At the April 1 meeting of the Magee Board of Aldermen heard updates on several city’ projects from Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering.
He reported taht water meter replacement will finish up under budget by approximately $100,000; however, money is left that “we are obligated to spend.” To that end about a dozen two inch meters will be replaced to spend down the funds to close out the project.
Lamar Road extension is also nearing completion. Southern Paving has completed the asphalt portion of the project. The board approved $288,998.13 for payment. Total project cost is $785,704.26. Some outstanding issues still need to be addressed before the project is signed off on as complete.
The playground equipment for City Park should be installed in July 2025, and the Big Creek project is set for publication with bid opening May 6, 2025.
had two absent: Patrick Brown and Lawana Thompson. In addition Jimmy Zila parks and recreation was absent.
Resident Jaclyn Rogers appeared before the board with a request to review an ordinance from 1968 regarding having chickens inside the city limits. Her interpretation is that they are not allowed but Rogers said she is aware that several residents have them; she would like to have them as well and asked for an updated ordinance. She said she had researched other cities in the state and provided board members with that information.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre added that the said ordinance 98 states fowl is allowed as long as it does not become a nuisance, which is defined as noise, odor, attracting pests, or health issues. Aguirre has had to address residents dealing with nuisance issues. Board members will review the ordinance with plans to discuss it at the next board meeting.
City Attorney Wesla Sullivan provided the board with the revised smoke free ordinance, stating it will remain on file with the City Clerk for two weeks for residents to view. The final passage of the ordinance will be at the next board meeting.
Public Works Director Tim Bray requested executive session for two employment applications.
Police Chief Denis Borges requested funding for three employees to attend a jail class for certification upcoming April 17 at the Simpson County E911 Building. The cost will be less than $300 per person. The board approved Nicholas Palomino, Mikala Dampeer, and Candy Burns to attend. Borges also requested the shooting range located near the Sports Plex to be closed. During a recent event Zila reported to the chief shots were fired from the range. At that time there was nothing stopping entry to it. Bray reported the gate was taken down during boring by CSpire and never put back up. He was directed to replace it. Lastly the MPD has acquired a second K9 officer. Venom, a Dutch shepherd is dual purpose trained in narcotics as well as tracking and apprehension. The only cost to the department will be food, medication, and 30 minutes a day for training. The board approved the new officer.
Fire Chief David Craft stated the number of calls for March was double the usual reaching 44 total. The board approved a request for raise for Fireman John Hosey who completed his 90 day probation period.
Aguirre requested publication approval for a conditional use hearing set for May 13 for property owned by Hal Berry. The board approved the motion. The board also approved a special event application submitted by Main Street Magee for Seersucker Derby Day on Saturday, May 3. No city property is required as it will be held in the green space adjacent to PriorityOne Bank on Main Avenue, only assistance with cleanup afterward. Property maintenance work is ongoing. Aguirre suggested board members visit the Civic Center if they have not had the opportunity to see the renovations that have taken place.
Building Inspector Duane Simmons updated the board that demolitions are complete at 212 4th St. SW and 428 1st Ave. NE. His office issued several permits and performed several inspections in the last two weeks. One new city contractor license was also issued.
Airport Manager Mike Berry submitted photos to the board of the new courtesy car and completed asphalt project at the airport. Alderman Sammie Tebo donated from Ward 3 the remaining asphalt to complete the airport job. Alderman Mark Grubbs asked for an update on the vandalism at City Park bathrooms. In recent weeks sinks have been torn from the walls twice, dividers destroyed and lighting torn from the ceiling creating shorts in electrical inside and outside. Berry has repaired these. He stated they were supposed to be locked but Grubbs added he did not think they had been. Discussion ensued that someone from Parks and Recreation needs to double check bathrooms to be sure they are locked. Chief Borges reported that two juveniles have been identified from the camera video footage.
During executive session the board approved two new full-time public works employees.
