Biloxi City Council Meeting – September 22, 2026

The Biloxi City Council met on September 22, 2026, to discuss and act on a wide range of items including a research agreement for electric transportation at Point Cadet, insurance renewals, the retiree return-to-work policy, updates on Chick-fil-A, council reports on grass cutting and animal welfare, public comments on a casino development, and several code enforcement hearings. The meeting included multiple votes, amendments, and discussions on policy compliance.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals were passed unanimously, with the exception of item K (sand filter replacement for the natatorium), which was debated at length. The council ultimately approved the consent agenda with the understanding that exceptions would be handled separately; no exceptions were later raised.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Keesler Air Force Base representative asked the council to consider the 2017 Joint Land Use Study height restrictions (79 feet) for the Black Marlin Casino development, noting that an agreement with the developer had been reached at the planning commission meeting.
• Mr. Kavanaugh questioned the developer’s claim that the casino must be placed close to Highway 90 due to the 800-foot setback from the mean high water line, citing Mississippi Gaming Commission rules that allow an alternative measurement from Highway 90’s southern right-of-way, which would permit a further setback and potentially save more trees.

Discussion Items

• Mayor’s Report – Electric Transportation Research (Paige Pritcher, Bellomere Development): Presented a research agreement with the City, IHL, and the State of Mississippi to evaluate Point Cadet as a location for testing electric air taxis (EVTOLs), sea gliders, and drones. Pritcher highlighted the area’s unobstructed airspace, water access, rail, and existing research infrastructure. The project aims to attract manufacturers and spur economic development. Council members asked about physical infrastructure (vertiports, manufacturing) and timing. The presentation was well-received.
• Insurance Renewal (Frank Bardo, Gallagher): Presented the risk management insurance program renewal, recommending a move from Arch to Employers for workers’ compensation. The proposal locked in a lower workers’ comp rate (0.3476) for two years, with a first-year premium of $637,602.43 (down from $713,238) and a second-year premium of $747,411.43. Also recommended adding a $1 million sublimit for fraudulent transfer on the crime policy for a nominal premium increase. Council discussed the two-year lock versus one-year option and the amendment to the resolution to reflect the locked rate.
• Retiree Return-to-Work Policy (HR Director Jill): Explained the city’s policy under House Bill 4073, allowing retirees to return after a 30-day break. She stated that conversations about intent were allowed but no written agreements could be made before the break. Councilman Creel raised concerns about the city’s own policy not being followed: positions were not posted as vacant, pre-existing agreements appeared to exist, and temporary employees were driving city vehicles contrary to policy. He argued the policy should be rescinded. Mayor and others acknowledged the need for corrections but defended the program’s benefits. Councilman Marshall noted he felt disrespected that the council was not informed about the chief of police’s retirement and appointment of an interim.
• Chick-fil-A Update (Chief Administrative Officer Rick): Reported that the permanent certificate of occupancy was issued, 21 protected trees were planted (exceeding the required 16), sidewalks were replaced, and the developer agreed to contribute $10,000 to the city’s tree bank. The restaurant is expected to open October 1. Councilman Nail asked about trees at the back of the property not surviving; Rick explained they were not mitigation trees and that the developer was working with the supplier.
• Council Reports:
  • Ward 3 (Nail): Asked about sidewalk repairs and street paving with bond money. Reported opening Hiller Park bathrooms on weekends and a plan for a 16×16 pavilion at the boat ramp.
  • Ward 4 (Creel): Discussed the citywide grass cutting program, citing inconsistency in quality. Requested a review of scheduling and resources. Also asked about a traffic signal repair at a specific intersection; Christy confirmed parts are in and work will begin.
  • Ward 5 (Glavin): Praised the grass cutting crews on Pops Ferry Road and the Maritime Seafood Industry Museum’s successful drawdown event. Promoted the robotic mower initiative for the Sportsplex, noting a previous 3-3 tie and asking for a unified approach. He plans to bring a similar resolution forward.
  • Ward 7 (Schumacher): Raised complaints about grass at cemeteries and the need for a dedicated grass-cutting crew not pulled for other tasks. Also asked about H2O water contract employee transitions; Director Labata reported that many employees chose to stay with the city, with only a few retiring or moving to H2O.
  • Ward 1 (Gray): Invited Susie Hathaway to speak on animal welfare. She requested a comprehensive responsible pet ownership ordinance (registration, breeding regulation, mandatory spay/neuter) and more animal control officers. A veterinarian supported her plea. Councilman Gray also asked about a stop sign installation and pavement on Gill Avenue; Christy provided updates.
  • Ward 2 (Marshall): Expressed frustration about grass cutting at Henry Beck Park and the lack of progress on a gate. Jamie Lee explained that funding was diverted to urgent HVAC repairs at the Civic Center and library. Marshall requested “no trespassing” signs for the park building. Also asked about pothole repairs; Christy said the new asphalt machine would be used but crews are currently focused on preparing for Cruising the Coast.
• Policy Agenda:
  • First readings of ordinances for zoning changes (three parcels to Waterfront, PDGE overlay; Magnolia Street) and water/sewer rate changes were introduced and moved to second reading.
  • Resolutions appointing James Bernie Marinovich and Elijah Mitchell to the Architectural and Historic Review Commission were approved 7-0.
  • Resolution authorizing First Amendment to outlease agreement with USPS for the post office building’s third floor was approved 7-0.
  • Resolution accepting the risk management insurance program was amended to lock in the workers’ comp rate for two years (with first-year premium of $637,602.43) and approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Insurance Resolution Amended and Approved: The council approved the resolution as amended, locking in the workers’ compensation rate for two years with a first-year premium of $637,602.43 (down from $713,238). The amendment was offered by Councilman Tisdale and seconded by Glavin, passing 7-0. The resolution as amended also passed 7-0.
• Appointments Approved: Both Marinovich and Mitchell were appointed to the Architectural and Historic Review Commission by 7-0 votes.
• USPS Lease Amendment Approved: Resolution authorizing the first amendment to the outlease agreement passed 7-0.
• Consent Agenda Approved with Exception Discussion: The consent agenda was approved 7-0, with the understanding that item K (sand filter) would be discussed as an exception. After debate, the council did not pull the item; it remained on the consent agenda and was approved without further action.
• Code Enforcement Hearings: Several properties received two-week extensions to October 6, 2026, with some 5-2 votes (Gray and Marshall opposed). Violations were resolved for two properties; three hearings were closed due to no appearance.
• Routine Agenda Approved: Passed 7-0, with Councilman Creel abstaining from payment of attorney fees for Curry Johnson.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after announcing the next council meeting on October 6, 2026, at 6 p.m., preceded by a workshop at 4:30 p.m. on general obligation bond projects.