Two public property hearings were held at the beginning of the June 18 meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen as directed during the aldermen meeting held May 21.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre brought pictures to the board of property at 5th Avenue, SE showing more debris on the property than was shown30 days prior. In addition, a fire was burning on site containing toxic items violating Ordinance #287. During discussion David Miller, who was present in the gallery, stated he will have the house torn down and removed by Wednesday, June 26. If not completed, the board will take action.
Some progress has been made at the property at 926 4th Street, SE as recorded during the May 21 board meeting. The resident stated he will have money in hand within two weeks and will have the required repairs and debris/removal complete by the next board meeting July 2. If not completed, the board will take action.
Sealed bids were received from Peoples Bank, Cadence Bank and Trustmark Bank on loans for the purchase of a gravel truck. The board approved the bid from Trustmark that came in with the lowest interest rate of 5.43%. The amount financed is $229,000 with a balloon payment of $140,000 at the end of a 36 month term.
Attorney Oby Rogers appeared before the board on behalf of Jaclyn Rogers, owner of Cattle Drive Grill and Waterin’ Hole located at 509 1st Avenue SW. At issue is a stop work order issued by Kara Lucas, city building inspector, for violation of Ordinance # 3304 on property across from the restaurant purchased by Ms. Rogers. The property is zoned for residential use.
Attorney Rogers does not believe she is in violation and would like clarification to state of the violation. Lucas said the stop work order was issued as any new building construction must go before the Zoning Board and that has not occurred. After lengthy discussion regarding unknowns about the use of the property, Attorney bRogers requested something in writing outlining what Ms. Rogers is in violation of. He added that he is willing to meet with Aguirre to discuss it.
Brent Duncan with Prince CPA discussed the current state of the city’s budget. He said that the paving project funds totaling $1 million will be in hand by July 7, 2024. By August 31, the city needs to be moving ahead on phases two and three of the project as checks must be written by that date. Budget workshops will begin in July.
The board approved a .50 hourly pay raise for several new public works employees after completion of their 90 day probationary period.
Magee Police Department Investigator Brian Green requested executive session for personnel matters.
Aguirre asked for and the board approved a measure to pass a resolution required for the application for Magee’s participation in the Main Street Program.
In addition, she presented an opportunity for Magee to participate in a program called Your Hometown presented by WJTV in Jackson. Anchors Walt Grayson and Kayla Thompson will be broadcasting live during the 6 a.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts on Wednesday, July 3, the day before the Simpson County Bicentennial Grand Finale. Levels of sponsorship are available at varying costs that will include advertising, on air promotion, etc. on both WJTV and The CW television channels. The board approved a Magee title sponsorship of $4,500 for 74 commercials and other advertising elements.
Lucas updated the board on 62 properties on the FEMA audit presented during the last board meeting saying 48 of those properties have been removed. The audit will be completed in phases. A Certified Local Government ordinance has been submitted to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for review.
Jimmy Zila, director of Parks and Recreation, reported that girls’ softball games played district the previous weekend and three divisions won district. Boys’ baseball is scheduled for the upcoming weekend as well as other ballgames in the weeks ahead. It was noted that tournaments positively impact the city sales tax raised during those events.
Airport Manager Mike Berry stated that a marketing program has been launched on social media platforms to advertise the Magee Airport as a fueling station for private pilots traveling from the Southeast United States to an annual air show in Osh Kosh, WI – one of the largest in the US. In addition, the price of fuel has been lowered to $4.50; 3,000 gallons remain to be sold.
In other business the board approved a motion to accept the engineering contract as amended for the street paving project.
The meeting moved into executive session to discuss personnel issues and legal matters.
