January 2024 Minutes

Minutes

REGULAR MEETING OF THE

PANAMA CITY DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT BOARD

Wednesday, January 3rd @ 8:30 AM

Panama City Center for the Arts

19 East 4th Street

1.    Call to order – 8:32 AM.  Present was Chairman Catherine Shores, Allan Branch, Catherine McCloy, Nate Taylor.  Absent was Kevin Mitchell, and Jennifer Burg.

2.    Chairman’s report – Catherine Shores shared that Elizabeth Moore has stepped down from the board and the opening will be on the next commission meeting agenda on January 9, 2024.

3.   Approval of minutes – from December 6th, 2023 – Allan made a motion to approve.  Catherine McCloy 2nd.  All approved.

4.   Public Participation – Beth Klien with Panama Peddle Tours asked for recommendations for a history tour downtown.  They will be doing a Trivia tour soon.  They will also be around the Farmers Market.  Jennifer Vigil, with Destination PC, shared that on Dec.15 a presentation was given to the Black History Task Force for a Black History Museum in Panama City.  Lesli Todd announced that the next merchant meeting will be on January 11th at 8:30 AM at The Little Mustard Seed.

5.   Financial Update – Bank account balances, current budget update

6.   Arts Update – Jayson Kretzer shared that the mural in the new breezeway on Harrison Ave. is complete.  The city is working on ADA for the breezeway.  FLLUXE is scheduled for March 1 & 2, 2024.  He is looking to expand on the festival and is asking for $8000 sponsorship from the DIB.  Allan made a motion to give $8000.  Nate 2nd.  All approved.

7.   Old Business –

8.  New Business –  

      a.  St. Patrick’s Day 2024 Sponsorship (Bobby Beard)- Chandra Adams, co-chair for the St. Patrick’s Day festival asked for $13,000 for sponsorship of the event scheduled for March 16 & 17, 2004.  Nate made a motion for $10,000.  Catherine McCloy 2nd.  All approved.

b.  Additional employee split between QOL/CRA/DIB/DPC – Catherine Shores shared a need for an “ambassador” for downtown that could be shared by the different organizations.  More discussion will be had with the other organizations.

      c.  Shoreline enhancement project – Jennifer Vigil shared that they are looking at putting in an Eco Wrap enhancement project that creates a living shoreline.  It would be beneficial for the bay, an educational opportunity, and an attraction for fishermen.  The cost is expected to be $50-100,000.

      d.  Funding for dumpster enclosures at Martin Theatre parking lot – City of PC is asking DIB to fund the fencing around the dumpsters in the parking lot behind the Martin Theatre.  The city will do the labor in house.  DIB is looking at options for design. 

9.  Administrative Update

a.    Social District – Feedback has been good. 

b.    McKenzie Park -

c.     Wagon Rides – All Friday nights were sold out.  Have added a date on January 19th.  If goes well, may add Feb. and March.

d.    Public Bathroom – Waiting on revised plans from Panhandle Engineering.

e.    EV Charging Stations - We have reached out to the city for directions on accepting a proposal and if it will need to be put out to the public.

10.  Reminders / Calls to Action

      a.  Next meeting will be Wednesday, February 7th, 2024

      b.  Next Workshop meeting will be TBD – none scheduled for January.

11.  Adjournment – 9:43 AM