At a recent meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Mayor Dale Berry read a resolution requesting assistance from the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD) in the submission of applications for FY 2024 Delta Regional Authority funds.
The board approved the resolution including the advertisement of public hearings in conjunction with this DRA project.
Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering briefed the board on several projects. The water meter project is 80 percent complete of contracted amount. Water treatment plant #1 is online and functioning. The Lamar Road project has been awarded but the project will not begin until 2025. The paving project is underway.
Clearpoint is working on the design for the erosion project at 11th Avenue and Big Creek with bids in the first quarter of 2025. Dungan said that next year he would like to address a master plan for sewer and water improvements for Magee.
Dungan also addressed the City Park project that includes a playground and four pickle ball courts with bids at $359,582 and $338,999 respectively for a total of $698,581. The city previously earmarked $500,000 for the project. After lengthy discussion, the board approved a motion to award the playground project as phase 1 to Struthers Recreations in the amount of $359,582. They did not award a contract for the pickle ball courts.
Shane Steele, who is the city fire marshal and handles code enforcement and property maintenance for the City of Magee, came before the board with personal comments regarding his employment from the City of Magee and his family.
He said, “Over the past six months my family’s been ridiculed, there’s been a bunch of comments from different people with the city from as high up to city workers and stuff. It’s a little aggravating to know that my family’s name has been drug through the mud by city workers, this board, certain individuals. I’m not saying it’s everybody.”
He pointed out that his family members have put in 50 years of service to the city. Steele said that specifically comments had been made about the airport, and that his wife, former Airport Manager Ashley Steel, had 18 years of perfect inspections there. He also listed several improvements made while she was manager.
Steele concluded by saying he would not stand by and listen to anymore disparaging comments. “I don’t care if it’s an elected official, a city worker or what…I’m telling you this point right now, it won’t go on no more. Even Jesus got a little mad and He turned over some tables when He had enough and I’m telling you right now, I’ve had enough.”
Brett Duncan with Prince CPA spoke of a balloon payment of approximately $52,000 due on a dump truck on a three year lease buy back financed through Trustmark Bank. Public Works Director Tim Bray recommended the board pay it off and own it. Duncan added that by the next board meeting the necessary financing will be in place for the purchase.
Bray informed the board that the limb truck in for repair was returned to the city on November 15.
Magee Police Chief Denis Borges brought a last minute request from Walmart before the board regarding the hiring of police officers to cover holiday hours for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Borges, city officials and City Attorney Wesla Sullivan. Borges retracted the request for Thanksgiving as there was not enough time to properly attend to all the issues brought forward but said he will revisit the issue for Christmas holidays once all the questions and issues are addressed.
In addition, Borges received notification of a $5,000 fund from Mississippi Hub which he shared with Sullivan. The document sent was too vague on whether the funds are free and clear or whether strings may be attached. The issue was tabled until further information is made available.
Fire Chief David Craft told the board the tower has been brought down and now just waiting on service to be applied. He also offered a public service announcement due to a resident coming in to verify Magee’s response to area fire rating for homeowner’s insurance. It currently stands at 5. Craft also reminded those who have and utilize fire places to be sure and check them and have them cleaned if necessary as the winter season is here.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre requested publication approval for a December 10 zoning hearing for property located across from the former Mims Mitchell Funeral Home corner lot for use as a medical office. The board approved the motion.
On November 12 the Zoning Board opted to continue a hearing on rezoning of property owned by Anthony Cohen across from the US Post Office as there are surrounding property owners the Zoning Board wants to include in the decision. That board also had a hearing the same day on amending the zoning ordinance regarding fencing and commercial vehicle parking in residential areas. That hearing is also continued as those board members want more public input.
Building Inspector Al Sullivan reported that 200 letters have been sent to businesses for renewal of contract licenses to operate within Magee city limits. Gas inspections have been completed on four homes on Dolly Lane, allowing them to be on the market soon. In addition Sullivan is working on code requirements for tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), a new type of structure.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila updated the board that he will get information letters out regarding spring city ball before children go home for the Christmas break. Due to rain-outs the remaining soccer games will be played during the week of Thanksgiving. Park cleanup continues.
Airport Manager Mike Berry updated the board that fuel is now less than 500 gallons and the tanks may be cleaned. Fuel sales continue. Fence and gate work is underway. Board members approved a motion authorizing Berry to sign a grant application in the amount of $40,000 to fund a new beacon light, installation and painting of a pole.
Under other business, Alderwoman Lawana Thompson made the motion the board uphold the Zoning Commission’s override of Aguirre’s interpretation as stated during the board meeting November 5, 2024, with a second by Alderwoman Sue Honea. The vote passed with three in favor, one against and one abstention.
Sullivan asked the board to take under advisement the minutes of the board meeting, in that they are limited in the information provided. She did add that it is the board’s decision whether to maintain them as they are or to expand. “The board speaks only through its minutes,” she said.
During executive session the board approved the hiring of a new K9 officer and his handler.
