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On Tuesday, August 7th, the Magee Board of Alderman approved the minutes and claims docket and discussed the following issues:
Mayor Berry appointed an Insurance Committee composed of David Dunn, Lane Yearby, Lane Steele, Angel Brister & Patrick Brown.
The Golf Cart ordinance was discussed. If carts are street legal (blinkers, brake lights, lights, seat belts) and tagged, the carts are legal on the streets of Magee. Side by Sides are not legal under state law on any streets. Police Chief Randy Crawford was instructed to follow these guide lines.
Aldermen Whitney Baker and Matthew Hickman presented information and ideas about perhaps using the old YMCA building as a Senior Citizens building. According to Alderman Baker, upgrading of the building and adding a few outside activities would not be extremely costly. Hickman explained that the building is in good condition just needs an update. Both aldermen expressed an interest in having a director at the building at some point in the future. Alderman Patrick Brown has information he will share concerning investigation he did several years ago on a Senior Citizen building. Money for this project would be included in the next year’s budget if available.
Skip Russell appeared before the board to encourage the board to consider tax abatement for anyone who invest in the downtown area.
“It is my request that the city offer a development incentive to anyone who makes a major renovation to an existing old building on Main Street Magee or builds a new building on Main Street. The incentive would be at least a 7-year city tax abatement,” stated Russell.
Skip explained how he as a businessman checked any downtown area of a city he was considering for a Popeyes. “Most cities that have a vibrant and busy downtown have more businesses interested in coming to that city in general,” said Skip.
Skip owns the vacant lot on Main Street and plans to begin construction on the property in a few months. He will be moving his corporate office to the building along with 2 rental apartments located above the building. (See attached sheet). The building will cost approximately $400,000.
He also stated plans to possibly open a coffee and bagel shop in the vacant building next to Buffington Law Office. Skip also owns the old Gay’s Department Store building.
Alderman Patrick Brown stated he did not feel the tax incentives should just be available to downtown. He explained that creating a district similar to the medical zone would encourage rebuilding of the downtown.
The board is taking the information under advisement with plans to pursue some type of incentive for a designated area.
Mayor Berry reported that the owner of the shopping center where Auto Zone is located has signed papers with the police department to remove any cars that are for sale or 18 wheelers from the parking lot. The problem of cars and trucks being left in this area was discussed several months ago. Without the owners signature, the police could not enforce the ordinance. The shopping center is located on private not city property. Chief Randy Crawford reported that several cars have already been towed.
The Mayor reported that the airport is looking good. He thanked Ashley Steele for the work she has done at the airport.
Charlie Valadie, Fire Marshall, reported there are 7 critical areas in the city that do not have working fire hydrants. These hydrants have been damaged or destroyed. Due to a lack of city man power, Valadie has suggested that money budgeted for the fire department be used for an outside source to repair the hydrants. After Charlie gets bids, the board will vote to proceed.
Two men were approved for part-time hire with the city: Tarance Funchess and Dismond Sims.
The Mayor and board will meet Monday, August 13th at 6 PM to begin work on the budget.
Meeting was adjourned.
