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The Magee Board of Alderman met Tuesday, January 30th at 6 PM. The meeting had originally been scheduled to be a work shop, but became a board meeting because a few items needed to be voted by the board.
Mayor Dale Berry called the meeting to order and led in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Berry presented City Attorney Bruce Smith with the paper work for a beer license for The Vault. Upon completing of checking the paper work, Attorney Bruce Smith said there was a problem with the signature not being notarized. Alderman Matthew Hickman made a motion to approve the license upon notarization of the signatures. Lane Steele seconded the motion and the motion carried. (please see article under message)
David Dunn presented information concerning food trucks. A definition for “food trucks” was discussed with no formal definition approved. Zoning board members (James Peden, Brian Hubbard, Diane McPhail, and Sue Honea) were present for the food truck discussion. Zoning restrictions as a means to control parking of food trucks was discussed. The Zoning Board will meet Monday night, February 5th, at 5 o’clock to continue the zoning restrictions discussion. The Board asked that the Zoning Board work on a definition as well as present their findings on restrictions to the Board of Alderman.
A discussion was held about the bidding of banks on deposits held by the city.
Mayor Dale Berry expressed his concern over the operation of the Police Department DUI and Drug Departments . Berry explained that when he first took office, City Court was in session until after lunch on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. According to the mayor, City Court is often ended by 9 AM. Mayor Berry and Police Chief Randy Crawford have met concerning the matter.
A general discussion was held concerning feeding the prisoners from the satellite prison who are working for the city. Aldermen Brown and Steele discussed how the feeding had been beneficial in getting the prisoners to work. Alderman Patrick Brown explained how we would have to be diligent in being sure the food was only for the prisoners and not employees. The board agreed to a test run for a month. Money for the project would come from the General Fund.
Polk’s Meat continues to talk to the city about air in the water line causing problems. Mayor Berry brought an expert to look at the situation. According to Polks, the problem is causing a reduction in the size of their sausage once the sausage is cooked. Berry said the expert said if there is air in a water line, the air goes to the highest point which in this case would be Love’s and Tractor Supply. Polks has stated that these problems did not exist at their plant until Love’s and the Magee Elementary School were built. The city has taken several measures to assist Polk’s with the problem. No resolution was reached at this time.
The city has $220,000 to spend on paving streets. Originally, plans were to pave Main Street. Due to continued construction on Main Street, the Mayor suggested waiting another year to pave Main Street. The board agreed. All streets to be paved are unnamed at this time.
The Mayor reported that Chris Lane, owner of Cypress Point subdivision, asked if the city would pave the street in front of the occupied houses and he in turn would pave the other streets.
At the last board meeting, Mayor Berry asked each alderman to have their “wish” list ready on what is needed in their ward.
Ward 1 Alderman Whitney Baker reported that a request from her ward was publication of City Garbage Route changes. Whitney explained that she would be sure the information was posted on the city FB page and website. The water issue on Cherry Street and 11th Avenue was discussed. Problem with speeding cars in neighborhood was discussed as well as a need for additional street lights. One citizen mentioned to Whitney about a season pass to the Splash Pad. Whitney is working with David Dunn on the season pass. Whitney will be working with Amanda Blakney on the Farmers Market. Rule changes will be discussed. Whitney explained that she had signage ideas from her beginning work with the chamber on a Farmers Market project.
Ward 2 Alderman Matthew Hickman discussed the need for continued clean up of properties in his ward. Citizens complained of blocked road signs due to over grown bushes. Drainage problems were discussed.
Ward 3 Alderman Lane Steele mentioned he had talked with the Mayor about several issues in his ward. The continued clean up of properties is a concern for his citizens. Loud music is a problem for citizens in Ward 3. Different ideas were discussed on ways to eliminate the problem. A 10 o’clock curfew was mention concerning the walking track. The solar lights at the walking track in ward 3 are not working properly. The mayor is working to get these lights replaced.
Ward 4 Alderman Patrick Brown spoke on the progress of the old Magee Elementary School property. Everything is looking promising for a Tri-County Head Start to locate in the buildings which will bring jobs to our area. Patrick continues to work with two land owners over clean up of their property and is making progress. Hilton Road needs paving.
Alderman at Large Angel Brister explained that she is getting complaints from citizens all over Magee concerning the speeding of vehicles in residential areas. Complaints have been received concerning a trailer parked on the side of 2nd Avenue without sufficient reflectors. Several citizens have spoken with Angel concerning recycling in the city. The paper recycling bin is located at the old YMCA building. Angel is very interested in promoting recycling in all areas. Lighting on the walking track in Eastside was discussed. The mayor is working on this project.
A general discussion was held concerning grants for our city. The grant for a senior citizen building has been mailed to Washington. Aldermen expressed interest in securing grants from all agencies.
Mayor Berry announced the Mayor’s Youth Council will meet Sunday, February 4th at 2 o’clock.
Lane Steele made a motion to adjourn. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6th.
