BSL Council Update - March 16, 2021

by Councilman-at-Large
​Gary Knoblock

In this report, Councilman Knoblock reports on plans for a Heritage Star; upgrades for the city's water system; the upcoming paving project; and joining the Certified Local Government program.
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Chamber President Jason Chiniche asked the Council to allow the Hancock County Community Foundation to install a Heritage Star in the sidewalk near Bay Town Inn honoring Mrs. Katharine Ohman. She has dedicated many years to the beautification of the City of Bay St. Louis. The council voted 6-0 to approve. Councilman Reed recused himself for this vote.

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In the next week or so, the irises will be blooming along Hwy 603. The iris gardens would not have happened without Mrs. Ohman spearheading donations – and I believe there were over $80,000 worth of irises. Further, you will see her from time to time tending to the duck pond in the Depot and other beautification projects. I want to recognize all the work she has done for the city and continues to do! Thank you!
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Mrs. Katharine Ohman.

 
Mayor's Report
 
The council approved a motion to authorize the mayor to execute a sub-award agreement between the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and Bay St. Louis to provide grant funds for the Ramoneda Waste Water System upgrade project. You may remember that MDEQ testing identified this area as having large amounts of bacteria in the water several years prior. The grant award, just under $400K, will repair and improve the sewer lift station at Ramoneda and Beach Boulevard. The city engineer, Jason Chiniche, presented the agreement. The City Council approved project, 7-0.
 
Next, the mayor asked the Council to increase the budget for the new police public safety complex from $1.5 million to $2.5 million. He outlined three different funding possibilities to be discussed at a later date. The Council approved the budget increase by a vote of 7-0.
 
The mayor and Council had a good discussion on water quality, namely the clarity of city water. In the coming months, there will be workshops to discuss how to approach the issue of water clarity. The quality of Bay St. Louis water is very high; however, it does have a brown tint. Also, the city fluoridates the water, and the Hancock County Water Authority does not. We, as a city, must consider whether we drill a new well, purchase water directly, or add a filtration system at the base of the wells. Many other considerations must be addressed, but most agree that we need to clear the water. Stay tuned!
 
The Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MDEQ and the City of Bay St. Louis regarding the new boat launch on Highway 603 – otherwise known as the "Cave.” This will turn an eyesore on a major city gateway into a community amenity for many to use. Council Voted 7-0 for approval.
 
Engineer’s Report
 
Mr. Chiniche asked the council to approve a change order for Bay St. Louis citywide paving, Phase 1 - Concrete Roads. Change Order #1 adds the Woods Place cul de sac and Felicity Street near the Yacht Club. The contract price before the change order was $137,372.00, with an increase of $39,585.62 for the change order, making the new contract price incorporating the change order $176,957.62. The Council approved the change order by a vote of 7-0.
 
The Council then approved a motion 7-0 to authorize the mayor to execute Phase 1 Concrete Roads change order.
 
Council Business
 
After doing extensive research, the Council approved the application to join the Certified Local Government Program (CLG) for Historic Preservation and authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute any necessary documents to complete the application process, contingent upon approval of the certified list of historic properties by MDAH.
 
Cliff Rabalais, chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission, addressed the council and recommended becoming a member of the CLG program. HPC earlier in the month recommended joining and passed a motion.
 
As part of joining, the city must furnish a list of all Bay St. Louis historic properties. I was able to locate such a list from the Hancock County Historical Society. I will provide a copy of the list to the city clerk and the Council.
 
By becoming a member of the CLG, the city and citizens can make application of grant funds to restore historic buildings.
 
The Council passed this by a vote of 6-1.
 
Next, the Council approved a request by Eugene Breazeales to abandon a portion of an "unnamed road" which is bound on the East side of Cathy Drive, North side of Citizen Street, south side of Washington Street, and west side of Old Spanish Trail. Mr. Breazeales owns all of the property surrounding this unnamed road. Council voted 7-0 to approve the request.
 
Comptroller's Report
 
We removed the pay ordinance and budget amendment and will discuss on Tuesday, March 23 at 5pm.
 
Council approved the Docket of Claims #21-011 dated March 16 in the amount of $1,400.00 with Councilman Seal recusing himself. The motion passed 6-0.
 
Council approved the Docket of Claims #21-012 dated March 16 in the amount of $1,692,552.90. The original amount was $1,699,552.98. Councilman DeSalvo asked that item #22014 be removed so that Public Works can inspect the work more closely. Council agreed, and the motion passed 7-0.
 
Mediacom franchise agreement was passed 7-0.
 
The Council renewed rental agreements with RJ Young, passing 7-0.
 
The Council approved poll workers’ pay schedule 7-0.
 
The Council approved a Certification Letter from the city clerk in the amount of $1,699,552.98. The motion passed 7-0.
 
That wraps up the summary. Note the Council is in recess and will meet again on Tuesday, March 23, at 5:00 pm.
 
If you have any questions, please call 228-216-0800. The primary election is April 6!
 
Again, a big shout-out to Katharine Ohman for all she does for the city.
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