Mayor Parnell Vann reassured the public that a new splash pad and skate park at Magnolia's East Side Park will be built as promised, and that he has been in significant talks with a development group over the last month. "It will happen," Vann said as he addressed the Magnolia City Council Monday. "We should have something before July's (city council) meeting – hopefully to bring to you." The Magnolia City Council also heard and discussed a proposal from California-based firm Bird Rides, Inc., to partner with the city to operate a scooter rental service in Magnolia. The proposal technically called a memorandum of understating (MOU) between the city and the scooter company – if passed, would allow the devices to be rented and ridden throughout the city and be subject to the same rules, regulations, and travel access as local cyclists.
Mayor Parnell Vann said during his "State of the City" address on Monday that he's had enough of the physical abuse the city's police officers encounter on a routine basis. Among the strategies to combat this is the introduction of two new K-9 cops, named Bret and Roger, to the streets of Magnolia. "I've read too many reports lately where our officers have been assaulted by the public," said the mayor. "I've watched too many videos where our officers encounter irate citizens. … We're no longer going to chase you. We're no longer to fight you. If you want to fight us, you're going to fight officer Bret and officer Roger. I'm sorry, but that's what they're here for."
Mayor Parnell Vann and the city clerk, will close on the purchase of two former Pittman Garden Center properties at the corner of East Columbia Street and North Dudney Street in Magnolia. The City Council voted to allow the purchase. Magnolia is expected to gain control of approximately a dozen acres of land. The property sold for its appraised value of $263,000. The mayor says he hopes the area will be used for private community-friendly developments.