During a regular meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen held Tuesday, October 21, Mayor Mark Grubbs shared upcoming community events that will be held during the last week of October through the first week in December.
Of particular note are Halloween events October 30; Community Christmas decorating November 6; Veterans Day Parade November 11; Mingle on Main November 18; and the Christmas Parade December 2. The board also approved a motion for a Game Night for the youth group of First Baptist Church to be held at Ural Everett Park.
The board approved a motion to file application for a grant from Central MS Planning and Development District to cover costs of meals at PriorityOne Senior Center.
The board voted on two separate motions to declare items as surplus with no use or value. The first one for chairs that will be donated to Voice of Hope. The second is a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe police cruiser in need of a new engine that would cost $7,000 to $8,000. The motions passed.
Grubbs said the city is still waiting for a price for emergency repair to Water Well 4. They are also waiting on a second quote to repair library bathrooms.
Three ordinances were brought up for adoption and publication. These include 301 rental housing codes; 302 regulating work on public property and rights of way in the city; and 303 to adopt various codes relating to inspection activities of the City of Magee and enforcements. The board approved ordinances 301and 302 while tabling 303.
The board also approved adoption of a new permit application pertaining to ordinance 302.
Carolyn McNair Diamond with Sophisticated Pearls of Simpson County requested the board’s approval for placement of food collection boxes throughout the city. The donations will be given to Overflow Church Food Pantry. The board approved.
Chris May appeared before the board with the intent of discussing zoning issues for a mobile home park, according to his public appearance application form. Naming each board member and the mayor, May said “thank you for ignoring my family and not caring.” After back and forth comments May was removed from the court room by Police Chief Denis Borges.
Zoning Committee Chairman Jim Ball made two requests of the board: a site plan to be included with every application and research regulations of tiny homes as Mississippi offers none at this point. His final comment was giving unanimous support to Zoning Director Penny Aguirre by the Zoning Committee for her work ethic and performance, among other attributes.
Board members approved the Municode at a cost breakdown of 40% each from general and water funds and 20% from garbage funds. City Attorney Wesla Sullivan reported that a team of lawyers will review current ordinances, citing outdated ones, making recommendation on new ones, comparisons with state law and making sure Magee remains compliant. The review will occur annually and will be available on the city’s website.
Public Works Director Tim Bray was absent dealing with a major water line break on the frontage road of Highway 49N near Angela’s Gifts. He submitted a written report to the board. Bray also requested executive session for personnel issues.
Chief Borges asked the board to accept a donation of a MS Highway Patrol 2016 Ford Explorer K9 unit to be used as a backup. He also asked the board to approve a $7,000 donation from Tyson Foods. The board approved both donations.
Fire Chief David Craft submitted his report in writing to the board members.
Aguirre brought before the board a request from the Zoning Committee to recommend a conditional use application to build a convenience store; however, none of the appropriate building plans have been submitted. The committee made the recommendation based upon plans the builder submitted on previous builds to use as an example. The board requested more information before taking action. In addition a publication notice was approved for a rezoning hearing scheduled for November 11.
Building Inspector Duane Simmons presented a written report to the board outlining 31 various permits and licensures.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila submitted a written report.
Brett Duncan with Prince CPA gave remarks regarding tax diversion changes, stating that Magee will qualify 100% for the next year’s diversion.
The board approved a special event application for the Christmas Parade to be held Tuesday, December 2, before moving into executive session.
