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Gulfport council ratifies multiple board appointments, approves townhome plat and routine votes
Summary
The council unanimously approved several appointments — including two Gulfport School Board seats — ratified a 36-lot Cowen Road subdivision final plat, and carried grouped budget and routine items; one remote member recorded a nay on an annexation ordinance.
The Gulfport City Council approved a slate of appointments and routine agenda business at its Feb. 20 meeting, ratifying appointments to boards and confirming a final plat for a 36-lot Cowen Road townhome subdivision.
Mayor Hugh Keating introduced Anthony Thompson for the Civil Service Commission (Ward 6); the council moved, seconded and ratified the appointment. The mayor also presented Dr. Ozwego Harper for appointment to the Gulfport School District Board of Trustees and asked the council to reappoint Bridget Weatherly; both actions were moved and carried unanimously. "Thank you for your service, Mr. Thompson," one councilmember said after the ratification.
The council confirmed Commander Gregory Paez for a regional emergency communications commission post and reappointed Billy Thornton to the Harrison County Development Commission. On land-use business, the Department of Urban Development's recommendation for the final plat of the Cowen Road 36-lot townhome subdivision was taken up, moved and approved after staff said representatives were present if needed.
Several ordinances were considered individually; Councilwoman Holmes Hines, attending by phone, recorded a 'nay' on the annexation ordinance (item 8), and the clerk was asked to note that vote. Budget amendments, grouped resolutions and routine agenda items — including a docket of claims — were addressed, typically carried by voice vote. A single 'no' vote was recorded on the docket of claims; the minutes show the council otherwise approved grouped items by majority voice votes.
Why it matters: The appointments fill seats on bodies that oversee personnel, schools, emergency communications and development, affecting oversight and local governance. The final plat approval advances a specific development project in Ward 2 and clears a procedural step in land use review.
Next steps: Appointees will assume responsibilities as stated by their respective boards; the developer may proceed with plat-recording-related steps following final-plat approval.
