Biloxi council discusses merging parks and beautification commissions, takes no action

The Biloxi City Council discussed a proposal to merge the city’s Beautification Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission into a single Parks and Beautification Commission but did not adopt any ordinance or motion, leaving the matter for further study.

The administration’s initial outline called for a 10-member commission that would include the city arborist as an employee-chair and seven members appointed by the council (one from each ward). Terms would be three years with members eligible for reappointment. The proposal would make the commission an advisory body on “all matters in the city concerning beautification of parks, playgrounds, community centers, and the visitor center,” and would direct the arborist to coordinate grass-cutting schedules citywide. The draft also set a quorum at five members and required minutes to be posted on the city website within five days.

“No decisions will be made today,” the Council President said when…