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MAGEE, MISS. — The City of Magee Board of Aldermen convened for their regular monthly meeting on September 15, 2025, which was opened by Mayor Mark Grubbs. Attorney Wesla Sullivan led the invocation.
Veterans Day and Emergency Management Training
Mayor Grubbs announced plans for the city’s upcoming Veterans Day celebration, scheduled for November 11, 2025. Holly Williams has volunteered to be in charge of Veterans’ Day. Mayor Berry noted discussions with Emergency Management Director John Killpatrick about organizing a training day for the Board of Aldermen.
In department updates, the Mayor reported the acquisition of two new Chevrolet Tahoes for the Magee Police Department. Additionally, a work permit has been issued for the construction of a new building on Main Street. The new building will be constructed in the vacant lot on Main Street near City Hall.
City Park Improvements Underway
Work on the City Park is progressing as scheduled. Christian Carrico presented various fencing options for the park, with the Board requesting new bids in an effort to reduce costs. The iconic U.S. map in the park will be repainted, and local schools are being encouraged to contribute enhancements to the park as part of a community partnership initiative.
Right-of-Way Ordinance and Utility Maintenance
The Board approved a revised Right-of-Way Ordinance, updating several definitions. This paves the way for the creation of a Right-of-Way permit process.
Southern Corrosion Addendum
Southern Corrosion submitted a $5,638.00 addendum to its original contract for water tower maintenance. The additional services include pressure washing, alongside existing inspection, painting, and flushing services. After some discussion regarding the pricing and original contract terms, the Board approved the addendum.
Special Event and Fiscal Budget Approval
Alderwoman Allyson Burch presented a Special Event Application on behalf of Pastor Ryan Wade of First Baptist Church Magee, requesting use of Ural Everett Park for a community prayer meeting. The Prayer event will be held on September 29, 2025. The request was approved, considering the success of a previous event.
City accountant Brett Duncan of Prince CPA presented the finalized $2.4 million fiscal budget. The Board approved the budget, the current tax rate, and authorized its publication. Additional motions passed included a budget amendment and advertising for grass cutting services.
Brett Duncan from Prince CPA informed the Board of the five motions required to begin the new fiscal year on October 1, 2025. The motions are as follows:
- Motion to approve the tax levy at 26 mills.
- Motion to approve the budget as presented.
- Motion to authorize the municipal clerk to publish the budget.
- Motion to grant City Clerk Jon Styron the authority to amend the budget to actual
- Motion to authorize Jon Styron to post the Annual Grass Cutting notice.
Public Works and Police Department Updates
Tim Bray of the Public Works Department reported no major updates but confirmed that road maintenance and asphalt work are scheduled to continue on Wednesday.
Police Chief Dennis Borges presented two bids for lighting equipment to be installed on the newly acquired patrol vehicles. He also requested—and received—Board approval to attend a leadership training seminar in December.
Chief Borges raised a concern about a previously approved $4,000 state wireless communications grant, which was not documented in earlier meeting minutes. After a discussion, the Board decided not to amend the previous minutes due to the absence of clarification on the exact dates and the fact that the decision had been made under a previous Board. Chief Borges then requested the Board’s approval for Magee to join a state wireless communications grant.
Zoning and Building Matters
Zoning Director Penny Aguirre requested a Notice of Zoning Hearing for a rezoning request from C-2 to C-3, scheduled for October 14, 2025. The Board approved the hearing and adopted the updated zoning map provided by the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD).
Building Inspector Duane Simmons recommended increasing the gas inspection fee to $25 to align with the fees charged by neighboring municipalities. He suggested this increase would help hold contractors accountable, with a penalty for non-compliance involving double fees. The Board requested that Simmons present a formal permit proposal at the next meeting.
Parks & Recreation
Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Zila reported no new developments. However, in response to a question from the Board about the splash pad, Zila stated he has been unable to reach the original contractors. Any future work would require coordination with the original team, per contractual terms. City Engineer Forest Dungan is to exam the splash pad.
Police Department
Police Chief Dennis Borges presented two bids for lighting equipment to be installed on the newly acquired patrol vehicles. He also requested—and received—Board approval to attend a leadership training seminar in December.
Chief Borges raised a concern about a previously approved $4,000 state wireless communications grant, which was not documented in earlier meeting minutes. After a discussion, the Board decided not to amend the previous minutes due to the absence of clarification on the exact dates and the fact that the decision had been made under a previous Board. Chief Borges then requested the Board’s approval for Magee to join a state wireless communications grant.
Fire Department
Fire Chief David Craft submitted a report indicating that the Fire Department has completed 105 fire inspections. Additionally, the department responded to 36 fire calls, which included:
- 10 grass/bush fires,
- 7 structure fires,
- 13 calls that were canceled en route,
- 4 fire alarms, and
- 2 fuel spills.
Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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