Magee Mayor Mark Grubbs and the Board of Aldermen held their first regular meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 6.
Grubbs reported that Well #4 is up and running. He also proposed that the board approve advertisement of an RFP for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administrator and engineer services for the year 2026. There is no cost in the proposal process and the position is funded by the grant. The board passed the motion.
Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering briefed members on the status of several projects. Two grant projects were funded by NRCS-EWP for erosion –4th Ave. E (behind Peoples Bank) and Big Creek, East of Lake Circle. A 25 percent city match is required for their 75 percent contribution. The grants must be accepted within 30 days. If Magee moves forward on the project, it is estimated to begin this spring and be completed by fall.
The final Waste Pumping Ordinance was submitted to board members for the final review. Board Attorney Wesla Sullivan previously reviewed the document.
All MCWI projects have been completed and closed out. The Airport Industrial Storm Water Prevention Plan is still in process.
Discussion turned to Magee City Park when Alderman Julian Harper asked Dungan about fencing and drainage issues. He explained plans to address both issues. Due to miscommunication along with changes to the initial project designs, additional charges will be incurred. However, the overall project came in under budget so no extra funds will be taken from the budget.
Grubbs requested that the board approve three special events, all submitted by Mississippi Main Street. Approval was given for a Mississippi Arts Commission Grant Workshop January 27, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Community House. Two Mardi Gras events were also approved: February 5, 6 – 9 p.m., Mardi Gras Crawl and the Parade of Paws, Main Avenue; and February 7, 6 – 8 p.m., Mardi Gras Parade, Main Avenue.
In a follow up to the law enforcement gun range barricade discussed during the December 16, 2025 board meeting, Grubbs reported that the Mississippi Highway Department marked the right-of-way, an area of 340 feet. Alderwoman Suzie Bourn asked Public Works Director Tim Bray his thoughts on the type of barrier, whether the city has the materials or will it need to be outsourced. Several options were discussed before Bray was asked to get estimates on the best method. Only law enforcement officers are allowed on the range accompanied by a Certified Training Officer, according to Police Chief Denis Borges. Signage is requested as a result of comments.
City Clerk Jon Styron requested a board order for work done by ECS Electric in the amount of $9,877 for work completed at the airport, separate from the docket. The board approved the motion.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila presented a revised advertising agreement to board members, as the last one was several years old. Members made comments and asked questions about the revisions. The agreement covers signage advertisers of the ball fields at the Sports Plex. After much discussion the board tabled the agreement until more information is gathered, including a possible special meeting.
In regard to the new basketball backboards at Marvin Jackson Park, Zila asked Harper to have those making them contact Zila directly for measurements. General measurements are not adequate as specific details are necessary.
Bray reported city cleaning is ongoing.
Borges requested executive session for personnel issues.
Fire Chief David Craft stated that the Magee Fire Department answered 12 calls since December 16, 2025. “I am continuing to do the fire inspections even though my time is stretched. As you know I’ve been helping with zoning and building inspections. I’m getting 10-15 calls a day and pulled 14 different ways right now,” Craft said. He urged the board to hire personnel for zoning and building inspections, reiterating his schedule as fire chief and fill-in for the two departments.
Zoning Board Chairman Jim Ball stated there are no zoning issues. Zoning hearings in January have been cancelled or postponed.
New Airport Manager David Moore reported that 160 gallons of fuel were sold.
The board moved into executive session.
