With the idea of growing Magnolia in mind, the city’s Planning Commission has set a number of goals for 2011.

Commission President Barbara Gardner presented topics to members of City Council, the 4A Economic Development Corporation, 4B Community Development Corporation and the Hotel Motel Tax Advisory Committee at a joint workshop held Jan. 6.

“There are several items we’ve been talking about, but we want to see if you (the city) want to go forward,” Gardner said.

According to Gardner, there has been some failure to enforce city ordinances such as lighting, maintenance and detention ponds.

Planning Commission member Frank Parker said it seems to be a lapse in communication.

“People don’t know we have the ordinance,” he said. “We just want to educate people.”

Mayor Todd Kana suggested that since there is one code officer, the city could look into ways residents could submit violations.

Planning Commission members also discussed future annexation. Nichols Sawmill Road and FM 1488 are areas of growth and potential gain for Magnolia.

“We’ve heard that Conroe is looking to come closer,” Gardner said. “We want to make sure Magnolia has room to grow but still be a small hometown.”

Gardner added that earning more sales tax is the main objective.

According to Parker, once a proposed overpass is built on FM 149 a Wal-Mart and Lowe’s are expected to build stores at the intersection.

“We’ve got to have that overpass,” Parker said.

However, Pct. 2 County Commissioner Craig Doyal said funding for the overpass has not been secured and that the project has no time frame.

Kana and City Administrator Paul Mendes both agreed that promotion of being included in the city limits to outside residents is needed to encourage those who may be annexed.

“It would be an educational process to explain what they get for being in the city,” Kana said.

In addition to annexation, Gardner discussed zoning Magnolia in the future.

Zoning could pose a problem to residents who keep businesses on residential property or even livestock on their property.

City Secretary Lynne George said zoning would help preserve the property’s worth and create continuity.

Planning Commission also discussed a possible Park District in the future. The park district would maintain the parks of Magnolia, including the Stroll.

During the 4A discussion, President Jonny Williams addressed the issues concerning the park as well. Williams said the park recently had cameras installed.

In addition, Williams stated that 4A may consider installing gates to control park hours, as well as a golf cart and storage building for a possible Park Ranger.

“Vandalism has been the biggest issue,” Williams said. “It will cost more in repairs later if we don’t maintain it now.”

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