At the first April meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen the board selected Thursday, April 4, at 5 p.m. for its next workshop.
Two bids were presented for a one time expense to use mulchers to clean up the streets of Magee before the local Simpson County Bicentennial events begin in the city on April 13. Outdoor Solutions had the lowest bid at $8,000 and was approved by the board.
Under new business, the claims docket was approved before moving on to comments and questions from resident Paul Arnold. He wanted to know the time frame from start to finish in regard to Ordinance 231 Section 407, covering property regulations, beginning with first notification through issuing citations.
Arnold said he believed he was being singled out in regard to this ordinance in that others have had similar issues that have taken three years to resolve whereas his case come up in a matter of weeks. Arnold was told that often these issues are on a case by case basis. He closed his comments by thanking Tim Bray, Public Works director, for his diligence in cleaning up a drainage problem across from Arnold’s home that has caused flooding issues on his property in the past.
Veterinarian Paul Calhoun addressed the board with information regarding Parvo virus and the Magee dog pound. He offered solutions that included vaccinations upon a stray’s entry to the pound to include quarantine and regularly disinfecting the kennel runs with Clorox. Currently the pound has only five functional runs with five in need of repairs. Calhoun suggested making repairs to the five and using those as the quarantine area. In addition, dogs need to be quarantined for 14 days, he said; however, Magee only holds dogs for five days before sending to Mississippi Animal Rescue League.
The incubation period for Parvo can be two weeks, but once a dog is inoculated, immunity occurs within a week. Parvo is most deadly to puppies 6 weeks to 6 months old. Vaccines may be purchased locally at the Magee Co-op as well as on-line. Stipulation was made that to be effective and remain effective the vaccines must be refrigerated.
Calhoun recommended Animal Control Officer Bennie Blair to administer the vaccines. In addition he recommended the purchase of a microchip scanner as a good investment to determine ownership as he said he believes not all intakes are strays.
Alderman Mark Grubbs said the board needs to be proactive by repairing the kennels and purchasing a scanner and vaccines.
Bray reported that the city is continuing daily cleanup and garbage pickup and that two quotes are needed for repair of the sewer problems near the Magee Cemetery.
Police Chief Shane Little said that he is not moving forward on the packet of information handed out as he is awaiting a follow up quote. However, he said he needs to discuss personnel issues in executive session.
Fire Chief Buck Craft told the board that the Bay 1 door of the fire station needs a new motor to work properly. All trucks have been shifted away from Bay 1 for easy exit.
Zoning Administrator Penny Aguirre opened her comments addressing Paul Arnold’s previous concerns stating her department works diligently to take care of zoning issues in a fair and timely manner. She added that the citation against Paul Arnold had been dismissed.
Aguirre presented an estimate from Randy Brown on repairs to the Magee Public Library in the amount of $4,450. The board approved the expenditure. In addition, two quotes were submitted for repairs needed to the Old Magee Elementary School Gym, from Billy Tuggle and Christopher The gym is the site of an upcoming prayer breakfast for the Bicentennial on April 16. Mike Berry, new airport manager/facilities technician, reported that the structure is good. The board tabled the issue until the workshop April 4.
Weather permitting, Aguirre said the new signage for the Marvin Jackson Park will be erected on Wednesday, April 3.
City Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila was unavailable to report to the board, as he was at the SportsPlex for ball games. Mayor Dale Berry added that Zila had a meeting earlier in the day regarding to the splash pad repairs.
Bennie Blair gave a statistical update on the dog pound.
Larry Partridge, vice chairman of the Airport Board, gave an update on the tank standings. Jet A fuel failed inspection only for aviation use; 2500 gallons of fuel remain. He asked for a Request For Proposals to remove fuel to empty and inspect the tank, hoping to recoup some of the funds spent on the fuel. The remaining tank is approved for aviation use and is currently $6.88 gallon. It holds 3,000 gallons, of which 2,700 needs to be removed. Partridge requested a Request to Sell at a discounted price to eliminate fuel. Before making a motion, a suggestion was made to contact the State Fire Academy to see if useful in training.
Partridge also requested a three-person panel made up of the airport manager, the mayor and the airport board chairman to make decisions on fuel pricing due to its daily fluctuation. A motion was made and approved.
An immediate need for a RFP for grass cutting near the airport runway was also approved. Previous grant funding was approved for new fencing and gates for the airport. Work will begin in late summer.
Lastly, Partridge made a request for transportation for overnight pilots’ use while in Magee. That issue will be discussed during yearly budget meetings.
Building Inspector Kara Lucas brought up pricing regarding court renovations as well as safety and security issues. These were tabled until the workshop.
Shane Steele with Code Enforcement updated the board on fees for debris pickup such as furniture for the 12 apartment complexes in Magee. The complexes are considered multifamily, and business owners will be charged $7/month per unit; i.e. 82 units will be billed $574 monthly. Along with Aguirre, Steele will meet with board attorney Wesla Sullivan to work out the wording of the ordinance.
The board adjourned to executive session.
