The Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen held its first May monthly meeting Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m.
Following opening reports, new business began with claims docket approval; Alderman Lawana Thompson recused herself due to a possibility of conflict of interest.
Local resident Morgan Lewis appeared before the board, stating that he believed Mayor Dale Berry was using the power of his office regarding a personal family issue. After asking questions and making comments, Board Attorney Wesla Sullivan informed Lewis that this meeting was “not the time or place for this conversation.”
According to Lewis a road was closed on his property but is still travelled and he would like to add gates so it can be closed. He was told that this was a zoning issue that would require a hearing.
Two requests for proposals (RFPs) came up for discussion – grass cutting for the airport and cleaning city buildings. Sullivan said that the information on grass cutting had been sent to her too late that afternoon of meeting for her to review but that she will do so before the next meeting.
Regarding the cleaning RFP, Sullivan told the board that social media is not a proper medium for publishing public notices. She presented an RFP that was approved for publication in the Magee Courier/Simpson County News requesting bids.
Magee Fire Chief Buck Craft informed the board that the Volunteer Fire Department had received a $5,000 grant from Walmart at their recent reopening and that the money will go toward the cost of battery operated tools to make firemen’s jobs more efficient. Payments on the new truck are set to be completed by the end of this month. The board approved the receipt of the grant funding from Walmart.
Penny Aguirre, city zoning administrator, said that the revised zoning ordinance presented by Jim Ball, chairman of the Zoning Commission, at the last board meeting needs approval before a June zoning hearing date already set. The board approved the revised publication. In addition, Aguirre gave board members copies of fencing ordinances from Gulfport, Brandon, Ridgeland and Florence for their review to develop such an ordinance for Magee.
Discussion ensued regarding moving fences to bring homes into conformance. Property owners, especially those owning manufactured homes, are told when they are non-conforming but as Aguirre stated, “It’s been difficult. We’re not kicking anybody out of anything. We just say, ‘that’s non-conforming.’”
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila reported that the splash pad has had all necessary repairs made; however, it will not turn on. He said that he and Mike Berry, facilities technician, had determined that the problem appears to be computer related. Zila is attempting to reach someone to advise him. He also said several tournaments are scheduled over the next two months bringing in 35 or more teams for each.
Berry, who also serves as airport manager, appeared before the board with several items including grass cutting, the fuel issue, and the house review. It has been determined that the fuel is contaminated kerosene. Fire Chief Craft commented that the Fire Academy does not use this type of fuel for training, only propane, as it is more easily controlled.
Berry also reported that a walk-through of the house at the airport that had previously housed the managers revealed a host of insects, dirt and minor renovations needed. Berry said he will address those needs. He did state there is no black mold in the house. The airport passed state inspection last week as well without incident.
In other business, Sullivan brought several items to the board’s attention, the first being ordinance 297 regarding Co-op Road and the weight limitations for vehicles using that road. Magee Co-op General Manager Mike Adcox came before the board for discussion pursuant to the original 176 and revised 297. After extensive research Adcox said he discovered that he is in violation of the current ordinance and would continue to be with the adoption of the revised ordinance as he drives a one ton dualy truck. Anything larger than a ¾ ton truck is in violation.
Adcox pointed out that both ordinances are not necessary as the railroad crossing which is at the heart of the ordinance issue is governed by Mississippi Department of Transportation under the division of Aeronautics and Rails, Josh Stubbs, director. It is illegal to block the railroad crossing at Highway 28 East and Co-op Road whether it is an automobile or semi-tractor/trailer rig.
Several ideas were discussed including making Co-op Road an in and out from one direction rather than two way. Adcox said that would hurt not only the Co-op’s business but also the new business, Simpson Outdoors, and any others that would be in that area for cross through traffic. He also asked the board to review the status of the intersection at Highway 149 and Co-op Road as it needs enlarging to accommodate traffic entering and leaving Co-op Road. Possible signage was also discussed.
As a result of the discussion the board did not adopt ordinance 297 and repealed ordinance 176. According to Sullivan, this is one case where a procedure in state government has worked well.
Sullivan next presented the board with a current contract for her services at an annual salary of $30,000. The contract was approved by the board.
Other matters discussed included a review of an engineering services contract Sullivan revised that contained items that violate state law. After discussion other changes were found that need to be made. Sullivan will present the new contract at the next meeting. She also brought up for discussion surplus property to be sold and revision/ clarification of the city’s alcohol ordinance and Sunday sales resolution. The board approved advertising the surplus property and Sullivan’s review of alcohol documents.
After a brief presentation by Pat Brown, executive director of the Simpson County Development Foundation, regarding new land uses in Magee the mayor and board moved into executive session to hear more details from Brown.
In addition, Public Works Director Tim Bray and Craft brought personnel issues for discussion.
