Mayor Mark Grubbs announced during the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen’s regular meeting on February 3, that the annual Mayor’s Food Drive is underway.
One pound packages of spaghetti noodles will be collected through February 27 and given to food distribution sites in Magee and surrounding counties.
Grubbs reported that the asphalt plant in Mount Olive where the City of Magee buys hot mix to repair potholes is down for maintenance. He said he is not aware of how long the plant will be down, but he is hopeful that once back in operation Public Works crews will begin patching potholes.
He also reported on other city projects. Plant 2 water storage tank washing is complete. Plant 1clear well holding tank is being pressure washed and painted. The tennis courts have been washed and three nets will be replaced. Grubbs added that two more sets of bleachers have been removed at the Sports Plex. The concrete pad will be finished once a bid has been approved.
He also gave updates on Magee City Park. More sod will be added, the fencing will be installed and a rolling gate now at the Sports Plex will be moved to the park.
Alderwoman Allyson Berch brought up for consideration a warming station in Magee to be used in an extreme weather event such as occurred in other parts of Mississippi last month. Mayor Grubbs said that he has already reached out to the American Red Cross in regards to a shelter in Magee. He has not heard back but will contact ARC again. A warming station only allows a person to remain an hour.
The mayor returned to the discussion from the January 20 board meeting regarding the sewage dumping/grease control ordinance. The board approved hours of operation as Monday through 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no increase in fees.
Public Works Director Tim Bray stated, “I'm in the process of building a cover with a padlock on that manhole. They’ll be the only ones besides me who have a key,” referencing the three Magee businesses who utilize the lagoon. Board members asked that documentation be signed at the time keys are assigned accepting responsibility and that there be no duplication of the key. The ordinance was tabled until Board Attorney Wesla Sullivan makes the suggested changes.
The board approved a motion to replace 271 city lights with LED lighting at a cost of $8,543 due at completion of the project. The city has prerviously replaced 274 lights. The mayor will contact Entergy to move forward.
The board approved a one year marketing agreement.
Police Chief Denis Borges requested approval of $146.64 for an e-mail return receipt. He said that Magee PD has 52 guns from other jurisdictions that were either seized from individuals or stolen. Borges stated, “By law, we have to send out receipts letting the individuals know the last known address of the owners of the guns. They have 30 days to claim it. If they don't, then it becomes city property. We go ahead and send those certified letters and receive the email return back.” The board approved the motion.
Borges asked for approval to sell 169 guns ready for purchase. The proceeds made from the sale will go to offset a grant MPD received to purchase new guns as discussed during the January 20 meeting. The board approved the request and accepted the lower bid of $11,548.75 from Southern Connection to purchase the new guns. The second bid submitted was from Simpson Outdoor for $14,500.
Fire Chief/Building Inspector David Craft reported that fire inspections of city properties are near completion. Fifteen building permits have been issued and two gas inspections completed. Craft researched area municipalities’ fee schedules to develop a new one for Magee. The board adopted the new schedule pending language changes made by Sullivan.
The mayor presented two bids for the concrete pad at the Sports Plex: $9,179 and $13,700. The board approved the lowest bid $9,179 made by a Mr. Keys. In addition, two bids for purchase and installation of additional park sod were received. The board approved the bid made by Bruce Lewis for $6,000. The second bid was by Mark Stubbs for $6,500.
Lastly two bids were submitted for additional park fencing: $7,900 by Bruce Lewis and $8,995 by Hagen Fencing. The board approved the Lewis bid.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila presented board members with a recommended field advertising agreement. Field sponsors will pay $10,000 for a five year period and dugout sponsors $2,500 for a five year period. The board approved the agreement.Alderwoman Suzie Bourn recommended Donna Martin serve as her representative to the Parks and Rec Committee. The board approved the nomination.
The meeting ended with executive session.
