At the April 15 meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Police Chief Denis Borges stated the three juveniles responsible for the damage to City Park bathrooms were identified and apprehended.
Because of their ages and the fact that they are first time offenders, Borges decided not to arrest them. Instead, the parents agreed to share equally the cost of the repairs that totaled approximately $2,900. Borges also stated that should this happen again the minors will be charged. He requested executive session for this issue along with a personnel issue.
Mayor Dale Berry offered information on two issues on which residents have voiced concerns. The first is the damaged railroad crossing at 2nd Avenue near First Baptist Church. Railroad personnel told Berry the company has money set aside to make the necessary repairs to the crossing. The second was that City Park playground equipment will be installed in July 2025 with sufficient lighting and appropriate fencing surrounding it. Berry added that a playground is available to residents at the Sports Plex; however, there is no shade.
Berry brought to the board a fund raiser that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority wants to hold on September 20 to raise scholarship funds for students from Magee, Mendenhall and Simpson Academy high schools. The sorority wants to use the green space next door to PriorityOne Bank on Main Avenue. Pending the group’s special event application, the board plans to approve the request.
The board approved a request from Sophisticated Pearls of Simpson County to plant eight trees at the Marvin Jackson Park. They also approved adding Good Friday as paid holiday.
Avery McNair, a Simpson County Academy senior competing for Miss Mississippi Teen representing Madison County, made a presentation on her community service initiative, severe weather readiness. Partnering with Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, McNair offered current statistics on tornadic activity in Mississippi. Between January 1 and April 8, 2025, 92 tornadoes have touched down in the state. The second highest is Missouri with 57. Her goal is to see more people educated and more communities offer storm shelters.
Fire Chief David Craft again thanked the board for efforts to obtain the new radios. He also brought attention to an abandoned building known as the Avery Building on 5th Avenue near Piggly Wiggly. While it is hardly visible from the road, entry is easily accessible and it is being used by the homeless. There is evidence of illegal burning inside.
Craft stated it is a public health hazard saying “someone could die there and no one would know it. Something needs to be done”. The board will discuss the building’s owner during executive session.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre continued discussion on the Avery building asking for two week publication of a Notice of Safety Order deeming the property unsafe by the fire code. The board approved. She added at one time the property was on the Superfund list but at this time is no longer. Aguirre told board members the Zoning Commission has no recommendation at this time on the request for rezoning property for RV conditional use within the city limits.
The board approved Aguirre’s request to rezone properties belonging to Dr. Charles Pruitt from C2 to R2. They also approved another property belong to Pruitt from C1 to R2.
The Zoning Commission recommended to the board revocation of zoning on property owned by Morgan Lewis, that it revert back from I2 to R1. For eighteen months Lewis has not complied with the zoning ordinance of erecting a visibility buffer. After a lengthy discussion including comments from Jim Ball, Zoning Commission Chairman, the board agreed to give Lewis 30 days to comply.
There is a water leak on Lewis’ property that has been identified as a city issue, ongoing for a year. Bray has been there twice but cannot locate the leak. Berry stated he will call Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering for assistance to find it.
The board approved two special events applications. The Magee Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual carnival May 8 – 11, 2025. The second is sponsored by Taurus Davis for a first annual Field Day at Marvin Jackson Park July 26, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Aguirre presented the board with the city’s Emergency Operation Plan. It will be amended as needed as personnel changes. She noted Mississippi is now considered the epicenter for tornadoes in North America by the National Weather Service. The board adopted the plan. Lastly, she presented several amendments to the zoning ordinances and the board approved them.
Building Inspector Duane Simmons reported he issued four permits for various issues and completed three residential inspections.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila presented two bids for carpeting only for 12 batting cages: Registered Athletics, $41,198.20 and Control Products, $49,538.40. He is still working to find a solution to the splash pad issue.
Jordan Sullivan, 19, approached Zila about hosting at no charge an Ultimate Frisbee program during the summer months for kids 8 years and older, including adults. It would be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The board will consider at the first meeting in May.
Zila informed the board three fights have occurred in recent weeks at the Sports Plex; parents are dropping children off there before games begin. In an effort to curb these Chief Borges has agreed to place an officer at the park for the next four weeks.
Airport Manager Mike Berry continues to work on installation of the PAPI lights. The facility recently passed inspection by the insurance company. A notification letter has been sent to the FAA. Since January 1, 2025 1,500 gallons of fuel have been sold.
The board gave final approval on and adopted the new smoking ordinance.
Wesla Sullivan informed the board that Reginald Jackson has resigned his position as municipal judge effective May 1 with his last day April 30. The board accepted his resignation. Sullivan requested executive session to discuss the matter further.
During executive session one full time police officerwas approved for hire.
