Josh Church

Old business discussed included the Beach Park Pier project, which is scheduled to commence on February 16 and last approximately 8 to 12 weeks. For the Disc Golf Course, the Commission approved submitting an application to MDOT on January 6, 2026, with funding requests contingent upon MDOT approval. Updates on the Sports Complex detailed ongoing Wee Ball fencing installation, the purchase and impending installation of baseball cameras by the Parks and Recreation Department, new sod installation on specific fields, scheduled laser grading and crimson stone application, and ongoing pressure washing of facilities. Department updates noted that regularly scheduled programs, including aerobics, karate, and youth activities, are progressing well. Youth Basketball games started on January 5, and registration periods for Youth Baseball and Softball were noted. City Council approved the lowest bid for the IG Levy prefabricated restroom on January 6, 2026. A request for an update on the Wall of Fame was also made.

The agenda for this meeting included standard items such as the adoption/amendments to the agenda, public comments limited to 30 minutes total, and department updates from Public Works. The Consent Agenda featured several resolutions, including the approval of City Council Minutes from February 3, 2026, and Recreation Commission Minutes from January 7, 2026. Other consent items involved approving a contract with J.W. Puckett & Company, Inc., approving a maintenance agreement with Jani-King, approving personnel changes and a new job description, and authorizing the settlement of a claim related to Machpelah Cemetery involving Karen Kennedy. Additional business included requesting resumes for the Pascagoula Redevelopment Authority, approving the disposition of an asset, authorizing advertisement for bids for the Southern River Road Lift Station and Force Main Project, retaining Lewis Aldred for real property services, and approving the Revenue and Expenditure Report ending January 31, 2026. Under City Manager items, the Council addressed interviews for Pascagoula Gautier School District Board Members. The City Attorney presented an ordinance amending the code regarding fires at city parks and a resolution approving a bonfire permit form. The docket of claims and payroll docket were also reviewed. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss litigation.

The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda. Several citizens provided public comments, primarily voicing opposition to a proposed annexation and discussing real estate issues, crosswalk conditions on Jackson Avenue, and street conditions in Delmas Estates. Key discussions included approving a Repurchase Agreement with Renasant Bank, approving the bid from J.W. Puckett & Company, Inc. for City Hall Improvements, and approving Facility Use Agreements for Municipal Baseball and Softball Leagues. Preliminary approval was provided for a Tax Abatement Request for Timothy Smith. Several ordinances were tabled for further review, including amendments regarding Waiver of Fees and Charges for Commercial Development, Smoking regulations, and ROW Occupancy. The docket of claims was presented and ordered. Council members provided updates regarding upcoming Mardi Gras and Lil Rascals parades and the county's paving list for certain streets. The Council entered an executive session to discuss personnel related to the court system.

The City Council held a special call meeting which included a workshop facilitated by the City Manager regarding procedures with code enforcement. Code enforcement officers were in attendance.

The Central Business District Tax Exemption Policy for the City of Pascagoula aims to promote private investment and economic growth by offering up to an 80% reduction in municipal ad valorem taxes for up to seven years. This applies to new structures and improvements to existing structures within the CBD, requiring a minimum investment of $1,000,000. The policy outlines application procedures, evaluation criteria based on total investment, job creation, potential sales tax generation, and consistency with city plans, and provides details on transferability and conditions for revocation.