In his opening remarks at the October 7 regular meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Mayor Mark Grubbs commended the efforts of residents from Voice of Hope and Beauty from Ashes ministries for their work at the Jimmy Clyde Sports Plex.
He then moved on to announce several plumbing problems. Well 4 is down for unknown reasons, but work will begin as soon as possible to correct. In addition, the Magee Public Library bathrooms are out of order due to sewer line problems, but patrons may use those in the Civic Center so the library may remain open. Stanley Graves Plumbing submitted one bid for repair in the amount of $7,900. The city is waiting on a second bid.
Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering presented a draft ordinance to address discharge waste into the city sewer system which he asked the board to review. He will also forward to City Attorney Wesla Sullivan for review. Christian Carrico who has spear headed the rebuilding of the City Park updated board members on its progress. With the fencing withdrawn from the original Struthers contract, $29,952 was released. Two bids were received on fencing that will include black vinyl coating: A1 Kendrick, $22,894 and Sullivan Enterprises, $30,500. The board approved the bid with A1 Kendrick. The time frame to receive and install fencing is about nine weeks. The park will be open to the public once a 16’ section of curb has been installed on the backside of the park.
The board approved a change order to deduct $29,952 and a 10’ strip of sod at a cost of $5,096 from the original contract. Landscape bids were submitted by Petals and Blooms, $21,362.15 and Southern Home and Garden, $21,451.73. The board awarded the bid to Petals and Blooms. Bruce Lewis of Bruce Lewis Landscaping, has agreed to install the city park sprinkler system at no charge with materials provided by the city once fencing is installed.Board members approved four special events: October 25, Color Me Crazy 5k & Fun Run; October 30, Treat Street; November 6, Community Christmas Decorating; and, November 18, Mingle on Main.Cassandra Walker a charter member with Rho Iota Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority appeared to thank the board for allowing the group to hold its All White event on September 20. Walker extended special thanks to Zoning Director Penny Aguirre for her help as well as Lawana Thompson for her attendance.Chris May began his comments thanking the mayor for time spent in discussion with him over the last two weeks. He stated “we the residents of Magee are calling for the immediate resignation of Penny Aguirre, Zoning Director, due to repeated misconduct, abuse of authority and unfair treatment to our citizens. Ya’ll know the citizens I’m talking about.” He added the department has created an “atmosphere of harassment, intimidation, bias and fear.” In addition, they would like to see the paid position of zoning director eliminated stating surrounding towns have shared positions. May added several more personal comments stating his appearance before the board is his last resort. The board excused May when his allotted five minutes was up.The board approved adding a cleaning fee of $150 monthly for PriorityOne Senior Center through the end of 2025.Board members have reviewed and approved an ordinance establishing rental housing codes.The board tabled the Municode contract to the next meeting so members may review.Public Works Director Tim Bray requested executive session for personnel issues.Police Chief Denis Borges requested the board approve two donations. Rankin County will donate a 2013 Tahoe already outfitted as K9 with mileage of 134,000. John Hosey donated a four year old German shepherd K9, Brita, trained dual purpose in drug tracking and apprehension. Both donations were approved.Borges also asked the board to approve pursuance of an AKC $7,000 grant with a 20% match from the city. The grant will provide necessary training for Brita and her handler Officer Brooks Bowen. Approval was given.In addition, Borges added the MPD passed a recent audit with Mississippi Office of Highway Safety. Magee PD has also donated an old K9 patrol vehicle to John Hosey, the new Emergency Management Coordinator. All blue lights will be turned red.Fire Chief David Craft submitted his report prior to the meeting.Aguirre submitted her zoning report prior to the meeting.Building Inspector Duane Simmons submitted to the board copies of the current and proposed building permit form that now includes assessed fines. The board requested a review by Sullivan.Airport Committee member Joe McNulty recently attended the MS Airport Association Annual Meeting bringing recommendations to the board. He met with Federal Aviation Administration officials from Jackson particularly about runway extension. Necessary to the extension is an FAA pre-application due annually October 1 which the committee was not aware of until the FAA meeting. Filing the pre-app does not involve a monetary commitment. McNulty shared with the beacon repair already having been made at a cost of $25,000 the airport is set to receive 90% reimbursement on that or, $22,500. Grubbs signed the pre-app on October 1 in time for submission. A determination will be made in January. The cost of a 5,000 foot extension is $25,000 and will take about 3 ½ years to complete. Board members accepted the pre-application and passed a motion to begin the necessary justification of the extension process.McNulty also presented a possible rental agreement between the city and Gold Arrow firefighters for use of the house on airport property as a business office. AlderwomanSuzie Bourn recused herself from this discussion; her husband, Dusty Bourn is chief pilot. McNulty outlined specifics of a two year contract with renovations made to the house/building by Gold Arrow members at a reduced rental cost during the first year and pay utilities. The second year’s rent would be $500/monthly and pay utilities. Bourn returned at the close of discussion.The meeting moved into executive session where the board approved hiring a new employee for Public Works.Sullivan and Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila were absent.
