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The City of Magee received a new fire truck on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, during the Board of Aldermen’s regularly scheduled meeting.
One of the truck’s windows features a sticker that says, “In memory of Philip Allan.”
The truck was delivered to the city by Nolan Leblanc, CEO of Bonaventure Fire & Safety; Donnie Weeks, Sales Manager; and his son, Brandon Weeks.
The receipt of the truck was celebrated at the end of the Board of Aldermen meeting, which began with a public hearing about three different properties in the city.
The first property in question is located at 926 4th Street SE. Zoning Administrator Penny Aguirre informed the board that work has been done at the property, but the grass has not been cut.
“They have been working,” she said, “but they have not called the fire marshal or building inspector. We don’t know the extent of the repairs that have been done to the roof or the interior. There is some progress on the outside.”
A representative of the homeowner appeared before the board and said, “He went out of town to make some money.”
Aguirre reminded the board that at its last meeting, the homeowner was told to invite the fire marshal and building inspector to inspect the property, but that was not done.
“This has been since 2021,” she said. “That’s when this case was initiated.”
Building Inspector Kara Lucas said, “I haven’t been able to inspect it from the inside.”
Alderman Sammie Tebo asked the representative, “Can they come Monday?”
The board voted to give the homeowner until Monday to have the inspections complete before the board takes action.
The board also considered the property located at 807 5th Avenue SE.
Aguirre told the board, “A member of the family is a vulnerable adult.” Aguirre said she had been contacted by members of the community about concerns for that individual’s health and safety, saying people are living in “the rubble of a burned out house.”
“There’s nothing safe or up to code about this,” she said.
Tebo made a motion that the property be condemned, which was seconded by Alderman Sue Honea, and the board approved.
Finally, Mahmood Abedikichi appeared before the board in regard to his property located on Highway 49 in Magee.
Aguirre told the board, “He has people living all over his property. This is like a little village over there.”
She informed the board that Abedikichi does not know who some of the people are.
“How can this be sanitary or safe?” Aguirre asked.
Abedikichi claimed many of the issues brought by Aguirre were things done without his permission.
Aguirre told him the first step is to get the police involved.
“Without you filing a complaint, it’s hard for them to do anything,” Tebo said. “If you work with them, we’ll work with you.”
The board agreed to give Abedikichi until the July 16 meeting and revisit the issue then.
The agenda was approved.
Mayor Dale Berry reminded everyone there will be no garbage collection on Thursday, July 4, or Friday, July 5.
Fourth of July fireworks at the Sportsplex will begin around 9:00 p.m.
Forrest Dungan of Clearpoint Engineers told the board the meter project is set to get started next week, and work on water plant #1 should begin in the next couple of weeks.
About the upcoming paving project in the city, he said, “Bids are looking favorable.”
The 11th Avenue project to repair erosion was approved.
75% of the plans for the park project should be completed next week.
The board agreed to include the Lamar Road sewer extension in the work funded by MWCI money.
The minutes from the last board meeting were approved.
The claims docket was approved.
Coach Ernest Jaynes appeared before the board asking for help funding the work at the old Magee elementary building. He said the vision is to have programs and activities for the old and the young.
“To reach that point, we need money,” he said.
The leaders of the project plan to apply for grants, but those grants will require the city to match funds. The board asked Jaynes to gather more information about the cost of the project and available grants before the next board meeting.
“We’re not gonna quit, ’cause if we quit, we’ll never get there,” Jaynes said.
Public Works Superintendent Tim Bray informed the board that a manhole on 5th Avenue and Choctaw SE is falling apart and must be repaired before the paving project begins.
The board declared a 2006 John Deere Gator and a 2001 John Deere Lawn Mower surplus property.
Police Chief Shane Little informed the board that money had been received from the insurance settlement for a wrecked police vehicle and asked that those funds be made available for the purchase of a replacement vehicle.
Aguirre asked the board to approve the publication of two zoning hearings to take place on August 13, 2024.
The board approved a special event application for Kayla Hubbard of Speaking Victory Ministries to use the parking lot by the Community House to hold a school supply drive.
Lucas updated the board on the status of several ongoing projects in the city.
The board discussed striping of Co-Op Road, but ownership of the road is in question.
“I would not spend any more city dollars on there until you find out exactly who owns it,” said City Attorney Wesla Sullivan.
Mike Berry informed the board that sales of fuel at the airport are going well.
Sullivan requested an executive session to discuss litigation matters. She also informed the board she is working on drafting usage agreements for the city’s buildings and parks.
The board entered executive session.
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