The regularly scheduled meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen for March 4 was held on March 5, due to inclement weather.
Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering updated the board on current projects. Contracts 1 and 2 on the water treatment plants are complete. The water meter project is 99 percent complete with only a few remaining meters to be replaced. The board approved two payments to Greenbrier: $195,591.70 and $91,640.80.
While the paving portion of the project is complete some issues still need to be addressed before closing out the project completely. The board did approve a payment of $224,838.11 to Southern Pavin, but this is not the final one. Approximately $350,000 remains to be paid upon completion. The board did approve a change order increasing the total for the paving project from the original $800,563.25 to an amount not to exceed $942,000.
Before moving to directors’ reports, Alderman Mark Grubbs requested that the board consider adding a stop sign at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Cherry Street, making it a three way stop. The hope is the sign will slow traffic in the neighborhood. The board approved the measure.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre brought various updates in written form to the board members including the building inspector’s report and an updated copy of the Emergency Operations Plan. The board approved a request for publication of two zoning hearings upcoming on April 8, one for conditional use and one for rezoning.
In addition, Aguirre requested two public hearings on two different properties for demolishion. One is the estate property of Mr. Odell Rankin, whose house address no longer exists. Alderman Patrick Brown said he would get in touch with a daughter who lives out of state to bring it to her attention. The second property is one Aguirre addressed a year ago, which the property owner had planned to remodel. Nothing has happened and according to Aguirre, the structue is falling down and is unsafe. The board approved the request.
Public Works Director Tim Bray requested an employee be removed as probationary as he completed his first 90 days. The board approved. In addition Bray commended the efforts of three specific employees in the street department: Andy Jackson, Daniel Rankin, and Marcus Stewart.
Fire Chief David Craft informed the board of the MVFD attending to 21 calls including three structure fires, 13 grass/brush fires, two vehicle fires of which one was a false alarm. With the assistance of public works the MVFD will remove some of the flower beds around the facility and replace with concrete so they may move the barricade back. Also there are two trees Craft would like removed as they are creating hazardous conditions. Mayor Dale Berry will make contact with tree removers to begin the project.
Alderman Sammie Tebo asked Craft where the VFD is regarding the county wide radios. Craft stated the department is in possession of the radios; they are waiting on the WCC for a channel. He believes once that is received the radios will be up and running in 30 days or less.
Lastly Craft stated the department wants to repaint the fire hydrants in the city red. He has found a special acrylic paint that runs $80 to $90 gallon. His plan is to purchase one gallon to determine how many hydrants that will cover before making an extensive purchase. In addition, he plans to add reflective bands to the top of each hydrant that will be visible day or night.
Neither Building Inspector Al Sullivan nor Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila were present.
Grubbs requested the board set a time to interview the candidates for the building inspector position. The board set March 13, 5:00 pm for interviews.
Airport Manager Mike Berry updated the board that the CSpire Wifi project is complete. He requested the board consider paving a short entryway along with a three car parking lot. The airport recently took possession of a courtesy vehicle at a cost of $3,000 from Mississippi Surplus.
Police Chief Denis Borges requested funds for officers to attend required continuing education classes. Each officer and dispatcher must complete 24 hours in one year. Borges requested funds for three different classes. The board approved a total of $900 for MPD personnel to attend. He also requested $895 for a taser instructor class for Corporal Creel. His certification expires in April and he must recertify each year. The board approved.
Borges also brought to the board the possibility of leasing police cruisers in the future. The board stated that would need to be discussed during the next year’s fiscal budget sessions. MPD is now in possession of a 2009 Impala at a cost of $2,100 for dispatcher usage for travel. Borges requested executive session.
City Attorney Wesla Sullivan brought to the board an updated/revised smoking ordinance. After significant discussion the board decided to further investigate various forms of smoking and smoking products before adopting a revised ordinance.
Alderwoman Sue Honea questioned the ongoing water meter reading issue. Sullivan stated plainly “this is strictly a software problem; it is nothing to do with anything the city did.” She and the appropriate parties have a conference call scheduled to remedy the issue.
The board moved into executive session where they approved one new full-time hire in the MPD.
