Biloxi City Council Meeting - August 5, 2026

The Biloxi City Council convened on August 5, 2026, for a regular meeting that lasted approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes (from 7:00 p.m. to 9:41 p.m.). The meeting covered updates from the Sanger Theater, a heated debate over the lifeguard shortage at the Snyder Center pool, council reports from all wards, citizen comments on pool and cemetery issues, approval of several resolutions and appointments, and code enforcement hearings. The council voted 7-0 on most items, with the appointment of a police director tabled subject to call.

Consent Calendar

• Item A (funding for concrete curb-to-sidewalk strips and median sections) was tabled from the previous meeting and placed back on the consent agenda. After discussion, it was approved as part of the consent calendar (7-0).
• Item I (termite treatment contract with Bay Pest for the bond grant house) was approved; the property is being considered for surplus sale, but the contract is needed for disclosures.
• Item L (grant acceptance for Howard Avenue LED lighting and landscaping improvements, costing $625,000 with no city match) was approved. Main Street Director K. Miller explained the project will extend lighting to Esther’s Avenue and includes landscaping under the interstate.
• Reappointments: Kyle Carran (Ward 6) to the Planning Commission, among others.
• No-wake zone for the Biloxi River near Rangatangs was placed on the routine agenda for further process.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple citizens (Janice Kemp Ivey, Lou O'Reilly, Sherry Winkler, Phillip Smith, Suzanne Roberts, Deborah Porter Green, and others) spoke in support of keeping the Donald Snyder Center pool open. They emphasized the pool's therapeutic benefits for seniors, offered to swim at their own risk, and suggested using a certified lifeguard already seeking employment. They also expressed willingness to pay higher fees.
• Sharon Thompson Ayers, a certified diabetes educator and gerontologist, highlighted the pool’s role in social and physical health for seniors.
• Dion Oleyer spoke about overgrown grass at the Biloxi cemetery on Father Ryan Avenue, stating that the city had not maintained the plot for years and that a ticket system for cemetery cleanup is inadequate.
• Sarah Rusky (Harrison County Library System) thanked the council for attending the Library Lollapalooza event.
• Deborah McGee Whot gave an update on the second annual backpack giveaway, thanking the council for sponsorship.

Discussion Items

• Sanger Theater Update: Andrea Deaton reported $7,201.20 in revenue shared with the city for April ($600), May ($1,296), and June ($5,305). Foot traffic increased with over 450 attendees at the homecoming event, 141 at Gary Michaels, and 550 at Blackwater Brass. Five upcoming events are booked. Repairs to electrical and seat numbering are ongoing.
• Parks and Recreation Lifeguard Shortage: Jamie Lee detailed the nationwide shortage of certified lifeguards, the rigorous certification process (including a 150-yard swim, tread, brick test, and 40-hour course), and ongoing efforts to keep the Snyder pool open. Options include swim-at-own-risk, raising pay, or adjusting hours. Councilman Marshall criticized the 12-year delay and demanded a plan with a date in two weeks. Councilman Gray suggested raising fees or pay. The mayor and director said they are exploring all options and will report back.
• Council Reports: Councilman Creel announced road repairs on Pops Ferry Road; Councilman Glavin reported on a sandbag event and maintenance issues; Councilman Gray announced a coffee talk; Councilman Marshall voiced strong support for seniors and the pool; Councilman Nail reported ditch cleaning and bridge paving progress.
• Beautification Commission Report: Lada Bernicelli reported on the Fred Hayes Landing dedication, adoption agreements with Vernon Mangum and Pelican Point Marina, and upcoming sign project with the Maritime Museum.
• Policy Agenda: Resolution for a transitional living facility at 2793 Farmwood Road was approved 7-0 after community collaboration. Harry Joachim was appointed to the Planning Commission (7-0). Stephen Delahousie was appointed to the Architectural and Historical Review Commission (7-0). The appointment of a police director was tabled subject to call (7-0).
• Howard Avenue Project (How Hop): K. Miller presented the $625,000 grant-funded LED lighting and landscaping project, noting it will improve safety and bring activity downtown, with Main Street covering maintenance costs.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent agenda items, policy items, and routine agenda items were approved on 7-0 votes. The police director appointment was tabled subject to call (7-0).
• Extension Granted: Marion Robinson received a 90-day extension (7-0) to demolish a fire-damaged property at 214 Elmer Street.
• Next Steps: The council will hold budget workshops on August 11 (finalize department questions), August 18 (non-departmental sums), and August 25. The mayor and parks director pledged to return in two weeks (August 18 meeting) with a concrete plan and date for reopening the Snyder pool.
• No-Wake Zone: The process for a no-wake zone on the Biloxi River will proceed through the county and DMR.