December 2023 Minutes
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PANAMA CITY DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT BOARD
Wednesday, December 6th @ 8:30 AM
Panama City Center for the Arts
19 East 4th Street
1. Call to order – 8:33 AM Present: Chairman Catherine Shores, Allan Branch, Jennifer Burg, Nate Taylor, Catherine McCloy. Absent: Elizabeth Moore, Kevin Mitchell
2. Chairman’s report – Chairman Catherine Shores brought to the board that Executive Director, Maria Williams has been with the DIB for a year last October. She shared a list of accomplishments over the past year and recommended to the board that a pay raise be given. Allan Branch said that he does a 3% per year across the board for his employees to keep up with inflation. Jennifer Vigil from Destination Panama City shared that they had to increase their salary range 9 – 11 % to keep up with inflation. Catherine Shores asked if the board would be in favor of a 10% raise. Allan made a motion and Jennifer Burg 2nd. All approved.
3. Approval of minutes – from November 1, 2023. Jennifer Burg made a motion to approve. Catherine McCloy 2nd. All approved
4. Public Participation – Lesli Todd, from Jute and Palm, thanked the DIB for supporting the Merchant Christmas Party. First Panama Pedal Tours was seen in Historic Downtown on Sunday. Pat Cave, who has a townhome project at Harmon and 5th introduced himself to the board. His focus is on workforce housing. Allan Branch would like the DIB to collaborate more with developers and look at the DIB giving incentives to development. Gray Dodge with CRA shared that the CRA is bringing before their board to provide incentives for development. If approved, will be retroactive. The Downtown CRA will require a $1 million minimum investment.
5. Financial Update – Bank account balances, current budget update
6. Arts Update – Jayson Kretzer from Bay Arts Alliance shared that the “Season’s Change” mural is completed. They are collaborating with CRA for the Fanci cut through from Grace to Harrison Ave. Friday is the Bay County Audubon show.
7. Old Business –
a. Increase in budget for Social District attorney fees, window clings, and stickers – Chairman Catherine Shores shared with the board that the DIB was over budget in legal fees for the Social District. We have the remaining November bill to receive and window clings and stickers have been purchased. She believes that an additional $4000 should be able to cover expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. Jennifer Burg made a motion to increase the budget by $4000. Catherine McCloy 2nd. All Approved.
8. New Business –
a. Signs around Marina – Allan Branch suggested looking into a walking tour of downtown with historic and areas of interest highlighted. Nate Taylor suggested they look at putting on the new planters on Harrison Ave. Brad Stephens, with Sunjammers, said the Publishing Museum in St. Andrews has information on a walking tour. Jennifer Vigil, with Destination PC said there was a walking tour, but many things no longer exist after Hurricane Michael. Nate Taylor will investigate with the Historical Museum.
b. St. Patrick’s Day 2024 Sponsorship (Bobby Beard) – tabled until January meeting.
c. EV charging stations (Michael Grant) – Mr. Grant gave a presentation on the need for EV charging stations in the downtown area. The initial investment is the cost of 4 charging spaces, electrical work and wifi. It is predicted to become a revenue generator within 1 – 2 years depending on the final cost of installation. Jennifer Burg made a motion to move forward with an up to $8000 investment with the board trying to find the lowest cost area on a lot already owned by the DIB. Allan Branch 2nd. All approved.
d. Additional employee split between QOL/CRA/DIB – tabled until January meeting.
9. Administrative Update
a. Social District – Official kick off weekend was Dec. 1st. 5500 stickers have been distributed to downtown businesses. City is working on signage.
b. McKenzie Park – Waiting on MOU from the city.
c. Wagon Rides – Nov. 24th sold out. Dec. 1 & 2 were cancelled because of the weather.
d. Public Bathroom – The current design will not fit within the budget. Working with Panhandle Engineering to come up with a design that will. Expect to be able to go out to bid within the next three weeks.
e. Christmas Decorations – Spent $2500. Decorations are up in Gateway Park.
f. Downtown Clean up – Thank you to Late Bloomer for initiating this event and History Class Brewing for providing drink tokens. About 12 volunteers showed up.
10. Reminders / Calls to Action
a. Next meeting will be Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024
b. Next Workshop meeting will be TBD
11. Adjournment at 9:57 AM