Magee will soon be home to a women’s parole center located in the former state correctional center.
On a split vote with Alderman-at-Large Angel Brister casting the deciding vote, the agreement to lease the facility was approved three to two at the last meeting of the Magee Board of Aldermen.
Alderman Lane Steel first spoke in favor of the move, stating that the city had housed prisoners for years under lock and guard. Alderman Patrick Brown supported the issue also, stating that he had been around inmates most of his adult life while working at the corrections center.
It first appeared that Brister was not going to cast a vote, though she said, “You have to give them ( parolees) the benefit of the doubt.” She then stated, “They are already living in Eastside Subdivision.” Two church-sponsored halfway houses are located in Eastside.
Mayor Dale Berry reported that the facility would get between $200,000 and $300,000 in renovation work done to it, and that the city would receive $2,500 per month in lease payments.
The board instructed the board attorney to draft the lease with MORE, Mississippi Offenders Re-Entry program, which will administer the center.
This is a mission program of Pine Lake Church in Jackson, and its pastor, Brother Gene Henderson, is one of the primary coordinators.
Continuing on the agenda for last Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Berry mentioned problems with the lighting at the walking track at the old YMCA. He reported that the city had quotes from $11,300 down to $4,324 for replacement batteries. He stated that the wrong battery control devices were installed and were not capable of the extreme heat, citing that as a reason that they were no longer functioning properly.
He next reported some breaks in the main water lines along Highway 49. He said a 6-inch line broke and as soon as it was repaired the adjacent 10- inch line broke in two places.
Berry said the city would be hosting softball tournaments with 60 teams this past weekend and 30 for this upcoming weekend.
He announced his intention of starting the Mayor’s Youth Council in October.
The board announced that it was their intention to acknowledge Wednesday, October 31 for Trick or Treating. The Chamber of Commerce will host Treat Street on Crazy Day, which is Saturday, October 27.
Mayor Berry briefly discussed the meeting with the school board about the 14.5 acre site which the city wanted to acquire. He said that some outside organizations would like to lease the high school field for play for $15,000 per year for a seven month lease. Berry said it was his intention to give the high school first option on the baseball field.
Alderman Patrick Brown is attempting to come to a compromise with the school board to come up with a reasonable concession for the schools as well as the city. Brown says his goal is to show the positive economic impact of maintaining properties like the 14.5 acre site owned by the school district near the old Magee Elementary campus with the idea that good maintenance and development in an area creates additional rooftops and, in turn, generates more tax revenue.
City Building Inspector Joe Worrell explained to the newer members of the board the process that is involved with maintaining property when a property owner doesn’t do so. He stated that as long as the owner resides in Magee the issue is much easier to handle. Dealing with absentee landowners presents more red tape and procedures that have to be followed.
Fire Marshal Charlie Valadie reported that the city will be testing the 300 fire hydrants in the city, which will cause sediment in the water supply, but he said this is the only way to ensure there will be proper pressure in the event of a fire. He said residents will be notified prior to the testing.
