Mayor Mark Grubbs updated the Magee Board of Aldermen at their regular meeting August 5, 2025 with his report and work projects.
The Magee City Park playground equipment installation is near completion. Low hanging limbs have been trimmed back and scrub trees removed. Fence removal is in process and a sprinkler system being installed. Christian Carrico is seeking bids for landscaping.
In addition, new signage has been ordered where needed for street identification. There is ongoing clean up at the Sports Plex. Dr. Lisa Ainsworth is opening a new veterinary clinic behind Tractor Supply on Highway 49 North.
Meetings continue with Forrest Dungan of Clearpoint Engineering on the city’s water distribution system and sewer waste water collection system.
Mississippi Department of Transportation will begin work in September on a new stop light on Highway 49 at the Shell gas station south of Magee. The cross over at Siloam Road and 49 will eventually close permanently. The project should be completed within a year. In addition, MDOT will conduct a study on widening the turn on Co-op Road onto Highway 149 for easier turns for 18 wheelers.
The board passed a resolution honoring former mayor Dale Berry for public service to the city of Magee. Berry died July 28, 2025.
Alderwoman Allyson Berch made a request brought to her by a constituent. The board approved making the intersection of Oak St. NW and Maple St. NW a four way stop. She also commented that Barrett Thompson with Mississippi Extension Service will furnish information to the board about environmentally friendly pesticides for city ditches.
Grubbs requested and the board approved payment of two invoices tabled during the July 15th meeting. They are A Cutting Edge Tree Service for $4,900 and Lewis Tree and Lawn Service, Inc. $4,700.
Zoning Board Chairman Jim Ball appeared before the board commending them on the new appointments to the board. He requested the board consider mileage reimbursement for members to attend a free training class on zoning basics Friday, October 10, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm in Pearl. It is sponsored by Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD). State Title 17-1-11 allows for $120 per month for each member per local authority’s discretion. Ball stated it will be 80 miles round trip, asking for $.75/per mile, for a total of $420 for seven people. No decision was made.
Ball referenced the CMPDD comprehensive plan in the works stating he believes it is money well spent, stating this will be the fourth revision since its development in the 1990s. He also offered statistics. The previous three times projected increased population for Magee; however, according to CMPDD the opposite has occurred. A further decrease is projected by 2029.
He also recommended heavy duty equipment when renovations take place at the Civic Center.
Lastly, Ball suggested the city begin planning now for the 250th birthday of the United States, Saturday, July 4, 2026. He offered several ideas for celebration: parade, town barbeque, patriotic and gospel singing, airport use, carnival, etc. He added businesses could contribute financially and he pledged $500 to begin the fund.
The mayor then brought up discussion on the noise ordinance. Alderwoman Lawana Thompson recommended moving cut off to an earlier time. “We’re having so many complaints with businesses in the residential zones. Maybe that would deter some of that,” she said. Alderwoman Suzie Bourn added she understood the time was raised a few years ago. Many who have spoken with her would like to see a return to 10:00 pm. However, Alderman Julian Harper made the point that still others will complain about the 10:00 pm time; the hour is not the issue.
Bourn also wants to review the ordinance and what consequences are outlined for violations, believing there are some “gray areas”. Chief Denis Borges responded. “If you look at the ordinance it’s not really straight forward. There’s a lot of unanswered questions if you read through it. Now if it’s a business, I know there’s C3 and C2 and all that, you’ve got GW’s and there’s really no residential on that side. But you’ve got Cattle Drive and there’s a lot of residents there.” He added later that most calls are from residents across the street from Cattle Drive and typically about loud music. When the police are called owner Jacklyn Rogers complies and turns it down. If there are call backs they typically are customers behaving badly. However, the ordinance is unclear about writing citations since this business is in a residential area.
After further discussion the board opted to table the issue until City Attorney Wesla Sullivan has opportunity to review before revising.
After approving a resolution to establish an advisory committee on Parks and Recreation earlier in the meeting, Grubbs nominated Jacob Blakeney and Josh McNulty; Alderwoman Sue Honea, Anthony Garner; Berch, Todd Mangum; Thompson, Fontaine McNair; Bourn, Marjorie Buffington; and Harper, Cortez Chapman.
The Cemetery Committee received the following nominations: Mark Grubbs, Joy Harris and Ronnie Rankin; Honea, Tawesia Meador; Berch, Ricky Anderson; Thompson, Jason Ratcliffe; Bourn, Lyndel Cockrell; and Harper, Jane Everett.
The board approved the nominations for both committees. It also tabled Election Committee nominations to the next meeting.
The board approved the motion to accept the playground equipment donated by Boswell Regional Center. It will be placed at Marvin Jackson Park.
Discussion ensued about a street closure in Ward 3 of 1st St. SE between 10th Ave SE and 12th Ave. SE. Fire Chief David Craft stated it is a gravel road gated on either end so the fire department may access in the event of fire. After several minutes the board opted to table the issue until further information is made available including ownership. Bourn added she would like to see the development of protocol or an ordinance on street closures for fairness and equity.
Public Works Tim Bray stated city workers continue daily work especially bush hogging. Harper asked Bray to have crews clean a ditch across from the apartments on Colonial Drive as it floods a resident’s home. Bray answered it has already been cleaned out. Harper also requested a drain running between two homes at 830 5th Ave. be cut.
Chief Borges requested approval on classes in Mendenhall for dispatchers and jailers August 20 and 21, 2025 at a cost of $600 for two to attend. He asked for approval for a dispatcher to attend a fire dispatch class at a cost of $150 at the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department August 22, 2025. These classes are both accredited and costs will be reimbursed by the state. The board approved the classes. Lastly there will be a free CIT class focusing on mental health issues September 9 and 10, 2025 at the Magee Volunteer Fire Department for dispatchers. Thompson informed Borges that the American Red Cross has many resources available that the police department may utilize and will provide him contact information.
Chief Craft asked for the American Red Cross information. He has begun making courtesy contacts with tire dealerships in Magee regarding overflow of tires. Craft informed them they have 90 days beginning August 1 to come into compliance with removal of said tires in association with the International Fire Code. He also plans to begin visiting all 300 plus businesses in Magee for inspections with the purpose of protecting the city as well as the owner.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre provided handouts to board members on software available through iWork for reporting code violations and permitting inspections. She believes it will be a good tool and should streamline the efforts regarding building and property. The $7,000 quote is good for 90 days and no invoice until training is complete which takes 60 days. The decision is tabled to the next meeting.
She presented two special event applications for Main Street Magee. The first, Rock the Block/Back to School Bash, is set for Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and will feature a variety of events held on Main Street and the Community House parking lot. There will be a DJ and food trucks. Funds raised will aid in downtown revitalization. They are also partnering with the Simpson County Schools to fill a bus with school supplies. In addition there will be a Jeeping the Block with funds raised to benefit Voice of Hope and Beauty from Ashes.
Dinner Under the Stars and Art Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 with times to be announced later. There will be a catered meal and music.
Aaliyah Chatman is sponsoring a Back to School Belt Bash Saturday, August 9, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Magnolia’s on Main located at 215 1st Ave. NW. In addition to the belt drive there will be barbers and stylists available for grooming and make up tips, door prizes, music and food.
The board approved all three events.
Building Inspector Duane Simmons presented a report to the board on document issuance. Sixteen different residential and commercial permits and licenses were issued. In addition one remodel permit was issued after the work had been completed; the permit fee was doubled and received by mail July 24, 2025.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila presented four bids to board members on replacing air conditioner systems in the building that houses his office, the concession stand and a break room for umpires to cool off during breaks between games. They include Harper’s Heating and Air in Laurel, $19,200; Aim Property in Pachuta, $20,700; Higgins Heating and Cooling in Magee, $22,936.10; and, Stubbs Heating and Cooling in Magee, $14,450.00. Harper’s has been awarded previous bids for the Magee Library, City Hall and the Civic Center. Before making a final decision board members asked that Zila contact the companies to ascertain warranty information along with unit brands.
The board approved the purchase of three mounds for the Sports Plex from Richardson Athletics at a cost of $9,996.60. The second bid was from Porto Lite at $10,697.00.
Placement of the new turf should begin in about ten days with a target date of completion by the end of August.
In regards to the splash pad Zila stated the work must be done by Odyssey as it is proprietary equipment. The beginning cost of expense for a physical visit is $3,000. All board members agreed it was a necessary expense. Lastly, Berch asked about the exercise equipment currently housed under the pavilion at the Sports Plex, stating it is a needed space since there is little shade. Zila agreed. His plan is to move the equipment to the City Park.
Airport Manager Mike Berry stated he has been busy making repairs in the city but the airport is maintaining.
Again the board discussed residents of Voice of Hope assisting city workers. Sullivan stated an addendum would need to be added to the current contract with them. Grubbs directed Aguirre to contact Voice of Hope with the information.
Harper stated that basketball backboards at Marvin Jackson Park are broken and need replacement. He would like metal ones instead of glass. The mayor stated Zila would inspect them.
The board moved into executive session to discuss possible litigation.
