At the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen’s regular meeting on August 19, Mayor Mark Grubbs updated the board and gallery with the news that Main Avenue restriping will begin at the end of August.
In addition the city is entering into a contract with Voice of Hope Men’s Recovery to utilize their residents in city cleanup efforts.
The board revisited the issue of street closure for 1st St. SE between 10th Ave. SE and 12th Ave. SE, which was discussed in the August 5th meeting. Board members voted for the street to remain open. The board also passed a motion to place a four-way stop sign at 2nd Ave. and 3rd St. upon recommendation by Alderwoman Sue Honea.
Magee resident Melinda Green presented the board with updated blueprints for Jacob’s Crossing Subdivision requiring their approval so the prints may be filed. Alderwoman Suzie Bourn asked for a reason, and Green responded that the city could not find a copy. She hired Bart Ballard to draw up the blueprints for the subdivision built in 2007. The new blueprints are necessary as tenants are now planning to purchase homes. After several minutes of discussion between board members, Green, Ballard and Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering the board tabled the issue until a comparison could be made between the new blueprints and the original plat drawings.
The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the county on housing Magee inmates. According to Police Chief Denis Borges the MOU “provides written documentation that clearly outlines responsibilities, expectations and procedures between both parties. We still operate our own jail but we use the county facility for housing individuals charged with felonies.”
Dungan appeared before the board with updates stating only one open project remains with MCWI, #4 Lamar Rd. sewer extension with some issues to be resolved before project completion. He did present the final pay request to Greenbrier that holds 5% for retainage, about $17,000, making the actual payment $22,683.15. The board approved the motion. This project came in $37,000 under budget. When this project is closed, MCWI will be closed as well. It funded $2.2M for city projects.
City Park playground equipment installation continues. Dungan stated there will be need for additional fencing since the pickle ball courts were not built. He is waiting to hear from Struthers Recreation on a change order price. Dungan deferred to Christian Carrico to discuss further fencing and gates especially an existing rolling gate not in use at the Jimmy Clyde Sports Plex. It would be placed at the front of the park with a set of gates at the back to provide entry for city trucks. Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila agrees with the move.
Alderman Julian Harper asked about a visual barrier for the fence. Carrico explained a $25,000 grant from the railroad will fund a natural barrier that will grow to at least a height of six feet. This also creates the need for a sprinkler system. In addition, a grant for $8,600 from Southern Pine Members Helping Members program has funded a new amphitheatre/classroom with the stage made of concrete instead of wood. Bleachers will be made of wood.
Five new picnic tables will be placed in the park. The existing wooden picnic tables will be removed. If they can be salvaged without damage the tables will be cleaned up and taken to Marvin Jackson Park.
Carrico closed his comments requesting caution tape be used around the park as he saw people playing on the new equipment. Duggan stated the city should contact Struthers on this issue.
The board approved a donation of playground equipment from 5 County Head Start to be placed at Marvin Jackson Park.
Public Works Director Tim Bray stated ongoing work at Big Creek should be complete by August 23. City workers are continually cleaning out sewer lines this summer due to various types of clogs.
Chief Borges informed the board there have been 37 DUI arrests in 2025 with the majority occurring in the last two to three months. The board accepted the resignation of one police officer who had to leave the Police Academy due to personal reasons. Borges requested executive session for personnel issues.
Fire Chief David Craft updated the board that 34 businesses in downtown Magee have been inspected.
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre made recommendations to the board on rezoning issues from two separate zoning hearings. The first was on two properties owned by Calvary Baptist Church: one rezoning from MX to R1 and the second from A1 to R1. The second hearing involved three parcels owned by Stacy Broadhead, rezoning them from R1 to R3. The board approved the recommendations of the Zoning Committee.
Aguirre also made a request for funds to complete a cleanup project on 1st Ave. SE near City Park halted temporarily due to budget constraints. The board approved the amount of $1,900 for the cleanup.
Building Inspector Duane Simmons presented a report to the board on document issuance. Twenty two different residential and commercial permits and licenses were issued as well as inspections.
Zila updated the board stating the air conditioners have been installed and are working. The pitching mounds have also been installed. Work will not begin on the batting cages until temperatures cool down as the carpet glue will not adhere when it is too hot.
Regarding the splash pad Zila has made six phone calls with only one returned while he was unavailable. He initially informed the company the city is willing to pay the money to have someone come as Zila stated, “boots on the ground” to examine the unit.
Tournaments return the last weekend in August with boy’s baseball.
Airport Manager Mike Berry informed the board the credit card machine is in working order and they are using a different company. He also stated the airport is in receipt of a $2M grant that will fund renovation and restoration of the apron taxiway, hangars and drive leading to the road. It will take approximately 75 calendar days; no start date has been assigned.
Brett Duncan with Prince CPA appeared before the board with news of the release of seized funds by court order. The board authorized payment of the following: Simpson County Circuit Clerk’s Office, $161; 13th Circuit District Attorney’s Office Reimbursement for Publication, $83.64; Magee Police Department, $67,820.28; and 13th Circuit District Attorney’s Office, $16,955.08. The total disbursement is $85,020.
Duncan added that he believes based on the budget for fiscal year 2025 across all funds the city should be within $12,000 of the city’s $7.5M approved budget.
The board also approved publication of a notice of public hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 to be held Monday, September 8, 2025.
The board moved into executive session to discuss possible litigation and personnel issues. During the session one police officer was approved for full time employment.
