During the July 1 public comment period, a resident identified as Maurice Hudson urged the council to encourage greater participation on the Gautier Planning Commission and asked the council to consider offering a stipend to compensate commissioners for travel and time.

Hudson said the commission has sometimes operated with only three or four members and described attendance and participation concerns. He urged that appointees take the role seriously because the commission makes important land-use decisions for the city. The mayor and councilmembers responded that they appreciate the commission’s volunteer service and that the topic of stipends can be considered during budget discussions.

After public comment the council moved to approve the appointments to the Gautier Planning Commission. Councilmembers thanked the volunteers and noted that each councilmember’s appointee reports to the elected official who appointed them. The meeting transcript records the motion to approve the appointments as moved by Councilwoman Jamieson and seconded by Councilman George; the council approved the appointments by voice vote.

Council members emphasized the value of the planning commissioners’ service and said the council would consider the matter of participation and possible stipends during future budget discussions. No formal change to compensation was made at the July 1 meeting.