Following opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance the regular meeting of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen held Tuesday, March 3, 2026 heard public comments from two residents.
Christian Carrico gave an update on the status of the Magee City Park, stating that the project is nearing completion. He submitted a rendering of the new signage that will be placed at the park’s opening, saying that the bricks will be donated by Jason and Mary Ann Childres of Christ Fellowship Church. Carrico added that CFC has offered to donate labor to make the project and only asks for reimbursement of the other parts necessary for the sign. The associated costs are well below the $5,000 allotted.
City Attorney Wesla Sullivan requested that all invoices be forwarded to the city for direct payment. A motion was made to proceed with the sign. The motion passed with Alderwomen Sue Honea, Allyson Berch and Lawana Thompson approving the measure. Voting against were Alderwoman Suzie Bourn and Alderman Julian Harper.
Carrico added that 68 rapid growth Green Giant spruce trees will be purchased for the shrub barrier along the street side of the tennis court at a cost of $2,360.60, $65,000 to $70,000 of which will returned to the city. Lastly Carrico requested that once the amphitheatre mural is complete a coat of polyurethane be added. The city will contact the residents of Voice of Hope to complete that task.
The board approved hours of operation for the park from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and agreed to table a grand opening date until the next meeting, March 17.
Magee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susan Walker appeared before the board with two special event requests celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The board approved both motions. These events are funded through a Mississippi Humanities Council mini-grant in the amount of $5,000.
An America 250 Quiz Bowl is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 10 a.m. in the Civic Center with Magee Public Library as co-host. On Saturday, June 13, the Chamber will sponsor an American History Day in Ural Everett Park consisting of presentations, games, a birthday party and a patriotic themed movie.
The Chamber is sponsoring a community service project for the veterans in the community. Walker said that a box has been placed at the Chamber office and asked the city to allow placement of one at City Hall. The goal is to collect 250 items such as socks, caps, snacks, and hygiene items. Collection runs through July 31, 2026.
The Chamber is working in conjunction with CFC about a program for the Fourth of July called Ringing of the Bells to include patriotic songs playing on the hour.
Mayor Mark Grubbs reported that with Firehouse Subs is moving into the former 49 North Magee Boutique next door to PriorityOne Bank. All appropriate permits have been issued.
The new garbage truck has been in operation since being delivered.
The board approved a Contract for Services with BDO Government Services, LLC to provide assistance to Magee to obtain a Dept. of Justice grant also known as COPS grant at a cost of $20,000.
The board passed a motion to close out the street construction/paving fund account.
Grubbs presented bids on several projects to the board. The lowest bid was approved on each. Air conditioning for the Civic Center and Magee Library was awarded to Higgins Heating & Cooling, LLC for $16,914. The Sports Plex painting bid was awarded to Jerry Thompson at $8,400. The sprinkler system for the city jail was awarded to Hi-Tek Fire Sprinklers, Inc. in Madison, MS for $8,360.98. Uniform purchase cost of $18 for boys and $16 for girls was awarded to Zander Ellis.
Public Works Director Tim Bray was on vacation. Grubbs stated the asphalt plant is back in operation. He will direct Bray upon his return to take the necessary steps to begin the pothole repair process. In addition, Simpson County has agreed to loan their packer to Magee.
Sgt. Shane Fewell updated the board on the gun range and evidence room. Installation of the range fencing is scheduled for completion by the weekend. The evidence room should be complete within two weeks.
Fire Chief/Building Inspector David Craft submitted written reports for both departments. Craft noted that Simpson County is currently under a burn ban that is in effect through March 17. He believes the date will be extended until the county receives significant rainfall.
Zoning Board Chairman Jim Ball requested and was granted approval of the fencing ordinance. He also stated the zoning board would like to review issued permits if allowed.
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila stated the basketball backboards belonging to Marvin Jackson Park have been returned to the city and are in process of being painted. He has been shorthanded the last two weeks. The long awaited part for the splash pad finally arrived.
Zila stated, “I want to thank the city. I've had a dream. It's been a great, great ride for me. I would love to finish out this baseball season and resign on June 30, if that's the board's will to have this season completed so we don't have anything fall through. It's a hard decision that I came to, but I think I'll have everything that we've discussed pretty much operational. March 6th will be my 20th anniversary to be at this city.” Zila added if the board did not agree, to consider this his two week notice. The board agreed to June 30.
Airport Manager David Moore submitted a written report. Bourn asked why the fuel tanks had not been pressure washed; Moore responded he had not been told to do so. She requested that he pressure wash the fuel tanks and remove the dead vegetation around the building. Harper questioned how often the inside of the building is cleaned; Moore stated he swept typically every two days unless it was needed more often.
Emergency Management Manager Jon Hosey had nothing new to report.
The board moved into executive session.
