The September 3 meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen opened with the swearing in of the new police chief for the Magee Police Department, Denis Borges.
He introduced his wife Courtney and their seven-year-old son, Holden.
The mayor and board approved a motion requesting technical assistance from Central Mississippi Planning and Development District to make application for FY 2024 funds from Delta Regional Authority to develop a comprehensive plan for the city.
Forrest Dungan with Clearpointe Engineering appeared before the board with updates regarding ongoing projects. Seven competitive bids were opened on the paving project with the low bid from Southern Paving, Columbia, Miss., for $820,563.25. Contract period is 60 calendar days. The board approved moving forward.
The developer of Cypress Point Subdivision plans to build 10 houses and has asked the city to pay for certain materials while he will pay for the labor. After discussion and several unanswered questions, the board asked Dungan to review plans from a previous developer of the same property before making any decisions.
Former interim police chief Bryan Green tendered his resignation from the MPD effective September 6.
Fire Chief David Craft reported that the Magee Volunteer Fire Department responded to 19 fire calls during August. He also reported that members from the seven Simpson County volunteer fire departments recently met with county officials, Covington County Ambulance, and County Emergency Management Coordinator John Kilpatrick to develop a plan in the event of a county-wide disaster in an effort to maximize resources available. Craft reminded the board that Magee Fire Department is the only one in the county without MISWIN radios; the current radio system is outdated. It will cost approximately $70 -$75,000 to fully equip the eight fire department vehicles with MISWIN radios with 34 hand held units for firemen. He has requested these funds during the current budget process.
New Police Chief Borges made brief remarks to the board and the audience present about his initial plans when he begins work on Monday, September 16.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre informed the board of two zoning hearings on October 8, both for Anthony Koehn. Two special city events were approved by the board, Crazy Day on October 26 and Sip n Shop on November 16.
City Attorney Wesla Sullivan updated the board on the status of the rental agreements for city properties at the Senior Center and Community House. The board passed a motion prohibiting public rental of the Community House, reserving it for city usage only. The board directed Sullivan to make changes to the Senior Center rental agreement before approval at the next meeting.
The board approved a motion on a revised liquor ordinance for the city. It will remain on file for two weeks before receiving final approval at the next meeting on September 17.
The board approved posting the position of building inspector with qualifications on file and available for review.
Sullivan presented forms for bidding purposes as previously requested by the Board of Aldermen. The board adopted usage of the forms for future biddings.
