Mayor Mark Grubbs gave updates on Magee water issues at the opening of the Board of Aldermen regular meeting held Tuesday, February 17.
The clear well tank has been sanitized and repainted. The storage tank has been cleaned. Water samples taken were returned clear. Plant one is back up and running.
The sod and gate are the only remaining issues to be completed at City Park. Estimated time line is one week.
The boil water notice issued after destruction of a fire hydrant has been lifted. Water pressure has been restored. The hydrant has been capped off and will need to be replaced.
Forrest Dungan of Clearpoint Engineering gave project updates. In regards to the NRCSEWP projects of 4th Avenue East erosion and Big Creek sewer main he said there is no hard time line. “The next step in the process after talking with NRCS is to get the official application submitted now that it’s been awarded. This is non-binding and continues to be non-binding.” The application requires the mayor’s signature.
Clearpoint is ready to close out the paving project. The board approved the final payout in the amount of $56,802.16 to Southern Paving. The project came in $72,000 under budget. The board also approved a summary change order that corrects the final contract amount to match the amount expended.
Dungan addressed the ongoing facilities plans for water line and sewer line improvements. Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality informed the city that Magee qualifies as a Tier 2 project for those improvements. Dungan said under that status Magee will receive 80% principal forgiveness, meaning the original amount of $4M would cost $800,000. Magee would receive $3.2M in subsidy funds. Based on this qualification he recommended the city increase the loan amount to $5M with Magee receiving $4M and responsible for $1M. He said this translates basically to paying $1.00 for every $5.00 spent. “This is going to be a fairly lengthy design. We're looking at construction sometime in 2027. The way these programs are set up is the state actually funds the project and your loan does not start until after the project is complete,” Dungan added. The board approved the recommendation.
The board approved moving its meeting time to 5:30 pm beginning March 3, 2026. Public comment sign up will move to 5:00 pm the day of the meeting.
The adoption of 2025 zoning amendment as listed on the agenda has been tabled until the new zoning administrator may review. Evan Jones will begin March 10. According to Grubbs the document was submitted by the Zoning Board in 2025 for approval. “The final adoption never was voted on. We could not find that in the minutes. So that's the reason for this being back on here. And this is for the Central Mississippi Planning and Development wanting the most recent updated zoning adoption,” the mayor said.
Public Works Director Tim Bray was absent from the meeting but submitted a written report.
Police Chief Denis Borges requested executive session for a personnel matter.
Fire Chief David Craft submitted written reports for the fire department and building inspection.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila submitted a written report. He added they have extended fall city ball registration through the end of this week; 488 students have already registered. The required part for the splash pad is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Alderwoman Sue Honea commended Zila for the clean-up efforts at the city park tennis courts.
Airport Manager David Moore stated the airport passed its recent inspection with the exception of the runway and apron. Plans are in place to correct the issue within two months. Approximately 2,000 gallons of fuel have been sold. The tank currently has 3,500 gallons. A tank inspection is forthcoming. In addition they are determining steps to get the jet fuel tank back up and running. Some helicopter pilots have expressed interest in possibly being stationed at the airport and will purchase 1000-2000 gallons of jet fuel monthly.
Brett Duncan with Prince CPA presented the board with an update on the city’s budget. The general fund is getting tight but still has about $5,000 worth of protection stating that it is getting very close to what they thought it would be. He added, “We’re not saying there’s anything wrong. The city is staying within bounds of the budget.”
Duncan proposed three motions and all were approved. The first authorized issuance of a purchase order in the amount of $143,500 to buy a garbage truck; it also includes an extended warranty. The second allows the municipal clerk to advertise for financing bids. The final motion is to advertise in the newspaper no fewer than three weeks, a $3/month garbage rate increase. Regarding the last motion Duncan said, “This is one of those things that we want to be clear on. This doesn’t mean that you’re necessarily doing it. What this means is, is that we are going to advertise.”
Alderman Julian Harper brought up the need for the Magee Public Library HVAC issues to be addressed. Grubbs suggested discussion at the next board of aldermen meeting.
Facilities Manager Cortez Chapman had nothing to report.
The board moved into executive session.
