The regularly scheduled Magee Board of Aldermen meeting on March 18 was called to order by Alderman Patrick Brown as mayor pro tem. Mayor Dale Berry was absent due to illness.
Public Works Director Tim Bray and Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila were also absent.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre offered brief updates on work projects. The Civic Center and jail renovations continue. The stage in the Civic Center has been removed.
Magee Fire Chief David Craft updated the board on fires occurring in the last two weeks that included 18 various types of fires and two alarms. The tree removal approved during the March 5 meeting has taken place. Clean up continues. Fireman Michael Allan informed the board that the fire department and police department are now on MSWIN. Two calls had been received that day through the new radio system. Craft commended Allan’s efforts toward the completion of this project and thanked the board for their approval.
Building Inspector Al Sullivan reported on the various permits, inspections and licenses issued, along with demolitions over the last two weeks. Of particular note, three residential demolitions are complete: 301 1st Ave. NW; 817 5th Ave. SE; and 512 12th St. NE. Two commercial buildings have been demolished: 600 Laurel Dr. and 116 Main Ave. N. Two residential demolitions are in progress: 428 1st Ave. NE and 212 4th St. SW. Sullivan also provided before and after photographic support of the demolitions.
New building inspector Duane Simmons was introduced. He was hired during a special called meeting held March 13, 2025.
Police Chief Denis Borges requested executive session for personnel issues. He also stated the department is in need of at least one more patrol car. Borges referenced an officer-involved automobile accident the previous night. While the vehicle was not totaled, there is no spare cruiser at this time.
Aguirre presented an option to purchase a portable stage for the civic center should the board want to replace it. The cost would be less than $2,000 as opposed to $4,800 to re-carpet the existing stage. The board took this under consideration and approved a motion declaring the current stage as no value to the city so it may be disposed of in any manner.
Two zoning hearings had been planned before the meeting; however, both were resolved beforehand. The family has opted to demolish the structure on the property on 9th Ave. NW. The second property will be posted on March 19 and the city will clean it.
Airport Manager Mike Berry stated that while the PAPI lights are working, additional repairs must be made to the underground wiring.
Brett Duncan with Prince CPA opened his comments with a commendation to Chief Borges for his management of officer overtime. Duncan spoke at length on the issues concerning the new water meters including inaccurate readings, meter reading and
internal controls the state is required to follow. A form has been developed for future adjustments. There are seven meters that require hand reading as it was cost prohibitive to change them out. As a result of the new system adjustments are necessary to those water bills. The board approved the motion.
Duncan requested two new dispatchers hired in February receive the 3% cost of living increase that other city employees received at the beginning of 2025 be authorized. The board approved the 3% increase. The board also approved a special called meeting Wednesday, March 26 at 4:30 pm to address budget amendments.
Lastly Duncan recommended board members contact their state legislators regarding two pieces of appropriation legislation that have been sent to the legislature on behalf of the city. One request is for $600,000 for infrastructure and the other $320,000 for police vehicles. The board asked that the public reach out as well. A decision from the legislature will come in April.
Board Attorney Wesla Sullivan stated the board had already entered into a contract with Simpson County to use their voting machines during the upcoming city elections. The contract states that Magee would be responsible in the event of damage to the machines. However, the county requested a transfer agreement to stipulate the same information to be reflected in the board minutes. The board approved the motion.
Sullivan also informed the board she will begin reviewing the city’s garbage ordinances.
The board closed the meeting and entered into executive session. During the session the board approved the hire of a part-time police officer.
