The Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 3:30 p.m. with the meeting time changed from 5 p.m. in consideration of the annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade at 6 p.m.
Mayor Mark Grubbs and board members allowed three residents to speak during the public comments although they had not completed the forms required 30 minutes prior to the meeting.
Angie Von Seutter stated that she is part owner of a piece of property (727 1st Ave. SE) saying that “Penny (Aguirre) today damaged,” referring to the city zoning director. “My fence is gone; that property down there is destroyed. And I have not been served, not one time.” Von Seutter added that a permit was obtained to build the $5,000 fence. Her final plea was for “mercy and grace.”
Hannah Berry-May appeared thanking her alderwoman for being transparent before stating that an employee hung up on her when Berry-May asked for her name. “I’m asking, is this where my tax dollars are going? To somebody that is playing hall monitor?” She added that she has owned property for ten years in Magee and never had an issue until Aguirre was hired as zoning director. She believes it to be a personal vendetta, stating that she has been blocked from a government website to learn about boil water notices to inform her own tenants. Berry-May said she has hired an attorney for the fourth time in less than two years to deal with her complaints in the city.
Berry-May’s husband Chris May appeared, asking if any board member wanted to offer an apology for the way he had been treated at the previous board meeting. He said he was present at the Von Seutter property earlier. “I witnessed this lady’s house being destroyed by the city, being guarded by the police.” He then continued with comments about compliance and non-compliance. May requested “common sense decisions like other counties and cities” to be made in Magee, saying he believed they are being targeted “because we’re poor, we talk loud or because we don’t like you.” He finished his appearance addressing a ticket he received because of parking and storage of an excessive number of vehicles, adding, “I own a business.”
Mayor Grubbs moved into his report, reminding everyone about the comprehensive plan survey located on the City of Magee website as well as Facebook page. So far 250 people have completed the survey that is open through December 19.
Rain Forest Car Wash has received permits to add a quick lube oil change adjacent to its business. The Code Enforcement Portal is now available on the city’s website.
It was announced thta Marcus Stewart has received Animal Control Certification.
Grubbs thanked Karen Moseley with Keep Simpson County Beautiful for a donation of daffodil bulbs that were planted at the Marvin Jackson Park. He also thanked Rev. Pete Carter for partnering with Magee to make a Thanksgiving visit to the Collins Veterans Home. In addition, Grubbs thanked Building Inspector Duane Simmons for partnering
with a local business to provide full Thanksgiving meals to ten families in need. Finally he thanked the Magee Fire Department for the annual smoked turkey fundraiser.
The mayor gave updates on work projects. The week of December 15 Southern Corrosion will paint the ground storage tank at Plant 1along with washing the elevated tank near Tractor Supply. Fencing around the city park began today.
Before approving the Claims Docket Alderman Julian Harper questioned the excessive payment to Voices of Hope asking how the hours are tracked. It was stated a report is sent to Aguirre who will share with board members upon receiving. Alderwoman Lawana Thompson added she did not know how the city could sustain paying $8,000 monthly. A question was raised as to where they are working and Grubbs responded that there are two on the garbage truck and some helping with the Christmas lights. According to Tim Bray, Public Works Director two men also picked up garbage on Highway 49 frontage road. Harper made the motion to approve the docket with the provision to revisit the Voices of Hope expenditures. The motion passed.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer appeared before the board with a current inter-local agreement to replace the one that named Charles Baldwin, former tax assessor. Only one change has been made – rather than a staggered percentage collection she asked for a 3% across the board. That money goes to Brewer’s collection fund, $2,500 per municipality, to collect taxes. The board gave pending approval asking asked that City Attorney Wesla Sullivan review the document.
The board briefly discussed a Septic Pumping Ordinance before tabling the issue until Sullivan can review and make comments.
Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering stated Southern Paving has not completed the punch list submitted in the previous board meeting. He requested final payment to Struthers Recreation in the amount of $324,534 which is less than the original contract cost. The board approved the request. The board brought up a flooding concern found at the city park; Dungan said that has been addressed and a plan is in place.
Bray reported that Magee had a recent DEQ inspection and “passed with flying colors.” He submitted a written report.
Police Chief Denis Borges requested the board accept a donation of undercover equipment valued at $3,345 from the District Attorney’s Office; the board approved. Discussion ensued regarding the recent manhunt in the Goodwater area near the old Magee Elementary School. Borges followed protocol and contacted Grubbs who in turn only contacted two board members rather than all four. In future emergency situations, the mayor will contact all board members by text. The chief also requested executive session.
Fire Chief David Craft stated he follows the same protocol in emergency situations by contacting the mayor who in turn contacts board members.
Aguirre submitted a written report to board members.
Simmons presented a written report to the board showing five permits issued.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila submitted a written report. He informed the board registration for city league ball will move to an online process increasing the fee from $65 to $70.
Emergency Director John Hosey reported airport fuel sales have increased with only 187 gallons remaining. He requested and the board approved a purchase of 4,000 gallons at a price of $3.4785 per gallon. Hosey was also approved to attend a required class on emergency management necessary for his position, December 12-18 in Oxford, MS. While the class is free the hotel expense is $453.52.
The board approved a water adjustment for a resident whose yard flooded as a result of an O-ring going out.
Harper questioned Simmons about the large amount of fees collected in February. Simmons stated that Magee General Hospital began renovations that month and he remembered their fee was just over $10,000.
The board moved into executive session.
City employees Penny Aguirre, Zoning Director and Duane Simmons, Building Inspector were terminated Friday afternoon via phone calls from Mayor Mark Grubbs. The paper contacted the mayor Tuesday morning for comment but no response was received before going to press. We will continue to follow this story.
