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The Magee Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, for a regularly scheduled meeting.
Before the board meeting began, a zoning hearing was held to discuss the updates to zoning ordinances that has been in limbo since April, 2025. The board discussed the issue of fences in front yards.
Alderman Allyson Berch expressed concerns about safety and drivers’ vision being impaired by fences in front yards because as the ordinance is currently written, 8 ft. fences in front yards are still allowed.
Both the zoning administrator and the chief of police explained to the board that the ordinance already addresses the possibility of fencings blocking views at intersections.
“Safety has been addressed, said Alderman Julian Harper.
The board decided to table the matter until its next meeting and send the ordinance back to the zoning board, which was appointed after the ordinance was drafted, for further review.
“We’re tabling something for aesthetics,” Harper said.
The board approved a resolution to vacate the road by the old Berry property.
The board also approved a preliminary passing of an ordinance that would ban the sale of Kratom in the city of Magee.
Mary Walker appeared before the board with questions about her water bills. After the board looked at her bills, they agreed the issue needed to be addressed, and Mayor Mark Grubbs advised Walker to come to City Hall the following day to see the issue resolved.
Grubbs informed the board that Veterinarian Lisa Ainsworth has purchased two properties in Magee, including the building of a former veterinary clinic beside Huddle House and one behind Love’s. He said the property behind Love’s will be used for grooming and boarding facilities.
According to Grubbs, the city had put our 40 tons of asphalt in the previous two weeks and that the water tank in the industrial park was being cleaned.
The board approved the minutes and the agenda, as well as the claims docket.
Public Works Superintendent Tim Bray expressed gratitude to the county for allowing the city to use some of its equipment for the asphalt that had been laid in recent weeks.
The board discussed concerns about the MDOT project at Siloam Road and Highway 49.
“I’m not sure how much the city can do about that,” Grubbs said.
He did tell the board he would reach out to MDOT Executive Director Brad White.
The board approved the police chief’s request for a course for a dispatcher in the amount of $250.
Fire Chief David Craft told the board he would begin displaying permits on job sites and that the fire department would be back-flowing hydrants so residents might see a bit of sediment but not to worry.
The board approved two special events applications, including a birthday dinner at the Civic Center on April 28 and a Farmer’s Market in the Community House Parking Lot on May 2.
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel.
