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Members of Bigland Heights Community met before the Magee Board of Alderman Tuesday, June 2, 2020 during their regular scheduled meeting.
Robert Pearce spoke to the board on behalf of the residents of the subdivision. Concerns are with the purposed structure of a church on the back side of the subdivision. With the possibility of 700 church members, residents are fearful of traffic for the subdivision. Residents of the subdivision do not want the streets to be open to the church. Concerns are heavy with the safety of the children and grandchildren within the subdivision. The city agreed to have Bruce Smith, city attorney, investigate the plat to see if there would be problems for the subdivision.
City Hall is reopening to the public beginning Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Social distancing will be observed.
The city curfew is still in effect until further notice.
Mayor Dale Berry advised the inmates will be released for work duty starting June 8, 2020. Strict guidelines must be followed each day for the inmates safety.
The Farmer’s Market is returning to Magee beginning Saturday, June 13th and continuing every Saturday through August 8th.
Mayor Berry reminded the public if they have not already done so to please make sure they have completed and returned the Census form.
City workers are testing all sirens and making needed repairs to any that are not working.
Ball season has returned to the sportsplex. Magee will host a tournament the weekend of June 6th. over 50 teams are expected to be in attendance. Both windows on each side of the concession stand will be open. Six foot social distancing will be observed. Concession areas will be taped off with six foot markers. Bleachers will be closed. Areas around the fence will be allowed for spectators. Mask are not required but encouraged. Park Director David Dunn said city recreation ball will start in the coming weeks. There will be no official games, fees, teams, jerseys or pressure just kids playing organized ball.
The splash pad reopened for several days, but is not in operation at this time due to a broken part. The part has been ordered and as soon as it is replaced the splash pad will reopen.
The City of Magee accepted bids for landscaping at City Hall, Police Station and the Library. After additional discussion, the board will consider using the American Bloom Grant, which was awarded to the city last year, for the landscaping project.
The board agreed to shop prices for the best interest rate to finance the water leak that cost $142,000 at the 5-way stop in Magee. The loan would be financed over 5 years.
A lengthly discussion took place over the concerns and conditions of the city park. Alderman Whitney Baker suggested hiring an individual to assess all playground equipment and needed work. The city will look into a grant for expenses for needed repairs.
A discussion was held concerning the problem of homeless people living within the city limits of Magee. Attention was brought to the board that some people were living in restrooms at City Park, McNair Springs, bridge at highway, and the old Western Sizzler building. The police are watching and checking the locations daily to make sure no one is trespassing.
In airport business, Barge Engineering was present for the meeting. Barge advised the runway was completed. The airport is open and in operation. The only items remaining are final inspection and final striping of runway. A $20,00 grant is available. The city voted to more forward in application process to secure the grant. The money will be used to fuel Jet A tank, and bring the tank up to date. All work to tank suction valve, repair to credit card reader, new filters and paint pipe would be needed. An additional $14,000 would be needed in addition to the the $20,000 grant. The project will bring the airport into compliance with FDA.
The board approved to hire Kieffer Grimes to work as contractor labor for two months while Air Port Manager Ashley Steele is recovering.
The board approved to move forward with a grant application for security fence around the airport property and cameras. The fence will help with homeland security requirements and controlling wildlife from entering the runway. If the board is awarded the grant, it would be a 95% funding.
With no further business meeting went into executive session to discuss personnel issues.
