Gary Ponthieux Jr. is the new police chief in Bay St. Louis. He comes to the job from the Gulfport Police Department. Ponthieux introduced himself at the Council meeting last night by saying, “I am a local guy” and said he is focused on good policy, good training and good leadership. His nomination by Mayor Mike Favre was approved 7-0. Ponthieux was set to be on the job this morning.

In other business, the Council took the P&Z Commission’s recommendations on all the applications. Members also approved the site plan review submitted by Cure Land Co. for the 60-room hotel planned at Main and Beach Boulevard. Cure has bought two parcels and is working on acquiring a third to handle parking needs of hotel guests. No discussion on where employees will park.