necessary evil,” he said.
The board approved a $25,600 change order amount, as well as a contractor application for payment in the amount of $163,020 to Red Oak Construction.
The board approved a project to replace a culvert on Colonial Drive.
Chuck Cooper presented a request for street closures on behalf of the First United Methodist Church, which the board approved.
The board approved the minutes of its previous meeting, as well as the claims docket.
Brett Duncan, CPA, presented a budget comparison for the board’s consideration.
He said, “We’re getting a little tight with the water fund, but nothing to be alarmed about.”
He recommended the budget committee be assigned in July.
Penny Aguirre, the zoning administrator, presented the board with two proposed ward change plans, saying that both plans would bring the city into compliance with the Department of Justice. (View the current map and proposed changes below.)
She recommended the board vote quickly on the matter, saying, “It can take up to a year to reconcile voter rolls.”
The board approved a resolution to amend the ordinance for mobile food vendors.
Aguirre also discussed a special events policy for the city and the formation of the Magee Preservation Commission. These recommendations will be made to the board when they are finalized.
She also reminded the board there are now two vacancies on the zoning board.
Jimmy Zila presented a report from Parks and recreation. After telling the board about events at the Sportsplex, Zila shared the cost of replacing the motor for a Kubota side by side used by the department. The new motor would cost $5,087.79. The cost will be $5962 if it is installed by R&M Tractor. A new Kubota is roughly $12,500.
The board requested more information about the cost of replacing the Kubota, as well as the pros and cons of replacing it versus just replacing the motor. Zila said he would compile that information for the board and reminded them, “It’s running right now.”
He also has Sammy Graham coming to discuss options for the city’s splash pad.
Ashley Steele reported that the airport had its yearly inspection and the beacon tower needs to be painted. Only the paint and materials had been budgeted for because, in the past, the city did the painting. The city, however, no longer has a bucket truck that can handle the job or the manpower necessary to do it.
Building Inspector Philip Magee reminded the city, “If you hire someone to cut a tree, you hire them to haul it off.”
He said Zaxby’s is nearing completion, and the roof on the city barn is done.
Shane Steele discussed the need to do additional bush hogging in the city, but Brett Duncan said an amendment to the budge was not necessary.
Police Chief Shane Little said two people have pled guilty to arson charges. The first received 15 years; the second, seven.
He requested the board consider a pay scale for police officers.
Fire Marshal Charlie Valadie said the severe weather sirens “are back in business.” He called the sirens “antiquated” and explained that the newest siren in the city is 26 years old. He also explained the sever weather siren policy.
“When we are in the cone of error,” he said, “we will activate the sirens.”
Tim Bray presented Timothy Craft for new hire for the public works department, and the board approved.
The board closed the meeting and entered executive session to discuss finances and employees.
Watch the full video of the meeting below.
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