Chassity Bilbo

Key discussions during the meeting included approving agenda changes to add two business services agreement renewals with Sparklight for city hall and the Shepard State Park attendant building. The council addressed city announcements regarding an upcoming outdoor movie night and Easter egg adventures. A presentation was given by the Gosha High School Alumni Association detailing their mission, including mentorship, scholarship initiatives, and community service projects. In the business agenda, the council appointed Anthony Snow to represent the city on the Jackson County Utility Authority board following a resignation. The consent agenda covered multiple items, such as approving minutes, receiving a financial report, approving a water and sewer adjustment, authorizing a waiver of rental fees for the Alumni Association's yard sale, accepting a monetary donation for youth sports, and approving a memorandum of understanding with the school district. Citizen comments raised concerns regarding the Legacy Park TIF financing projections, the status of lights along Highway 90, a missing fire hydrant, and a request for public answers to citizen comments within the minutes. An update was provided on fiber optic installation work concerning lingering flags in yards.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda. Key discussions involved recognizing the Gautier 12U football team for winning the Super Bowl championship, with certificates presented to coaches and team members. A presentation was given by Andrew Levens regarding the city's MS4 permit requirements, covering storm water management, pollution prevention, erosion control during construction, and inspection mandates. The newly appointed City Manager, Carlos Molds, introduced his plan for the first 100 days, emphasizing a strategy of listening, aligning, and acting, which includes conducting meetings with council members, department heads, and launching listening sessions in each ward.

The meeting included opening formalities with a prayer and pledge of allegiance. Agenda items involved approving an addition to the agenda for seeking congressional authorization for water infrastructure projects. The council discussed and approved a supplemental agreement for the Martin Bluff Roadway Improvement Project to increase the contractor's working days by 75 days due to unforeseen conditions, despite resident concerns about mismanagement and lack of liquidated damages. The approval of the docket of claims followed. Finally, the council authorized the submission of a proposal for congressional authorization through the Water Resources and Development Act of 2026 to address environmental infrastructure challenges, particularly concerning drainage, stormwater, and water supply at former mall property (Gautier Town Commons) and Cambridge Square.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussion items included a presentation by Duplanis Design Group (DDG) outlining their multi-disciplinary services, including civil engineering, architecture, and coastal engineering, and expressing interest in partnering with the city. Citizen comments focused on concerns regarding the intersection of political contributions from a local developer and subsequent city decisions, demanding greater transparency. Council members discussed the need to re-establish a steering committee for the senior citizens center, requesting representatives from each ward and council at-large members. Other topics addressed involved community outreach regarding littering issues and announcing the upcoming Marty Gro parade with a new, larger route. The business portion included approval of the docket of claims and several items on the consent agenda, such as approving minutes from a previous recess meeting, receiving the November 2025 finance report, authorizing travel for the Gautier Youths Council, and advertising bids/qualifications for drainage improvement projects and architectural services for Shepard State Park.

The meeting commenced with the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items involved consideration of abatements for two properties presenting public safety and health hazards. The first abatement concerned a recently burned and catastrophically damaged structure at 5505 Callingswood, for which demolition and site cleanup were recommended. The second item involved the abatement of 2307 West Park Drive, a property in foreclosure with squatters, extensive debris, and associated issues potentially affecting an adjacent elementary school. Additionally, the Council reviewed a request for a two-foot variance to increase a front yard fence height to six feet at 3408 Rain Treat Drive, which generated discussion regarding visual aesthetics and neighbor sightlines. The Planning Commission recommended approval for the variance, but the Council ultimately voted to deny the request due to concerns raised by neighbors about obstructed views down the road. Announcements included details regarding an upcoming Tasty Thursday event and an outdoor movie night.