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The Magee Board of Aldermen met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. After opening the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Dale Berry updated the board on the status of changing street lights throughout the city to LED lights.
The agenda for the meeting was approved, and a report of works projects and committees was given. According to Alderman Patrick Brown, 5th Avenue was renamed Logan Street several years ago, but the 911 information has never been updated. Zoning Administrator Penny Aguirre reminded the board that any changes to street names must be updated by residents or businesses to be reflected in all areas, including mailing addresses and insurance. Alderman Brown advised the board that these changes had already been made for Logan Street, and the board approved having the street name changed reflected in 911 records.
The board, however, chose to take a similar issue concerning 3rd Avenue under advisement. The street in question is the location of the old Wilmut Gas building and has been closed. The board and city officials plan to investigate the matter further and decide the best course of action in the coming weeks.
Minutes from the past two board meetings (9/19/2023 and 9/21/2023) were approved.
The claims docket was approved.
The board adopted an ordinance to rezone parts of the city. The issue of rezoning has been a topic of discussion and consideration by the board for several months because the most recent census data indicates a difference in ward population from when the city’s wards were previously districted. The Central Mississippi Planning and Development District developed a set of redistricting guidelines for the city to consider, and the board chose to adopt “Plan 4.”
The next item addressed by the board was an increase in water rates for the city’s residents. Mayor Berry explained that in recent months the city has spent $200,000 in unexpected expenses. The board approved a $10 flat rate increase to water, garbage, and sewer bills for city residents.
Apartments in the city were the next topic of discussion as Mayor Berry explained that most of the apartment complexes in Magee do not pay for garbage pickup but often leave items for the city to collect. Deputy Fire Marshal Shane Steele presented the board with a list of apartments in the city and explained that one of the problems is the “managers don’t live here.”
The board discussed creating a monthly fee for the pickup of items or the possibility of charging per pickup because of the frequency of items being left out.
“They put it out there every week,” said Alderwoman Lawana Thompson.
After discussion, the board decided to further consider commercial garbage rates at its next meeting.
Forrest Dungan of Clearpoint Consulting Engineers presented an update on the work being done to the city’s water treatment plant. He said the first contract, which was for work on water plant number two, has been completed and closed out.
Contract Two, which addresses infrastructure needs at water plant number one, was put out for bids last week. Two bids were received.
Dungan said that as they got into the design process, “Our scope increased a little bit.”
The result of those changes was the recommendation that the board approve a contract to Greenbriar Digging Service in the amount of $787,500, including the base bid of $700,500 as well as the replacement of 2 service pumps for $87,000. According to Dungan, the pumps are the last step of the treatment process.
The board approved the contract.
Public Works Superintendent Tim Bray presented two bids for replacing the air conditioner at the Magee Public Library. Mayor Berry said, “We’ve been patching this thing for two years.” The board approved the bid from Harper’s Heating and Air for $24,560.
Next, the board approved replacing and repairing an 8″ water line with a bid from Delta Boring Service in the amount of $10,200.
“We’ve gotta do it,” said Alderman Sammy Tebo.
Bray also presented the board with two new hires for approval, but Alderwoman Thompson insisted the issue needed to be discussed in executive session. The board agreed.
Police Chief Shane Little told the board he had a personnel matter to discuss during executive session as well.
The board approved $50 for Zoning Administrator Penny Aguirre and Building Inspector Kara Lucas to attend a training event held by MS Main Street on November 3 in Laurel.
Aquirre also presented the board with ideas for creating a database of rental properties, which the board will review and discuss at a later date.
Jimmy Zila of Parks and Recreation told the board that more than 30 teams had been in town for the MAIS State Softball Tournament.
“Parking people was the headache,” he said.
His department expects more than 40 teams next weekend for soccer tournaments.
Airport Manager Ashley Steele was not present at the meeting but sent word that the airport is “waiting on that one part.” After the pipe arrives, she will need to order fuel.
Building Inspector Kara Lucas said Newk’s is coming along well, and she is working with Legacy Church as well.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shane Steele updated the board on issues concerning a property owned by Paul Arnold, as well as one owned by Chris Grayson, who has been fined $500.
Aquirre reminded the board, “Every day can be a separate offense.”
Fire Marshal Charlie Valadie informed the board that the fire department has had 50 calls in the past month and nearly 100 in the past two months. Until recently, the department averaged 22 calls a month.
“It’s a tremendous increase,” he said.
He also updated the board about upcoming weather conditions, as well as the continued drought facing the area. The expected conditions are lower temperatures, lower humidity, and more wind, which results in an elevated wildfire threat.
The board approved selling one of the fire department’s trucks to the city of Mize for the price of $50,000, which is under the estimated value of $65,000. The two departments work closely together at times.
“We have a great working relationship with Mize,” said Valadie.
A citizen present at the meeting requested an opportunity to speak to the board, but as is the city’s policy, he was told he must request to be added to the agenda.
The board closed the meeting to enter executive session.
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