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The Board meeting was called to order by Mayor Dale Berry. Guest Diane McPhail led in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Dale Berry gave a summarization of what’s going on with the mayor. A Mayor’s Youth Council is being formed to have a “young” voice in local government as well as the students learning the importance of good leadership. Three students from grades 9-12 at Magee and Simpson will be chosen for participation in the twenty-four member council. Continuation of pursuit of grants for the city was discussed. Mayor Berry attended the October 4th Blue Cross Blue Shield banquet where Magee was recognized for obtaining the $25,000 Healthy Hometown Grant. The city will again submit paperwork for an additional grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield. On October 9th, Mayor Berry attended the Mississippi Mayor’s Conference. The Mayor is continuing work on a grant that is available for unwanted property. City Hall and the Police Department will receive new copy machines. The lease on the copier expired in January of 2017. The city will be reimbursed from R. J. Young in the amount of $900. The copiers will be declared as surplus and included in the city equipment auction.
Mauricka McKenzie, President of Cornerstone Engineering, LLC, came before the board to discuss the possibility of his company working with the city concerning issues with the city lagoon. Rod Nicholson from Cornerstone was also present. Situations at the lagoon were discussed. The lagoon is almost at full capacity which must be addressed. DEQ warned the city of the pending problem. The Mayor and Board are working toward a feasible solution.
The Minutes and claims docket were approved.
Ashley Steele, airport manager, gave an update on the hanger problems at the airport. Hangers 1, 5, 10, 11, & 12 have been warned about items that must be corrected to continue use of these hangers. Hanger 10 has made no effort to correct any problems and will be notified to vacate the hanger. Hangers 11 & 12 are working with the city and airport manager on certain problems. Hanger 5 repaired everything but one splitter problem. Charlie Valadie, Fire Marshall, discussed the seriousness of the splitter problem. The tenant has been given an additional period of time to resolve the problem. Mr. Tim from the city has repaired all windows and taken care of the grounding of the gas tanks and generator. The AT&T phone line at the airport building has not worked since 2007. Mr. Tim has worked on the lines but has been unable to get the phone working. AT&T says the problem is between the company line and the airport line making the city responsible. Mayor Berry stated that the city is looking into wireless phones. Ashley reported that $300 worth of fuel was sold the previous month.
The city is applying for a grant for repairs to the runway at the airport. The project would cost $ 1,056,000. If the grant is secured, the city’s responsibility would be $9,000. A motion was made to pursue the grant.
Kenneth Assand, retired Air National Guard and manager of the Copiah Airport, presented proposals to strengthen our airport. Mr. Assand will assist Ashley Steele in the operating of the airport, applying for grant money, and complying with federal and state airport regulations. Assand will come once a week for 5 hours at a cost of $250 for 3 months. The board accepted the proposal.
A discussion was held concerning charging for fingerprints & background checks. Police Chief Randy Crawford explained that Monday is set aside for fingerprint day. The Magee PD is one of the only departments in the county that provides this service. The board voted to charge $25 for fingerprints and $10 for background checks.
A pay increase for Lee Roberts was discussed. Mayor Berry explained how Mr. Roberts never charges over-time and works almost every weekend. Alderman Patrick Brown said salary increases need to be discussed during budget hearings. No action was taken.
Kim Jackson was hired as the City Court Clerk. Kim will work 20 hours a week. Betty Ella Everett was hired to oversee the prisoner work detail at the library, Community House, and City Hall. Ella will work 20 hours a week.
The board approved an increase for city water bills. The base water bill is $28.50 per month. The $3 increase will bring the base water bill to $31.50. Base water bill for commercial property currently is $50.00 and will increase to $53.00. The increase applies to water usage not sewer.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
A live video of the meeting is available on MageeNews.com home page.
