The Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Tuesday, February 4, to a capacity crowd in the gallery, many in attendance to question high water bills and several in support of a request made by the Historical Preservation Society.
The meeting opened with Alderman Sammie Tebo questioning the status of the lights not functioning on Highway 49 and at the PriorityOne Senior Center. Mayor Dale Berry responded that he had been in touch with Entergy and would contact them again.
Berry added that health insurance open enrollment for city employees was projected to include a 12 percent increase but instead there was only an 8 percent increase.
The increase in city water bills was the next topic for discussion. Berry asked City Attorney Wesla Sullivan to explain the situation. She had been meeting with several people to determine why bills increased so dramatically. Sullivan said they believe they know what happened, but that a bit more work was needed to be certain. City Clerk Libby Shivers said water bills should not be paid until the readings could be done properly on the new water meters. She also contacted banks requesting they withhold automatic drafts. New bills will be mailed.
Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering informed the board that the project is complete on water treatment plant #1 and requested the board make the final payment of $53,235 to Greenbrier. The board approved the payment. The water meter project lacks completion of 53 meters as more information is needed on them.
The Lamar Road extension project is underway with changes needing made regarding sewer and water lines. The water main will need to be moved to the north side of the road so as not to infringe upon the sewer line, saving money in the process. The board approved the change order.
The paving project will not continue until Southern Paving returns to perform clean up on their previous work. Dungan also reported the playground project is waiting on equipment.
Sullivan informed the board the City of Magee needs an Election Committee to be approved at this meeting since the election process is already underway. Board members submitted names and the top three were selected: Nancy Brown, Diane McPhail and Paula Watts. The board also approved a contract for election.
In addition, Chris Purdham with the Simpson County Republican Party stated they will run the city’s republican primary as there is no party for Magee. All Republican candidates have been certified.
Charles Funchess spoke on behalf of the Historical Preservation Society specifically the financial need for the McLaurin Vocational Center, asking for funding. Berry stated there should be an increase in ad valorem taxes and the city may be able to offer some financial assistance.
Joshua Burns with the Tobacco Free Coalition returned a second time to request the board adopt a city wide 100% smoke free ordinance. He complied with Alderman Patrick Brown’s request to speak with local restaurants who stated they are in support. The board approved the ordinance.
Jim Ball zoning board chairman appeared before the board with a presentation on rezoning recommendations by the zoning commission. The commission wants to prevent spot zoning within the city. Ball asked the board to consider using a two-thirds majority vote in the future.
Public Works Director Tim Bray updated the board on his department’s projects.
Police Chief Denis Borges asked the board approve a resolution to the state for $320,000 for equipment and vehicles. Funding would come from general appropriations and would have more consideration if the city presented the resolution. The deadline is the end of February. The board approved the resolution.
Borges also requested training funds for two separate courses in the amounts of $429 and $450 for Officer Danielle Bounds to become an investigator. One of Magee police department’s investigators recently resigned and two are necessary. The board approved. He also stated the MPD is currently working on the Bradley Lott cold case. Borges requested executive session for personnel issues.
Fire Chief David Craft updated the board stating 13 calls were made during the month of January. The rate inspection was completed and waiting on results.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre informed the board she is currently working on a grant application for the McLaurin Vocational Center also offering thanks the city will consider funding as well. She also asked the board to approve a special event, The Farmer’s Market, to be held in the Community House parking lot beginning Thursday, March 20, 3:00 – 6:00 pm. It will then run every Thursday afternoon at the same time for the remainder of March, April and May. The board approved the request.
Berry then announced the resignation of Building Inspector Al Sullivan who turned in a six week notice. Sullivan completed several residential and commercial inspections and issued an HVAC permit along with one new city contactor license. Demolitions are scheduled for properties located at 301 1st Ave. NW and 817 5th Ave. SE for February.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila informed the board that the lights at the Sports Plex have been repaired. He added that spring ball signups have decreased this year believing select ball teams may have made an impact. This year are there 19 where last year only five or six. He has extended registration deadline. Zila requested executive session.
The board then moved into executive session. Zila was approved for one new fulltime hire.
