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Pictured: Kristen and Jimmy Zilla)
At the March 3, 2026, meeting of the Magee Board of Aldermen, Christian Carrico presented the board with a rendering of a new sign for the city park. Members of the board reacted differently to the design, which will feature Old Chicago brick and metal work.
“I don’t like that at all,” said Alderman Julian Harper. Alderman Suzie Bourn agreed, but the pair were outvoted 3-2 in favor of the sign, which will cost approximately $850. Members of Christ Fellowship Church have volunteered labor and donated materials to the project to help keep the costs down.
In addition, Carrico informed the board the park will have 68 Green Giant Spruce Trees, which are quick-growing. The trees will be planted along the property line behind the tennis courts to provide a natural shrub barrier. The cost of the trees will be $2036.60.
Susan Walker, Executive Director of the Magee Chamber of Commerce, requested approval of two special event applications, including the America 250 Quiz Bowl, which will be held April 7 at the Civic Center, and an afternoon of events on June 13 at Ural Everett Park. Both events were approved.
Walker also informed the board that the Chamber will be collecting items for Veterans until July 31. In honor of America 250, the organization hopes to collect 250 items. Boxes for donations will be located at the Chamber office and at City Hall.
The agenda was approved.
Mayor Mark Grubbs informed the public that a Firehouse Subs will be coming to Magee, opening in the space previously occupied by 49 North.
The board voted to set the hours for the city park from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The minutes and claims docket were approved.
The board approved a contract for services for the Magee Police Department in relation to a grant application.
The board approved a motion to close the account used for the city’s paving project, which is complete.
The board approved the low bid for the air conditioning unit for the Civic Center and library.
“We do have funding to do the air conditioner at the Civic Center and library,” Grubbs said.
The board approved a bid in the amount of $8400 from Jerry and Debbie Thompson for painting at the Sportsplex, as well as a bid in the amount of $8360.90 for a sprinkler system in the jail. Finally, the board approved a bid from Zander Ellis for city league uniforms. The bid for boys’ uniforms was $18; girls, $16.
The board approved dispersal of $$534.55 for an erroneously debited charge on a water account.
Grubbs told the board that the asphalt plant in Mt. Olive is back up and running, so the city will begin patching larger pot holes.
Fire Chief David Craft told the board the city is under a burn ban until at least March 17, but he expects it to be extended, saying the area will need at least 4-5 inches of rain before the ban can be lifted.
The board approved the 2025 zoning ordinance update that had been tabled at the last meeting.
Jimmy Zila, who has worked in Parks and Recreation with the city for around 20 years, informed the board of his decision to resign on June 30, 2026, at the end of baseball/softball season.
The board discussed several airport matters before adjourning to enter executive session.
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Mr. Jimmy Zila will be missed bc he was an asset. Thanks for your service to the city.