The meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen on December 3 opened with the Mayor Dale Berry’s announcement regarding the upcoming holiday schedule. City Hall will be closed December 24 and 25 and January 1, 2025. Garbage pickup is also suspended on those days.
The board approved a payment of $69,650 for the city paving project to Southern Paving.
Public Works Director Tim Bray informed the board that Entergy will not remove Bailey Cable wires hanging down in Magee. The company has closed. The city, however, does have the right to tie up cables or remove them.
The board approved a request from Police Chief Denis Borges to accept a $5,000 donation from Mississippi Hub. Borges also asked to install ID badge entry pads on all entry doors in an effort to upgrade security measures at MPD and city hall. The department already has the badge maker with chip capability, leaving only the entry pads to complete the process. Badges will be deactivated if/when an employee separates. The board approved the measure.
Borges requested approval to seek a donation from Polk’s Meat Products in the amount of $7,400 to provide two chairs made specifically for dispatchers who sit at least 12 to 16 hours at a time. The chairs are designed to alleviate physical issues that may result from long hours of sitting. The board approved the motion.
Lastly, Borges asked that three dispatchers be allowed to attend upcoming jail certification/re-certification training at a cost of $700 each. The board approved the $2,100 expenditure.
Fire Department Chief David Craft reported that the smoked turkey breast fund raiser was such a success that the department is considering a similar event for Christmas.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre updated the board on several issues including the property at 727 1st Avenue SE. Appearing in court, property owners were fined and received a payment plan. In addition one of the owners has agreed to partially clean the property; however, Aguirre requested a hearing for January 7, 2025, to consider clean up if the owners do not abate the current violations. The board approved the hearing.
Aguirre also presented special event applications for two events during February 2025: a Mardi Gras gala on February 18 and a Mardi Gras parade on February 20 sponsored by Main Street Association. Both events were approved by the board. The gala does fall on the same night as a regularly scheduled board of aldermen meeting; therefore, the board agreed to reschedule the meeting later in the month. The parade will run on Main Avenue, and the gala location will be announced at a later date.
Aguirre reminded the board of two zoning meetings next week that include conditional use and rezoning. If time permits the zoning board will revisit zoning ordinance amendments.
Repairs continue on the city jail. Flooring costs are proving to be costly but they are continuing to investigate the most cost effective choice.
Aguirre also presented bids for demolition work at adjacent properties 807 5th Avenue SE and 817 5th Avenue SE. The combined cost to clean both is $11,500. Before committing to this the board asked that Bray determine a cost for the city to clean up the property.
Building Inspector Al Sullivan reported that several permits have been issued and inspections conducted over the last two weeks. In addition, six city contractor licenses have been renewed.
Airport Manager Mike Berry informed the mayor and board the fuel has been sold. He also has the contract from AB Fuel that Mayor Dale Berry needs to sign. The fence is now up and work continues on the gates. In regards to the nonfunctioning beacon light the board declared replacement of it an emergency. In so doing they approved the purchase of the replacement light now and the city will be reimbursed when the grant funds are received.
During executive session one full-time hire of a police officer was approved.
