A deal may be in the making for a homeless shelter in the city of Magee if the plan meets with city approval.
Mayor Dale Berry reported that Overflow Church had expressed an interest in renting property that could be used to house homeless people in Magee.
At a previous board meeting it had been reported that people had been sleeping in the bushes at the library. The homeless have also been reported staying in the bathrooms at the city park in town as well as at McNair Springs. Last year as temperatures dropped, city leaders attempted to make provisions for some of these people.
Before the aldermen agreed to lease the property to Overflow, they wanted a plan drafted to be presented to the city regarding operations of the facility as well as liability responsibilities. The lease amount that was discussed was $10 for the year. This would release the city from liability, according to the mayor.
The board approved the naming of a street located behind Spring Lake Subdivision as McNulty Place. The 5 1/2 acre plot was purchased by Josh McNulty, and Berry said McNulty plans to create one house lot for his own family. The board voted and approved the naming of the street.
The board agreed to waive sewer fees for Dewey Sullivan, who operates a business in the Magee Industrial Park near the National Guard Armory. Fees had previously been waived for another business located there because they provide their own service through a septic tank rather than using city sewer.
The board approved a drive-through baby shower in downtown Magee on April 18. This is being done to comply with social distancing guidelines and the extended order by the governor regarding crowd gatherings. City facilities like the community center will remain closed until the governor lifts social restrictions regarding covid. The order has been extended until March 3.
Because of liability issues with the city’s insurance the firing range will only be open to city employees in the future. This includes no family members.
Garbage pickup for Monday, February 15, Presidents Day will be moved to Tuesday and Tuesday will be moved to Wednesday because the city will be closed.
Berry reported that a local business person was wanting acquire the sign rights to a bill board on Highway 49 occupied by a city sign and convert it to a digital billboard. The city currently is working on placing a bill board there for Magee winning state championship. The board voted against the request.
The city appears to be moving ahead with the plan to obtain their own communications tower. Charlie Valadie told the board that Southern Pine had agreed to donate it to the fire department. His plan was to place it in the current industrial park near the other communication towers. Estimates to get it operational for the fire department, police department and public works is $55,000.
Hugh Dilmore, public works director discussed issues the city is facing regarding water wells and stated if any other wells go out of service the city may loose water pressure. There was continued discussion about litter in the city and the board instructed to police department to crack down on violators.
Cody Blakeney from Mize was hired as a parttime police officer per the chief’s recommendation.
