The Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting held May 21, 2024 opened with two public hearings, the first concerning property at “926 4th Street S.E. Magee, MS 39111 is in such a state of uncleanliness as to be a menace to the public health, safety and welfare of the community under Miss. Code Ann. Section 21-19-11.”
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre made initial comments that current the hearing stems from ongoing actions beginning in 2021 and a hearing date had been set for September 2023. However, Aguirre could find no documents supporting said hearing held. On April 9, 2024 Aguirre along with Shane Steele, Charlie Valadie and a Magee police officer visited the property to remind the residents of the upcoming hearing on their residence. Following their morning visit the residents requested all documentation that had been sent from the city in 2021 to the present. Aguirre also noted that since April 9 said residents “have been diligently cleaning” and she provided photos to the board members to that effect. However, she also noted that this has been an ongoing problem and they were invited to the hearing to present evidence to show what has been done to clean up their property.
The residence is owned by Brandy Santos who lives on the coast but is occupied by her father. He stated they have been cleaning up the property before Alderman Sammie Tebo asked about ownership of the property at which time the father responded his daughter owned the property. While the city has sent documentation to Santos it is being mailed to the Magee address. After several minutes of discussion regarding legal issues, inspections and roof repairs, the board agreed to give the resident until June 18 to complete the clean up and repairs to include a follow-up inspection.
Mary Ann Hudson appeared for the next hearing regarding the burned out property at 807th Avenue SE where it appears someone has been living. The board approved allowing Hudson to get the area cleaned up by the June 18 aldermen meeting to include a follow-up inspection.
Mayor Dale Berry informed the board and those in the audience of the holiday garbage pickup schedule regarding Memorial Day. AT&T is asking for a fee to be waived to run fiber optic cable and tie in to existing cable for a local business. The board approved the motion.
Civil Engineer Forrest Dungan updated the mayor and board on several items including the water meter replacement project should get underway within the next couple of months; recommendations on the lagoon; and, the street paving projects. Dungan stated he needs to meet with the board of aldermen to determine specific streets in each of their wards to be paved. The board approved a work session Wednesday, May 29 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the project in detail. The board also approved an expense of $8,000.00 to be spent on four random quality assurance tests of the asphalt used in the paving project.
After approving two sets of minutes and the claims docket the board heard from Magee resident Laterral Spurlock seeking recompense of $1,000.00, her homeowner’s insurance deductible paid out of pocket to remove a city property tree that fell on her property. Spurlock has attempted to recoup these funds for over a year completing proper paperwork. The board approved the request pending proof of payment of deductible by Spurlock.
The board heard from Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila regarding the continued issues with the Sports Plex splash pad. He stated the company requires $1,622.00 to reprogram the control panel but it is not guaranteed to repair the controls numbered 2, 5, and 8 on the panel. Alderman Patrick Brown asked how much has been spent so far since it was placed and how much use has been gotten out of it. Zila responded that until the recent tank/rock settling issues and pipes bursting began 10-20 people a day would visit. Large groups like churches occasionally visit as well. Brown added that he believes the board needs to make a decision if the splash pad is worth continuing to invest in it. Zila added he would need to research those statistics and get back with the board.
Public Works Director Tim Bray stated debris pickup now takes place once a week. Two spec houses are being built in the Dolly Lane neighborhood that cannot be completed due to plumber’s errors on two other homes already built. The city laid water lines appropriately; however the plumbers cut too far into those lines, blocking them for the new houses to be built. According to Bray it will be the responsibility of the builder/plumber not the city to make the necessary repairs. All necessary repairs including landscaping will be the responsibility of the builder. Bray also requested executive session for a personnel issue.
Police Chief Shane Little asked the board for leniency in regards to overtime for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend to accommodate the needs for officers on additional shifts. He also added he has received positive feedback on the City of Magee app. Little requested executive session for a personnel issue.
Fire Chief Buck Craft updated the board on the completion of the new fire truck with the final inspection around the first of June, as well as personnel issues. Craft requested two applicants be considered for hire as Charlie Valadie’s resignation is effective May 31, 2024 leaving Craft the only person at the fire department. The board asked Craft to bring all applications currently on file to the workshop scheduled May 29 for review and recommendations.
Aguirre presented the final draft of the new zoning ordinance, information to upgrade membership in the Mississippi Main Street economic revitalization program, a fence ordinance and the Simpson County Youth Council. Aguirre recommended upgrading to Network Level in MMS at a cost of $1,500.00 which will supply support in several areas by the association moving toward the final step of Designated. The board approved the cost by motion.
Alderwoman Lawana Thompson asked Aguirre about the possibility of a rental agreement for the now restored Community House. After discussion the board instructed Board Attorney Wesla Sullivan to draft an agreement encompassing all rentable city buildings.
Airport Manager Mike Berry provided a summary on the fuel gap sales and made a recommendation to publish an RFP to cut grass at the airport. In addition, the airport board is having a walk-through of the house on the grounds. The board approved the RFP to run in the Magee Courier/Simpson News May 30 and June 6, 2024.
Under Emergency Matters Animal Control Officer Bennie Blair informed the board there are dogs unfazed by the current tranquilizer darts used. Tebo recommended Blair reach out to other communities to determine how they handle this issue. In addition, there will be no further adoptions at this time as the pound is again overrun with Parvo virus.
Under Other Business Thompson asked Sullivan to revise the liquor ordinance to clarify business hours for the sale of alcohol. Alderwoman Sue Honea made three suggestions for consideration: reconfigure city offices, develop a Parks and Recreation Commission similar to those for the airport and zoning and a citizen’s request for striping at the SportsPlex.
The board and mayor then entered executive session.
