August 2024 Minutes

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING OF THE

PANAMA CITY DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT BOARD

Wednesday, August 7th, 2024 @ 8:30 AM

Panama City Center for the Arts

19 East 4th Street

1.      Call to Order at 8:01 AM.  Present:  Chair Catherine Shores, Catherine McCloy, Shawntell World, Allan Branch, Lesli Todd, and Jake Sostheim.

2.      Approval of Minutes from July 26th, 2024 Special Meeting – Allan made a motion.  Catherine McCloy 2nd.  All approved.

3.      Additions or Deletions – addition of 6. e. Request for funding of FLLUXE and Fright Nights

4.      Financial Update

5.      Public Participation

6.      New Business

a.      Electric Outlet Covers for Gateway Park – Quotes were received for vandal proof electrical boxes for the outlets in Gateway Park.  The cost was $300 per box.  Purchase was tabled until an electrician can look at the current electrical panel and see if can be put on a timer. 

b.     Project at 4th and Harrison in Art’s Center greenspace – The DIB is looking to purchase several Crepe Myrtle trees to put around the green space at The Center for the Arts to provide some shade to visitors when the green space is activated.  Allan made a motion to allocate $5000 from next year’s budget for this project.  Jake 2nd.  All approved.  Maria will secure 3 bids.

c.      Music on the Porch – This national event will take place on Aug. 31st, 2024.  Thirteen downtown merchants will participate from 11am-2pm.  Lesli made a motion for the DIB to provide $1500 to contribute to the cost of musicians.  Lesli amended her motion to the DIB providing $300 towards marketing of the event.  Jake 2nd.  All approved.

d.     Social media management – Shawntell made a motion to create a Marketing Committee to make a framework that works with social media that the DIB will strongly consider using.  Allan 2nd.  All Approved.  Shawntell will head the committee.

e.      Request for funding of FLLUXE and Fright Nights – Jayson is requesting $2000 for an outdoor party on the lawn during the 7 nights of Fright Nights.  He is also requesting $10,000 for FLLUXE.  This event cost over $40,000 to put on and is a free event to the public.  Allan made a motion to give $12,000.  Lesli 2nd.  All approved.

7.      Old Business

a.      Florida Redevelopment Conference 2024 – Maria requested $1200 to attend the conference in Oct.  No motion was made. 

8.      Arts Update

9.      CRA Update – Public bathrooms have started in McKenzie Park.  They are waiting on the city to tie in sewer and water.  They are estimated to be done in mid-September.  The benches that were ordered for McKenzie Park.  Michelle and Maria will get with Bill Davenport for the best placement.    

10. PCR Update – Formerly QOL has taken a large hit on their budget.  They are grateful for the support of the DIB.  They are looking for partners to help with events such as Trunk or Treat.  They would like to collaborate with the downtown merchants. 

11. DPC Update – Maria shared that DPC has budgeted $5000 for holiday lighting downtown, $15,000 for Wayfinding signage, and is promoting the Wheel of the World marketing campaign.  There are currently 29 spots remaining and the cost to each business is $75.

12. Public Works Update – Suzanne introduced Steven Clements.  He will be attending future DIB meetings to give updates on Streetscapes Phase 2.  The tentative start date is Sept. 16, 2024. It will be done in 3 phases – 4th st. to 5th st., 5th street, then 5th to 6th st. 

13. Chairman’s Report – Catherine reminded the board that her position is up in August and we will look at voting in a new Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer at the September meeting.   

14. Administrative Update – The EV Charging stations are waiting on FPL to run their electrical portion and then they should be operational shortly after.  Maria heard back from Attorney Cole Davis and it was confirmed that the DIB does not have borrowing power without an income source, going to a referendum, or creating an assessment.  Maria is working with Jayson to coordinate painting the dumpsters on Luverne Ave.  Lucien, the new Downtown Ambassador has been working out well downtown.  Maria has connected with an organization of DIB Executive Directors in Florida.  They hold quarterly zoom meetings and get together for one conference a year as well as meet in Tallahassee to meet with legislators to educate them on issues within their downtowns. 

15. Public Participation

16. Reminders/Calls to action

a.       Next meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 4th, 2024

b.      Next Workshop meeting will be Wednesday, Aug. 21st at 8 AM at The McKenzie House

17. Adjournment at 10:12 am.