May 5, 2026 - 2026-05-05
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Gulfport City Council tabled an ordinance to add a voting precinct at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for Ward 2, deferring action until January 1, 2027 due to logistical constraints before the June 9, 2026 special election. The council approved three engineering master service agreements (Batur, Michael Baker International, Neal Schaefer) and one legal services contract (Ronald Andrew Marion Jr. PLLC) for CDBG-funded projects. Significant public concern was raised about the CDBG emergency home repair application process, which crashed and left many residents unable to apply.
Key Decisions (12)
Additional Voting Precinct for Ward 2
Ordinance to add Lynn Meadows Discovery Center as a third voting precinct for Ward 2 was tabled. Council determined the request did not meet 'exigent circumstances' required under Mississippi law to change polling locations within 60 days of an election. The matter was postponed to the next meeting with a target implementation date of January 1, 2027.
Engineering Master Service Agreements for CDBG Projects
Approved three engineering master service agreements with Batur, Michael Baker International, and Neal Schaefer for CDBG-funded public facility projects in Wards 1, 3, and 6. Projects include sidewalks, drainage, and facilities like Turkey Creek and Golden Sportsplex.
Legal Services Contract for CDBG Programs
Approved professional services contract with Ronald Andrew Marion Jr. PLLC for title opinion issuance, title work, and legal services related to home rehabilitation program and CDBG projects. Not to exceed $25,000.
Three Rivers Bank Stabilization Project Extension
Approved request for extension of time to complete the Three Rivers Bank Stabilization Project through NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program.
Dispatch Furnishings for Real-Time Crime Center
Approved service agreement with Cisterna for public safety communication dispatch consoles. Part of real-time crime center initiative that will integrate cameras, drones, and monitoring systems. Current dispatch furnishings are over 15 years old and at end of life.
NDEQ Subaward Grant Agreement Modification - North Gulfport Wastewater Treatment Plant
Approved subaward grant agreement modification request with NDEQ regarding North Gulfport wastewater treatment plant filter roof project.
Vendor Agreement with The Hookup LLC
Approved vendor agreement with The Hookup LLC (replacing JB Charging LLC on original agenda).
Taste, Rattle, and Roll In-Kind Donation
Authorized expenditure in the form of an in-kind donation for advertising for the 2026 13th annual Taste, Rattle, and Roll event at Barksdale Pavilion.
Home Rehabilitation Program Authorization
Authorized mayor or designee to execute and effectuate documents and agreements associated with the home rehabilitation program.
Ship Island Pier Pavilion Naming
Officially named the pier pavilion at Ship Island Excursions after Captain Pete Scrametta, including the entire walkway.
Budget Amendments Including Opioid Funds
Approved two budget amendments, including allocation of opioid settlement funds for real-time crime center equipment and cameras.
CDBG Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Amendments
Approved amendments to tenant-based rental assistance agreements with Back Bay Mission, Climb CDC, and Housing Authority. Back Bay Mission received increased allocation from original $37,000. Council expressed concern about funds going to Biloxi-based organization rather than Gulfport entities.
Development Activity (2)
Gulfport Homeless Resource Center
Homeless resource center funded by CDBG-CV (COVID) funds of approximately $1 million. Will provide housing services and have presence from multiple Continuum of Care partners including Back Bay Mission and Climb CDC.
Real-Time Crime Center
Command center to integrate all city cameras, drones, and monitoring systems. Includes new dispatch furnishings, approximately 10 additional cameras around the city, and drone capability. Drone can travel from police department to 39th Avenue in 1.5 minutes at half speed.
Market Signals (5)
Infrastructure
City is investing heavily in public safety technology infrastructure including real-time crime center, integrated camera systems, and drone surveillance, funded through opioid settlement funds.
Housing Demand
Significant unmet demand for emergency home repair assistance - 50 applications were received within approximately 3 minutes of online portal opening, with many residents unable to access the system due to crashes and limited computer access.
Housing Demand
City has approximately $11-12 million in HUD funds (CDBG, CDBG-CV, Home ARP, American Rescue Plan) available for housing and community development programs through 2030.
Sentiment
Strong community distrust expressed regarding CDBG fund administration and application processes, with multiple residents citing lack of transparency and accessibility barriers for elderly and low-income residents.
Infrastructure
NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program funding available for qualifying rain events (5 inches in 24 hours), with Three Rivers Bank Stabilization Project receiving time extension.