The Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Tuesday, May 6, with a full agenda.
Mayor Dale Berry opened the meeting with comments directed specifically toward parents, regarding the recent drop offs of children at the Jimmy Clyde Sports Plex. He made it clear that the playground is strictly for children, not teens, and that the Sports Plex is not a babysitter.
“You saw last week that our chief (Police Chief Denis Borges) means business. We’re going to put cameras up there for law enforcement. I’m putting you (parents) on notice tonight that if Magee PD picks up some of your kids we’re going to march them into the police department; we’re going to call you to come get them. At the next board meeting the Chief’s going to have you talking to the board about it, why you can’t control your kids.” Berry also announced that an electrician is coming to review the issues at the Sports Plex splash pad.
He noted that new Municipal Court Judge Megan Stuard Thornton held her first court session on that day.
Libby Shivers, city water clerk, updated the board on the citywide emergency notification system IRIS. They used a recent small area water outage to test the system on a large scale and it worked. While IRIS will be used primarily for water issues in Magee, it may also be used for larger scale emergencies.
Bids were opened on the 11th Avenue erosion project, with the low bid coming in at $69,425 from D&M Clark Construction, a significant difference from the anticipated $110,000. Eight bids were submitted. The board approved the low bid to start the project.
City Attorney Wesla Sullivan updated the board regarding non-compliance with the 2018 state audit. After changes were made to the way the audit was conducted, Magee is now in compliance with state audit procedures. Previously it was made on an accrual basis but recently changed to a cash basis, which is faster and more affordable. Sullivan is working with Brett Duncan of Prince CPA to hire a new contractor to complete the remaining audits through 2023. According to Sullivan the State Auditor’s Department said that with these developments we are current. We are in compliance with their requirements. Sullivan said this will probably save the city $50,000.
Zoning Commission Chair Jim Ball appeared before the board with two items. The first was a reminder that the Zoning Board works for the aldermen to conduct zoning meetings and make recommendations on issues relevant to the city’s safety. He asked that they consider that a starting point for review. Ball also asked if any activity had occurred on a recommendation made at the previous board meeting regarding zoning revocation on property belonging to Morgan Lewis. He was given 30 days to build a visual buffer around his property. According to Building Inspector Duane Simmons, there has been no construction.
Ball also said the Zoning Commission has hit a roadblock with RV parks within the city limits. There is a hearing in continuance regarding a resident who purchased property and planned to build and open an RV park in Magee. The commission is at a standstill moving forward, as these parks are not listed in any permitted use or conditional use in zoning. Input from the aldermen is needed.
Ball made two suggestions from the Zoning Commission: totally prohibit RV parks or set a 30-60 day moratorium to develop standards. Alderman Mark Grubbs requested no decision be made at this time based upon others on the meeting’s agenda.
Bruce Lewis appeared next before the board specifically addressing Alderwoman Sue Honea and her recent live stream regarding the location of the requested RV park. He made several comments from a personal stance regarding this zoning issue, calling out Honea and requesting Ball resign as chair of the Zoning Commission. The land at issue is owned by his daughter and son-in-law, Logan and Chad Hand, and Lewis stated they have put at least $80,000 into its development based on approvals given by the Zoning Commission.
Chad Hand continued the RV park discussion, saying this has been ongoing for two years and that he has complied with every request the Zoning Commission has made but wants better communication and clarity to move forward. Berry stated the board may want more information during the zoning presentation.
Public Works Director Tim Bray informed the board that equipment for the most part is in good working order with the exception of the side arm that needs repairs. He was asked to solicit bids for it. The board also authorized stop signs near the intersection of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home and Shining Starz, ABA. Bray reported that two employees have quit and requested executive session for personnel issues.
Police Chief Denis Borges informed the board that Officer Steven Creel resigned; the board accepted his letter of resignation. They also approved continuing education for dispatcher Brandi Hannah at $102 on May 22 along with the hotel expense of $160 for Officer Joseph McNair’s attendance at a storm class. The board also approved the disposal of old property from the jail.
Fire Chief David Craft said the fire department responded to a total of 16 calls in the last two weeks. He also commended the community on a fundraiser for their fireman Tate Clayburn, who continues to battle brain cancer. It raised more than any previous fundraiser the department has sponsored, he said.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre stated that the zoning map is again under review as there are more parcels in question stating that nothing in the city archives addresses said properties. She has reached out to CMPDD asking if they have information in their archives.
Pastor Darnell Moffett came before the board about the properties as well, since Calvary Baptist Church, where he is pastor, owns 100 acres of land that borders Paul Kennedy Drive. Some of the land was zoned as mixed use, which came as a surprise to the congregation. They too would like to look at an old map to see if it was changed as they have no memory of the changes. The land around it is agricultural.
Aguirre presented the amended copy of the zoning ordinance for consideration. It will be available for two weeks to the public for review and may be adopted by the board at the next meeting. The board approved the publication of a notice to clean up property on 5th Street.
The board approved a special event application from the Magee Chamber of Commerce for a Farmer’s Market to be held in the parking lot adjacent to the Community House for the following Saturdays: June 7, July 5 and August 8.
Lastly the issue of cat overpopulation and the lack of an ordinance on file were discussed. Aguirre has researched but found no answer. Borges suggested she contact PETA.
Simmons reported a total of 19 documents issued, either permits, completed inspections or city licenses over the last two weeks. In addition, Michael Von Suetter is building the fence around his property as ordered by the board.
Airport Manager Mike Berry requested expenses for the AB Fuel Training Program in Denver, CO June 10-11 required by the company. The board approved the cost of $1,044.06. Berry is addressing the items identified during the recent MDOT inspection. In regard to the house on the airport property, the board instructed Berry to begin necessary renovations.
Alderman Sammie Tebo and Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila were absent.
The board moved into executive session.
