Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
The Magee Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, for a regularly scheduled meeting.
The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The board approved the agenda.
Forrest Dungan of Clearpoint Engineers updated the board on the city’s comprehensive plan and recommended a preliminary drainage study be done on an area of the city that includes a box culvert under Highway 49.
“This is one of those domino situations,” Dungan said. “If you start making improvements to one area, you’re gonna end up affecting what’s downstream.”
The area crosses five or six city streets, Dungan said.
A similar study was done for Kennedy Drive several years ago, but this area will be larger.
The minutes were approved.
Alderman Lawana Thompson addressed concerns about adults doing chin-ups on the new equipment at the city park. Alderman Suzie Bourn suggested posting weight limits on signs at the entrance to the park, saying she had seen similar signs in other cities.
“Then if we do have to ask someone to leave, there’s a sign you can reference to give you a leg to stand on,” Bourn said.
“We just don’t need adults tearing it up,” Thompson said.
Julian Harper nominated Jeremy Williamson to fill a the Ward 4 vacancy on the zoning board. The board approved the nomination.
“We appreciate your willingness to serve,” Thompson told Williamson.
The Claims Docket was approved.
Chris Edwards of Big Bubba, LLC appeared before the board requesting a variance for a property on Highway 541. Edwards plans to build five single-family homes, but the closest sewer line is 80-100 feet from the first home. The estimated cost of connected to the city’s sewage system if $80,000 – $100,000.
Zoning Administrator Evan Jones told the board that approving the variance might cost the city money in the future.
The board asked City Attorney Wesla Sullivan to look into the legal ramifications and requirements before its next meeting.
Public Works Director Tim Bray requested that one of his employees receive the $0.50 raise that is customary when employees complete the city’s 90-day probation. Two of three employees received the raise on June 6, but one did not. The board voted to approve the raise and start it retroactively from that date.
The board expressed concern for city employees working in the heat and stressed the importance of hydration.
Shane Fewell of the Magee Police Department told the board that the department will be taking part in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign August 19-September 7, 2026. The campaign aims to keep impaired drivers off the road and will include safety checkpoints.
Fewell also asked the board to approve the 2027 Traffic Safety Service Grant. The board told him they will make a decision after discussing the issue at their next special called meeting.
The board approved two sign applications for the downtown historic district for Alfa Insurance and Zander Ellis.
Parks and Recreation Director Susan Mangum reminded the board about the Back to School Splash, which will take place Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Mangum also requested the purchase of a Kubota for use at the Sportsplex and updated the board on progress at the Splashpad.
Airport Manager David Moore updated the board on the paving project at the airport.
The board approved two special event applications, including a mobile express unit and the Magee High School Homecoming Parade.
The board briefly discussed delinquent privilege tax and announced that the city will celebrate Halloween on Saturday, October 31.
