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The Magee Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with Mayor Mark Grubbs calling the meeting to order. City Attorney Wesla Sullivan opened the meeting with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Grubbs noted that no one had signed up to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting. The board then approved the meeting agenda.
During the mayor’s report, Grubbs encouraged citizens to continue supporting relief efforts for the City of Petal following recent tornado damage. Donations were being collected through Friday, May 22, and the mayor noted the city hall foyer was already filled with donated items.
Mayor Grubbs also addressed concerns regarding street lights along Highway 49 that are not functioning. He explained that both Entergy and Southern Pine Electric provide lighting in that area and said he planned to meet with representatives from both companies.
The minutes were approved. Department head requests for the upcoming budget are due July 31, 2026.
The board approved two special event permits, including Main Street Magee’s Cornhole & Coals event scheduled for June 6 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in front of the Community House, and the 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by Terrance Logan, set for June 20 at Marvin Jackson Park from noon until 7:30 p.m.
Coach Earnest Jaynes appeared before the board to provide an update on progress at the Magee Consolidated McLaurin Vocational Attendance Center and requested financial assistance from the city to complete roofing work on the gymnasium. The board approved a $4,700 donation for the project.
Chief Denis Borges presented a request by Jennifer Bass to resign. The item was approved.
Building Inspector and Fire Chief David Craft also recommended waiving city permit fees associated with the project. Board members approved the request, noting that all building codes and safety requirements would still apply.
Public Works Director Tim Bray reported that crews had used 15 tons of asphalt throughout the city to address potholes. Work also continues on removing a fire hydrant located at 500 Simpson Highway 149, though Bray explained the project is delayed until a cutoff valve can be secured.
Bray said public works crews continue cleaning ditches and drainage areas while also repairing leaks across the city. The city’s limb truck will operate Monday through Wednesday for limb pickup, while Thursday and Friday collections will focus on storm debris.
Bray also reminded residents that household garbage must be placed in plastic bags and secured inside containers, noting that loose trash will not be collected.
Jim Ball, chairman of the zoning board, updated aldermen on recent zoning activities, particularly efforts to move forward with cleanup and redevelopment in debris-affected areas.
Although Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zilla was not present, Mayor Grubbs reported that recent rainfall had forced the closure of athletic fields on several evenings due to poor field conditions. He praised Zilla and parks employees for their work in preparing the newly opened City Park.
The board also agreed to advertise for bids for grass cutting, or hay removal, at the end of the Magee airport runway. The advertisement is expected to be released within the coming week.
Fire Chief David Craft reported departmental activity totals, including two grass fires, five structure fires, five calls canceled while en route, two automobile wrecks, two vehicle fires, and two electrical fires.
Brett Duncan of Prince CPA discussed city finances, recommending that seven checking accounts with minimal balances be consolidated into the General Fund to improve bookkeeping efficiency.
Duncan also addressed the city’s current budget status, noting that while some departments are trending over budget, overall spending remains within the city’s annual allocation. He said budget adjustments, if needed, would likely be addressed closer to August or September, as the city operates on an October-to-October fiscal year.
Zoning Director Evan Jones provided aldermen with an update on ongoing development projects, including confirmation that site plans for the new Seven Brew Drive-Thru Coffee Shop at 1584 Simpson Highway 49 have been completed and approved by the city.
Following discussion of the listed business, the meeting was adjourned.
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