The Magnolia City Council met Monday.
They heard the first reading of an ordinance amending the annual license tax for businesses to operate in Magnolia. Ordinances require three readings before a vote. If the ordinance passes, rates would be based on the number of employees in the business: $50 for 1 to 5 employees, $100 for 6 to 24, $200 for 25 to 49 employees, $300 for 50 to 99, and $400 for businesses with 100 or more employees.
Aldermen heard the third reading of, and approved an ordinance regulating food trucks. Mobile food vendors must obtain a permit from the city for $200 per quarter. Only 5 permits will be issued on a first come, first served basis. Vendors may only operate at Eastside and Southside parks, at the Harvey Couch Business Park, or on private property. Churches and other non-profit entities are exempt. Other regulations also apply.
Chad Turner is requesting that property on Eastridge Drive be rezoned from P-1 Professional to C-2 Commercial. That request was read for the second time Monday.
Oliver Thomas spoke to Aldermen on behalf of the residents of the Hillsdale Subdivision. He said that those streets have not been resurfaced since they were first paved 50 years ago, and he requested that they be included in the current overlay project. Mayor Parnell Vann and some aldermen stated that those streets were in better shape than some not being overlayed, and they would be at the top of the list on the next overlay project in 8 years.
The Magnolia City Council also voted to condemn a structure at 310 Sprig Street. They levied millage for 2017 at 2 mils, the same as in 2016. And they voted to purchase some land from Amfuel for Magnolia Utilities; the land is adjacent to property already owned by the Utilities; it was explained by Robert Baxley that this would give them access to Field Road, which accesses Highway 19 South.
