The Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, December 16, for their final regular meeting of 2025.
City Attorney Wesla Sullivan was acting secretary as City Clerk Jon Styron was absent.
Mayor Mark Grubbs gave a quick run through on work projects. Well #4 repairs are still awaiting a replacement pump. Maintenance and rehabilitation is underway at the lift station on Highway 49 S.
Clearpoint Engineering project updates include The Natural Resource Conservation Service erosion projects on 4th Avenue East behind Peoples Bank, Big Creek, and Lake Circle. Magee is waiting on further approval to move forward. Southern Paving has completed all contract work with the total project coming in $65,000 under budget; however, the punch list is still outstanding. Installation of playground fencing has been completed by A1Kendrick Fence. Final payment will be released following an inspection.
The airport administration is awaiting information from MS Department of Environmental Quality to be able to assist in updating the Industrial Storm Water Prevention Plan.
Grubbs added that the Waste Pumping Ordinance will be presented to the board on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Public Works Director Tim Bray submitted a written report. Discussion continued from the previous meeting regarding Voice of Hope residents use within the city. Alderman Julian Harper asked how many people are needed to man a garbage truck daily; Bray answered six. Bray says he uses VOH residents on garbage trucks to free up his men to work elsewhere in the city. “I’d rather use my guys operating vehicles and driving trucks rather than Voice of Hope guys.”
The board discussed possible lack of communication of information constituents need to know when services are not available due to a variety of circumstances. Board members asked that posts be made to social media. Ultimately, the mayor said he could be called and would follow up.
Fire Chief David Craft submitted a written report, also requesting executive session. In addition, he was asked about city business inspections. Craft said they are ongoing as time permits but are more than half way completed.
Zoning Board Chairman Jim Ball appeared before the board with information about public hearings scheduled and postponed. A November 11 hearing was postponed to December 9 and now postponed to January 13, 2026. A different hearing was also scheduled for December 9 and postponed to January. Ball was told that a second publication in the paper of the new dates is necessary.
Ball also addressed again the subject of tiny homes, which he now refers to as compact homes. After conversations with CMPDD he believes there is a clear path developing in regard to compact homes in the city.
Grubbs said that Craft has been assisting with building inspection issues. Three various inspections were completed during the last two weeks.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila submitted a written report. Harper added that Kirk Sullivan is willing to assist with building four basketball goal backboards at Marvin Jackson Park. Harper asked that dimensions be obtained and forwarded to Sullivan.
Discussion ensued regarding quotes for concrete bleachers. Grubbs said Zila does have quotes, but they were not submitted in board members’ packets. A special meeting or call will be necessary to review and approve the quote so work may begin as soon as possible.
Grubbs said a barrier is needed for the gun range. Bray will contact MDOT in regard to right of way before moving ahead.
Emergency Director John Hosey submitted a report stating that the beacon light at the airport has been repaired and 4,000 gallons of fuel purchased.
Brett Duncan with Prince CPA brought budget updates to the board. Magee is in a position to utilize term bids moving forward especially with MDOT in regards to commodities such as asphalt, concrete, sand, etc.
Magee has spent about 23% of its current fiscal budget at the end of the first quarter. Duncan stated it is not the best indicator but that Magee is in good shape financially. The police cars have arrived and been paid off. The garbage truck and skid steer have been sent out to central bidding that is very similar to EBay, according to Duncan. Information on them should arrive within 30 days. The side boom and bush hog will be purchased as one item but under two separate state contracts. The final item is a pump costing about $56,000. Duncan added all of these items were listed in the budget. The board passed a motion to advertise for financing quotes on the side boom and bush hog.
With no further business the board entered executive session.
submitted a written report. Harper added that Kirk Sullivan is willing to assist with building four basketball goal backboards at Marvin Jackson Park. Harper asked that dimensions be obtained and forwarded to Sullivan.
Discussion ensued regarding concrete bleacher quotes. Grubbs stated Zila does have them but they were not submitted in board members’ packets. A special meeting or call will be necessary to review and approve the quote so work may begin as soon as possible.
Grubbs brought up a barrier is needed for the gun range. Bray will contact MDOT in regards to right of way before moving ahead.
Emergency Director John Hosey submitted a report stating the beacon light at the airport has been repaired and 4,000 gallons of fuel purchased.
Brett Duncan with Prince CPA brought budget updates to the board. Magee is in a position to utilize term bids moving forward especially with MDOT in regards to commodities such as asphalt, concrete, sand, etc.
Magee has spent about 23% of its current fiscal budget at the end of the first quarter. Duncan stated it is not the best indicator but Magee is in good shape financially. The police cars have arrived and been paid off. The garbage truck and skid steer have been sent out to central bidding that is very similar to EBay according to Duncan. Information on them should arrive within 30 days. The side boom and bush hog will be purchased as one item but under two separate state contracts. The final item is a pump costing about $56,000. Duncan added all of these items were listed in the budget. The board passed a motion to advertise for financing quotes on the side boom and bush hog.
With no further business the board entered executive session.
