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The Magee Board of Aldermen met Thursday, July 7, 2024, beginning at 6 PM.
The workshop was a time for a “little more discussion” than regular meetings.
The workshop was well attended by local citizens.
Mayor Dale Berry called the meeting to order followed by prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present: Sue Honea, Lawana Thompson, Mark Grubbs, and Sammy Tebo.
Zoning Board Chairman Jim Ball led a discussion in the importance of our City of Magee Zoning book. Jim explained that if people will come by City Hall and pick up an application many of the conflicts that are arising in our city could be prevented. Several rules and ordinances were discussed. The Zoning Board is an arm of the city which studies and recommends findings to the Board of Aldermen who in turn vote on the item in question. Mr. Ball introduced Kara Lucas, Building Inspector and Penny Aguirre, Zoning Director. Kara and Penny work with the zoning board.
Magee citizen Joe Worrell spoke on his displeasure with the situation behind the city tennis courts and near his home. Joe called out Morgan Lewis on the eye sore he has created. “Every zoning ordinance is broken,” emphasized Mr. Worrell. Zoning Board President Jim Ball admitted the zoning committee made a mistake in issuing a permit to Lewis. Mr. Worrell questioned hours of the Watering Hole restaurant and the condition some patrons were leaving the business after closing time. Jackie Rogers, owner, explained she keeps a close watch on people when leaving the establishment.
A discussion was held concerning zoning ordinances not followed by the Watering Hole. Mrs. Rogers emphasized the difficult she has had in getting a straight answer from the City. “One person says one thing…and another person something else,” she stated. Zoning Board Chairman Jim Ball reiterated the importance of working with the building inspector and zoning director before any project is begun.
The board approved the project for the manhole at Choctaw and 5th Avenue at a cost of $59,000. Tim Bray, city superintendent, explained the work will not be completed before school begins and will cause difficulty with traffic in the area.
The board approved a camera system for the city barn, library/civic center, and airport at a total of $9,423.00.
The board is working on rental agreements for PriorityOne Senior Citizen facility, Community House facility, Civic Center facility, and Community House parking lot usage. The board approved rental of the community house parking lot for $50. Hopefully, this parking lot will encourage food trucks to rent space in the area. No decision was reached with regards to the Community House or PriorityOne Senior Citizen facility. Discussion will continue rules and regulations as well as cost for the Civic Center.
Tiffany Kinslow appeared before the board concerning the use of the Community House. The preservation committee is against general renting of the building. The committee requested only city functions be held at the Community House. The rental is still under question.
The meeting was adjourned.
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