When the Magee Board of Aldermen met on February 20, they discussed the issue of tractor trailers parking on city streets when the drivers return home.
Alderman Mark Grubbs said the streets are not designed to hold tractor trailers and that the city needs to look into an ordinance to stop the practice.
Grubbs said, “There was a question of how they get to and from their house. That’s not the city’s problem. Our job is to protect the taxpayers and what we’re fixing to do with the city streets. I don’t care where they park, they don’t need to park in the city limits on city streets.”
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre said these people are taxpayers too. She provided examples from other cities on how they have handled tractor trailer parking and examples of ordinances. Aguirre said the vehicles need to be thoroughly described in the ordinance to include weight limits and axles. Aguirre plans to research an existing ordinance and report back to the board.
Owners of Dabbs Dispensary Tony Wallace and Bobby Britton appeared before the board to ask to be allowed to operate the dispensary on Sundays. Wallace said they own seven dispensaries throughout the state and Magee is the only place that does not allow sales on Sunday. He asked that his business not be classified as an alcohol seller but instead as a pharmacy.
Wallace said, “We feel our patients should have access to their medicine the same as those who choose not to use cannabis and goes to Walgreen or Walmart.”
He said what they are doing now is traveling to Richland on Sundays, and “that does not feel right.” He said his business has blended in with every other business and has caused no trouble for the city. The board referred to the ordinance which does not allow Sunday sales, and Aguirre said Dabbs signed off on the ordinance. Dabbs will need to request a hearing from the Zoning Board before moving forward.
Joe McNulty with the Airport Committee presented a report on updates that have taken place. He said the PAPI lights are functional, runway lights have been replaced, and a document has been created for what needs to be done for a daily operator. He said they also met with Rebel to replace the sump pump for the Avgas tank. The old pump was repaired, and Rebel showed them how to test fuel and clean the pumps. The committee also placed locks on all hangers, gates, and fuel tanks and all legal documents were turned over to city hall.
The committee recommended that Dusty Drennan be hired as the interim airport manager at $25 per hour until the board can hire a full-time manager. The board discussed the recommendation in executive session.
Penny Aguirre presented recommendations from the Zoning Board and gave an update on the Community House project. She also announced that the city will be hosting Town Hall meetings every Monday in March for one hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Shane Steele, of city code enforcement, informed the board that bids for tearing down the old Grace Healthcare on Main Street will be taken until March 15 at 3 p.m. Four properties are scheduled for a hearing on March 19 due to public health and safety issues. The city continues to have public health and safety issues with the SASE apartments.
Alderwoman Lawanna Thompson requested new light poles in areas around town where there is not much light.
Lights were requested for the 900 block on 5th Avenue, 5th Street and Main Avenue, 5th Street near 4th Avenue, and Siloam Avenue. She said citizens have reported other citizens walking on these streets at night and they are not able to see them on their ring cameras because the streets are dark. She said there has also been theft in the Siloam Avenue area.
Mayor Dale Berry said he will request the poles.
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel before adjourning the meeting.
