April 2022 Minutes
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PANAMA CITY DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT BOARD
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Panama City Center for the Arts
19 East 4th Street
1. Call to order-attending Allan, Jennifer, Brent, Elizabeth, Catherine, absent Pam and Michael
2. Chairman’s report- none
3. Approval of minutes – March 2, 2022 meeting motion by Allan, seconded by Jennifer and passed unanimously
4. Public Participation – public invited to speak about anything not already on the agenda - Arlene from LGBTQ center asked to use the barricades for their event on June 11, we agreed and asked them to coordinate with Bill from Farmer’s Market about putting back away.
5. Financial Update – Bank account balances, current budget update-Catherine reported current balances are $280,246.81 in savings and $424.66 in checking. Quick glance at budget shows we are underbudget in most all categories, and will probably collect the $30,000 Loan as the Domistic Cleaners lot is under contract to be sold.
6. Old Business –
a. Parking lot improvements: In lieu of replacing irrigation and planting grass in the narrow beds along the street, contractor and I want to use artificialturf. Materials for all beds $1601, labor extimated to be approximately $300 (billing hourly at $25 per hour) - Allan made a motion to spend up to $2500 on these beds, motion seconded by Elizabeth, motion passed unanimously.
b. McKenzie House: City has reservations, and response to social media post. Brent reported that in his conversation with Mark McQueen his two issues are safety and the person staffing the office, and problems making the facility ADA compliant. Allan reported that Commissioner Haligas suggested we moe forward and make a proposal to lease. Group agreed to work on an agreement to present to the city.
c. Farmer’s Market: Catherine signed the event permit on behalf of DIB, making it a non-profit sponsored event. Sean called asking. They said in new fee schedule would not take effect untilnext year, so things would continue as they are until then.
d. Parking system vendor research - Allan handed out list of potential vendors for a parking system for downtown. It was decided to reach out to see if anyone else wanted to serve on a committee, and to continue the conversation and research as there are many decisions to be made. Allan proposed a two phase test, offering to start charging in the parking lots around his business making History Class a guinea pig. Group agrees that Beach Drive Parking Lot needs to be addressed with signage, and possibly offering permits to Towers Residents.
7. New Business –
a. Teresa Sheffield is here from Panama City Growing Strong to discuss us co-hosting having Jeff from Revitalize or Die here for a speaking engagement. Allan made a motion to share the $2000 cost by paying to Panama City Growing Strong $1000. motions was seconded by Brent and passed unanimously. The evening of May 4th was suggested, location inside Center for the Arts. Group agreed at $200 Expense for refreshments was a good idea.
8. Committee Updates
9. Administrative Update
10. Reminders / Calls to Action
a. Next Workshop meeting is April 20, 4:00, location TBD - Burg Law Firm
b. Next meeting will be Wednesday May 4, 2022, 8:30 Center for the Arts
11. Adjournment