Biloxi City Council Meeting Summary - January 21, 2026

The January 21, 2026, Biloxi City Council meeting convened with significant procedural conflict regarding agenda items, followed by reports from the Mayor and various departments. The session featured heated debate over a resolution to establish ward-specific discretionary funds, which was ultimately tabled for a workshop. Substantial discussion also occurred regarding a proposed $14 million general obligation bond, leading to a unanimous decision to table the item for two weeks to allow for a comprehensive workshop. Public testimony addressed the approval of a halfway house, with the council moving to table the item for legal review to clarify zoning definitions. Several routine resolutions, including police leadership appointments and facility rental waivers, were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Majestic Trees: Unanimous approval for the designation of seven trees as "Majestic Trees" at various addresses (including 151 St. Charles Avenue and 1029 Howard Avenue), subject to requirements for ISA certified arborist risk assessments for any permits.
• Short-Term Rentals: Unanimous approval of conditional use for an existing duplex (1541 Collins Street) to operate as a short-term rental, with requirements for secondary egress.
• Short-Term Rentals: Unanimous approval of conditional use for two single-family dwellings (310 Collier Street) to operate as short-term rentals in a Neighborhood Business zone.
• Police Tow Manual: Unanimous approval of the Biloxi Police Department tow manual to establish standardized procedures, pending future rate setting.
• Routine Finance: Approval of bond issuance intent, facility rental agreements with Mississippi Sheriff's Association and Gulf Coast Running Club, and various maintenance project adjustments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Silvestro (Resident): Expressed frustration regarding the Broadwater property, arguing the city is failing to enforce regulations and that the site has become a haven for drug dealers rather than just homeless individuals. He called for the property owner to secure the site with private security.
• Chris Noble, Jennifer Noble, Catherine Bublick, Lance Clark: Argued strong opposition to the proposed halfway house at 2793 Fernwood Road. They stated the facility does not meet the legal definition of a "halfway house" (which requires residents from custodial confinement) but rather fits the definition of a "social services agency," which is not permitted in that zoning district. They urged denial of the permit to protect zoning integrity.
• Mike Commerce Smith: Expressed full support for the designation of a specific live oak tree in Edgewater Park as a Majestic Tree.
• Curtis Schaefer (Property Owner): Supported a conditional use for a short-term rental (1541 Collins Street). He explained the financial necessity of the rental to cover insurance costs and retirement needs, emphasizing the lack of other affordable housing options in post-Katrina Biloxi.
• Michael Cameron (Resident): Expressed opposition to the short-term rental at 1541 Collins Street, arguing the structure violates the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) standard requiring the building to occupy no more than 60% of the lot. He also criticized the city for not holding the Broadwater owner accountable for property taxes and maintenance.
• John Foster (Property Owner): Expressed intention to build two single-family dwellings for short-term rental use on his property at 310 Collier Street.
• Dina Whitman (Executive Director, Open Doors Homeless Coalition): Stated she was available to answer questions regarding the halfway house proposal at Fernwood Road.
• Steve Delahunty (Nurse and Homeowners Association President): Expressed strong support for the halfway house proposal, arguing it provides structured recovery, improves public safety by removing visible encampments, and supports workforce participation.
• Barry Lyons & Ronnie Rant (Discipleship 33/Home of Grace): Expressed support for the halfway house, clarifying that residents must complete inpatient treatment first and that the program is highly vetted and secure with strict supervision.
• Tom Lenimeter: Expressed support for the facility as a necessary resource for veterans transitioning from treatment.
• John Miller (Former Police Chief): Expressed unanimous support for the proposed halfway house organization, citing their successful track record in neighboring counties with no prior issues.
• Mr. Marshall (Councilman): Publicly stated he is committed to fighting against the current council leadership's handling of agenda items and budget issues. He expressed opposition to closing the East Biloxi Recreation Center project without transferring the funds to a new project, arguing it dashes community hopes.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Dispute (Mr. Marshall vs. Mayor/President): Councilman Marshall argued the President of the Council was breaking the law by refusing to place an item on the agenda that he had submitted two weeks prior, citing the rule that "all matters to be placed on the agenda by any council member shall be authorized by the president." He argued the President was acting as the Mayor's proxy. Mayor Hunt and Council President Tisdale countered that the item required a workshop and legal review to address complex contractual and accounting implications for all seven wards, suggesting that the "study agenda" mechanism was being used correctly to ensure due diligence rather than to silence a member. Mr. Tisdale noted the item had gone through three draft versions, with the final version presented only hours before the meeting, contrary to submission phase rules.
• $14 Million Bond Proposal: Extensive discussion occurred regarding the resolution to issue $14 million in general obligation bonds. Councilman Marshall expressed concern about the lack of a specific project list and the timeline, arguing for a workshop to ensure the city does not rely on bonds for general maintenance. Councilmen Schumacher and Creel supported the move to a workshop or tabling to allow for fiscal responsibility and transparency regarding project priorities. The Mayor and administration explained the process (Mississippi Development Bank approval, 60-90 day timeline) and clarified that the resolution is an intent to issue, not a final commitment, with a 20-year term estimated at $1.1 million in annual debt service.
• Ward Allocation Resolution (Tabled): The item regarding the allocation of $14 million in bond funds or general funds to create seven equal ward accounts was the subject of the initial procedural dispute. Following the debate, the council agreed to approach similar issues via the "study agenda" or workshop process rather than forcing immediate votes on complex resolutions submitted late.
• Halfway House at 2793 Fernwood Road: Discussion focused on the legal definition of "halfway house" versus "social services agency." Councilman Creel and the Council President expressed concern that the current ordinance language regarding "custodial confinement" is vague and could lead to inconsistent enforcement or legal challenges. While the Mayor and Councilman Tisdale supported the organization's mission and vetting process, the consensus was to clarify the ordinance language before approval to ensure compliance with zoning laws. Councilman Marshall strongly supported the facility, emphasizing the need to help the homeless population.
• Police Department Structure & Equipment: Councilman Gray inquired about the structure of the Parks and Recreation department, and the Director discussed shortages in middle management and laborers. Councilman Gray also raised concerns about the Broadwater homeless encampment and the need for the City to enforce trespassing laws more aggressively against the property owner. Councilman Tisdale requested information on the Keegan Bayou dredging project, receiving confirmation that dredging has begun to alleviate flooding in the Division Street area.

Key Outcomes

• Tabled Items:
  • $14 Million Bond Resolution: Tabled until the February 3rd meeting to allow for a workshop to be held on Tuesday, January 27th at 10:00 AM, to discuss specific project list and financial impact.
  • Ward Allocation Resolution: The item requested by Councilman Marshall was not added to the policy agenda but will be addressed through a motion to be placed on a future "study agenda" after timely submission.
  • Halfway House Resolution (Item Q): Tabled for one week to allow the City Attorney to research definitions of "custodial confinement" and compare with neighboring cities' ordinances.
• Approved Items:
  • Police Chief Appointment: Unanimous vote to appoint Chris Bach as the new Director of the Department of Police, succeeding Chief Miller.
  • East Biloxi Recreation Center: Tabled, subject to call, to allow Councilman Marshall to introduce a resolution to transfer the remaining funds into a new project rather than closing the account for paving, ensuring the project scope is not lost.
  • Code Enforcement: Reduction of violation notice at 289 3rd Street from "demolition" to "securing the property" with a 30-day deadline to provide a no-trespass agreement for the estate.
  • Facility Rentals: Unanimous approval of facility rental reductions for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and the Gulf Coast Running Club.
• Directives: The administration is directed to hold a bond workshop on Tuesday, January 27th at 10:00 AM, and the City Attorney is directed to research halfway house definitions by the February 3rd meeting.