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At the November 19, 2019 Board of Alderman meeting, a discussion was held concerning buses not stopping for stop signs when caravanning on Simpson 149 (old 49) to the 5 way stop near the First Baptist Church. In the past, the buses have caravanned in a direct line on Simpson 149 turning onto 1st Street (in front of the church) and proceeding to the school. Several complaints have been received to the city concerning the danger posed by the buses not stopping.
The City of Magee Police Department does not have adequate personal to handle bus details at all highway and street crossings in the city.
Police Chief Randy Crawford spoke with Jeffrey Walker of the Simpson County School district who is in charge of buses for the county. Walker was made aware that tickets will be issued in the future for failure for buses to stop at Stop Signs.
Alderman Whitney Baker asked Police Chief Crawford to make the board aware if the buses continue to run the stop signs and they will be ticketed.
Another area of discussion with the buses is 1st Street in Magee. This route is used to bring four buses from the Magee Elementary to the Main Campus. Mayor Berry discussed the problem of wear and tear on the city streets. Although there was a discussion that a warning weight sign was posted on 1st Street, upon checking the only sign is actually on 5th Avenue and deals with a turn.
The Mayor explained that these buses would cause this street to require repaving and to remember this when the time comes for spending paving money. The street in question is in Alderman Matthew Hickman’s ward and Alderman at Large Angel Brister.
The bus my kids ride does not even let them get seated before he takes off. This morning, he started going without the door being shut or them seated.