Biloxi City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Biloxi City Council met on July 21, 2026, to discuss council reports, public comments, code enforcement, and several agenda items. Key topics included drainage and flooding concerns, updates on city projects, and resolutions for bond issuance and loan applications. The meeting also included first readings of three ordinances and a code enforcement hearing regarding a vacant lot.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items F through T) was approved unanimously on a 7-0 vote after brief discussion. Items included grant acceptances, budget transfers, and street repairs. Councilman Creel clarified that one grant ($275,500) was in addition to existing budget and would require a future budget amendment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ms. Bryant (Floyd Drive resident): Expressed frustration that overgrown drainage blocked by a city wall causes her home to flood with every rain. She stated she lost everything in a prior flood and asked the city to cut the grass immediately. She noted that an engineer had visited but said work would not begin until winter.
• Cecilia Dowell (Property manager, Elmwood Apartments): Reported that a wooded area and creek behind Lawrence Street flood with heavy rain, washing out roads and bringing snakes onto the property. She asked for the area to be cleaned or drainage improved.
• Rebecca Morrow (St. Baldrick's Foundation): Requested free use of the stage at Ground Zero for the fifth annual Rock the Bald event, citing that funds saved on stage rental could go to childhood cancer research. She noted sponsorship of 11 bands and anticipated 500-1,000 attendees. Council directed her to appropriate contacts.

Discussion Items

• Council reports: Councilman Creel noted a library open house on August 3 (4-7 p.m. at Margaret Sherry Library). He raised concerns from Taylor Oaks and Lauren Falls residents about flooding from a proposed 219-home subdivision on Pops Ferry Road. Engineering Director Christy clarified that drainage plans are reviewed by the city and state DEQ, and that the new subdivision is in a different drainage basin that won't affect those neighborhoods. Councilman Glavin discussed a potential drainage easement from a developer near Belmont Gardens.
• Infrastructure updates: The Bay Vista water line project is nearing completion — asphalt work should finish by end of July or early August, with sod placement ongoing. Councilman Nail reported that a culvert near Pinewood Drive may need clearing; Director Christy agreed to inspect.
• Power line upgrades: Coast Electric will conduct system upgrades on July (Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon) on multiple streets including Brazier, Wells, Richard, Wetzel, Bay Cove, Kennedy Lane, and others. Director Christy said she would obtain specifics.
• Tourism and community events: Councilman Shoemaker highlighted the 11th annual Gulf Coast Big Rig Truck Show (80+ trucks), a Mississippi Hotel & Lodging Association meeting where sports marketing director Chad Kutchall noted tournaments shifting to Biloxi, and a recent billfish tournament where 2,800 pounds of fish were donated to food banks, police, and fire stations.
• Belmont Gardens: Councilman Shoemaker reported that residents, still recovering from prior flooding, are terrified of an approaching storm. The manager is organizing a sandbag-filling event on July (Wednesday) at 871 Motsey Road.
• Police/Fire Social Security: Councilman Gray asked why Social Security is not withheld for police and fire. Director Christy explained it was an option voted on in the early 1990s; the city is researching reimplementation, which would require a full vote by police and fire and affect budget.
• Code enforcement discussion: For item 2020 Lawrence Street (Elmwood Apartments), the property manager confirmed homeless encampments were present. Councilman Nail said he believed the homeless had left. Councilman Gray made a motion for a 30-day extension, then withdrew it. The hearing was closed without an extension, meaning the city will proceed with cleanup.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution D (Appointment of bond professionals): Passed on a 4-3 vote. The professionals include bond attorney, underwriter, and issuer's counsel. Funds expected by mid-to-late August.
• Resolution E (SRF loan for Walmart Acre water/sewer): Passed unanimously 7-0. The city will request a loan of $1.6 million to match a $5 million grant for Phase 1 of the Walmart Acre improvements. A second $5 million grant for the remainder is pending.
• First readings of three ordinances: Amendments to municipal facilities, land development ordinance (tree committee and protection), and leisure and recreation districts were all introduced with motions and seconds.
• Consent agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Routine agenda: Approved 7-0 with Councilman Creel abstaining from Curry Johnson invoices.
• Code enforcement hearings: Most properties were either resolved or hearings closed without extension. For 2020 Lawrence Street, no extension was granted, so the city will proceed with cleanup at the owner's cost.