Several continuing issues will be before the City Council on Tuesday, including hiring “train accident lawyers” for possible litigation over improvements needed to rail crossings in Biloxi and a proposed ordinance that would require the current state flag be flown at city facilities.
The issues, along with nearly three dozen other measures, will be on the agenda for the City Council meeting Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at City Hall.
However, the council will begin the day with an 11 a.m. public meeting to gather information on Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s proposal for a no-cost lease with Biloxi Public Schools that could see the creation of a homeless assessment and coordination center in west Biloxi that would link homeless individuals and families with available services, such as mental health or substance abuse.
During the afternoon meeting, Gilich is asking the council to approve an agreement with the Biloxi firm Reeves and Mestayer, which will associate with Pottroff Law Office, a Manhattan, Kan., firm that specializes in railroad-related cases. The city, which is capping legal costs at $50,000 plus a 25 percent contingency, is seeking representation for claims against CSX arising out of the rail company’s elevation of the railroad through Biloxi.
The City Council also may vote on an ordinance that would require that the state flag be flown at city facilities. Council members proposed the ordinance after Gilich ordered that the U.S. flag be flown exclusively at city facilities.
See the council agenda and supporting documents
See background on the homeless initiative
City match budgeted for MGM Park walkway
Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich on Tuesday will be asking the City Council to approve the $400,000 match for the overhead pedestrian bridge that will connect the north and south sides of U.S. 90 at MGM Park.
The open-air, stand-alone walkway will be just west of Caillavet Street and will have elevators at each end. The walkway will be dark bronze, to match the nearby parking garages. It will be nearly 35 feet above U.S. 90 and will be 160 feet long to cover the nine lanes of the highway at Caillavet Street.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation, which will oversee the $2 million project, which is funded primarily with federal funds, says once right of way issues are worked out on the north and south sides of the site, the project would be bid. No word yet on when construction would begin.
See the plans and elevation for the pedestrian bridge
News and notes
Community Festival postponed: Biloxi Main Street has decided to reschedule the Community Market Festival, originally set for Tuesday, for Thursday, June 8. The festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the I-110 overpass off Howard Avenue and include cooking demonstrations by Chef James Balster of the Beau Rivage and entertainment by Amber Dawn. Details: 228-435-6339.
The Seafood Capital of the World: The third installment of the 10th Annual Preservation in May is set for Thursday at the Biloxi Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum and is titled “Biloxi: The Seafood Capital of the World.” Participants will learn how Biloxi seafood is enjoyed around the world and be able to sample Gulf fresh seafood. To see more about the series, click here.
Weather watch: To keep up with the latest information on serve weather and flooding in the area, click here.
