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Gautier council authorizes bids for Mississippi Songwriters Performing Arts Center
Summary
After a presentation by the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance, the Gautier City Council voted to advertise construction bids for the Mississippi Songwriters Performing Arts Center, highlighting planned youth programs and facility management options.
The Gautier City Council on Feb. 4, 2025 voted to authorize staff to advertise for construction bids for the Mississippi Songwriters Performing Arts Center after a presentation by the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance.
The vote followed remarks from Darwin Nelson, former mayor and representative of the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance, who thanked the city for its partnership and described the alliance’s role in the annual festival and community outreach. "We love the city of Gautier," Nelson said, and noted the group’s work educating youth through songwriting programs.
Miss Shancy, a city staff member who led the project presentation, said the design process is complete and that the city made two cost-driven changes: removal of a decorative tower feature and a change to lower-maintenance exterior cladding. "Those are the basically 2 cuts that we have. So we're ready to go out for bid," she said. She also said the bid package includes fixtures (built-in equipment such as ovens or permanent installations) but not movable furnishings like couches.
A public question from Mark Olsen asked whether the bid covers recording-studio equipment and office furnishings. Miss Shancy replied the scope includes fixtures but that furnishings would be contracted separately, and staff is "contemplating entering into a management contract with the Mississippi Songwriters" to operate and staff the facility.
Council members who spoke described the center as an asset for performers, schools and the community, and emphasized youth programming tied to the project. Councilman George moved to authorize advertisement for bids; Councilman College seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The project will be bid publicly; council and staff said they expect to review bids and return to council for award decisions. No budget totals or funding sources were specified in the meeting record.
The council also received a plaque and poster from the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance recognizing the city's partnership. The alliance representatives said their youth program works in elementary and middle schools to write songs with students and teach anti-bullying and suicide-prevention themes.
Council members encouraged local businesses to consider sponsoring or hosting events tied to the center and requested staff follow-up on management and equipment timelines.
