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The Magee Board of Aldermen met Monday, June 15, approving airport planning grant applications, recognizing the Magee Chamber of Commerce’s 70th anniversary, preparing for several upcoming community events and addressing police, zoning and budget matters during its regular meeting.
Mayor Mark Grubbs opened the meeting by highlighting several upcoming community events and thanking the Magee Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Susan Walker and the many volunteers who helped make the recent America 250 celebration at McGee Park a success.
Grubbs also invited residents to attend the Community Prayer Breakfast on June 23 from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Community House, the retirement reception honoring Jimmy Zila later that evening, the city’s Fourth of July Street Fair and Parade, and the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration.
The Board also approved requests for the use of city facilities for several upcoming events, including a Mission Magee Kickball Tournament and a Mission Magee Community Prayer Service hosted by First Baptist Church of Magee.
Chamber Marks 70 Years of Service
Walker appeared before the Board requesting a proclamation declaring June 26, 2026, as Magee Chamber of Commerce Day in recognition of the Chamber’s 70th anniversary.
She told aldermen the Chamber was organized on June 26, 1956, to promote the commercial, industrial and civic interests of Magee and the surrounding area. Walker noted that while the organization has grown and evolved over the past seven decades, many of its original bylaws remain in effect today.
The Board unanimously approved the proclamation, recognizing the Chamber’s longstanding contributions to the community.
Board Advances Airport Planning Project
One of the evening’s most significant items involved applications for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding to update the Magee Municipal Airport’s master planning documents.
Engineer Randy Hudgings with Barge Engineering explained that the airport’s current master plan is more than a decade old and should be updated to ensure the airport remains eligible for future FAA funding opportunities. The project will create a new 20-year airport layout and development plan while reimbursing the city for a previously completed airport beacon project.
Aldermen approved the applications, which will bring more than $250,000 in federal and state funding to the project while requiring only a small local match from the city.
The Board also approved a revised professional services agreement specific to the airport projects after discussing the scope of the contract and ensuring it applied only to the projects currently under consideration.
Police Department Requests Receive Approval
In the absence of Police Chief Denis Borges, who was attending a conference at the time, several requests were presented on behalf of the Police Department.
The Board approved hiring a current part-time officer into a full-time position and authorized training expenses for officers to attend specialized investigative training but did not approve hotel accommodation.
Board members also received a proposed ordinance establishing a Multifamily Rental Property Safety and Camera Partnership Program. The ordinance will undergo additional legal review before returning to the Board for consideration at a future meeting.
Zoning Issues Remain Under Review
Zoning Administrator Evan Jones updated the Board on several matters recently considered by the Zoning Board.
A proposed conditional use permit for a manufactured home dealership received a recommendation for approval from the Zoning Board. However, Daughdrill recommended delaying Board action while additional information is gathered concerning possible floodplain issues affecting the property. Aldermen agreed to postpone a decision until that review is complete.
The Board also discussed an appeal involving a proposed accessory dwelling unit after the Zoning Board recommended denying the request. A public hearing on the appeal is expected to take place prior to the Board’s July 7 meeting.
In addition, aldermen reviewed proposed amendments to the Downtown Preservation District sign ordinance. Because members of the Zoning Board requested additional time to develop alternative recommendations, the Board agreed to postpone action until those recommendations can be presented.
Caughman Retires After More Than Two Decades
Mayor Grubbs announced the resignation of longtime Zoning Board member Bill Caughman, who is retiring after more than 20 years of service.
The Board accepted Caughman’s resignation and thanked him for his years of dedication to the City of Magee.
City Finances Remain Strong
City officials also reviewed the city’s financial position as the fiscal year enters its final quarter.
Brett Duncan of Prince CPA reported the General Fund remains in solid financial condition and is projected to finish the fiscal year near budget expectations. He also discussed police staffing expenses. A budget amendment for one or more departments may be presented later this summer if necessary.
Looking Ahead
The next regular meeting of the Magee Board of Aldermen is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7. Among the items expected to return before the Board are an appeal involving an accessory dwelling unit, continued discussion of proposed changes to the Downtown Preservation District sign ordinance and other regular city business.
Following the completion of regular business, the Board voted to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters and pending litigation.
