The Magnolia City Council met Monday. The meeting lasted just under an hour, with 43 minutes spent discussing Mayor Parnell Vann’s proposal to reduce North Jackson Street from 4 lanes to 2 lanes. Chamber of Commerce director and city hall employee Ellie Baker laid out the plan. The plan, as it is currently being presented, would reduce automobile lanes on North Jackson Street from 4 lanes to 2 lanes with a turn lane in the middle and one bicycle trail on each side. It was originally presented at last month’s meeting with greenery included, but attention Monday was directed only toward the asphalt and striping. Greenery is still on the table and will be discussed later. A few members of the public were allowed to speak. Only one was adamantly opposed; the others appeared to be willing to accept two lanes if there was a turning lane and no greenery. Aldermen appeared to fall in behind the mayor, although no official action was taken.
On other topics Monday, the Magnolia City Council condemned a home at 711 Gladys Street, approved the 2015 Audit, and approved the appointment of Doug McCrary and Steve Card to the Airport Commission.
Just before the conclusion of the meeting, it was announced that the City would start naming a Citizen of the Month. This month, he is Reverend Bobby J. Harris, the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
