February 2024 Minutes
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PANAMA CITY DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT BOARD
Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 @ 8:30 AM
Panama City Center for the Arts
19 East 4th Street
1. Call to order at 8:32 AM Present: Chairman Catherine Shores, Jake Sostheim, Allan Branch, Kevin Mitchell, Nate Taylor, Catherine McCloy. Arrived later: Jennifer Burg.
2. Chairman’s report – Chairman Catherine Shores addressed the lack of D&O coverage. It was cancelled in 2019. Three quotes were received to reinstate. The board requested that more research be done on the difference of D&O and E&O insurance. QOL has requested help from the DIB to pay for the trimming of the trees in McKenzie Park. Allan suggested adding the trees around the McKenzie House to the bid as well. Maria will request the trees to be added to the bid.
3. Approval of minutes – from January 3rd, 2024. Allan made a motion to approve. Kevin 2nd. All approved.
4. Public Participation – Dewey Powell with Career Source Gulf Coast shared that they are looking for employers that are willing to take a chance on their clients that are recovering addicts or family members of addicts. Their grant allows them to cover the first 3 months of wages and help with support services such as clothing and transportation. Kevin Mitchell, with The Press, shared that he has had a great experience with the program.
5. Financial Update – Bank account balances, current budget update
6. Arts Update – Jayson Kretzer shared that FLLUXE is scheduled for March 1 – 2. There will be no Farmers Market that weekend but will be an Art Market. There will also be a community-based mural installed on the ½ wall leading into The Center for Arts. He is looking for recommendations on how to design/activate the new green space in front of the building. His goals are shade, art, and interactivity.
7. Old Business –
8. New Business –
a. Grants for business signage – The board would like to support downtown businesses. If there is a need for signage or design, they can bring their ask to the DIB on a case-by-case basis.
b. Playground/Art in McKinzie Park – Public sentiment is to have something for kids. More research will be done on ways to fund.
c. Request for Letter of Support for Phase 2 of Streetscapes – Allan made a motion to provide a letter of support to the city on behalf of the DIB. Kevin 2nd. All approved.
d. Calvary Church/Rescue Mission 5k – Stacey Legg with Calvary Church spoke about the 5K fun run and Easter egg hunt on March 30. This is their 3rd year. 100% of all profits go to a chosen charity. This year will be the Downtown Rescue Mission. A request was made for $1000. Kevin made a potion to approve, Allan 2nd. All approved.
e. Will Thompson gave an update on last year’s Songwriters Fest. It used 6 different venues, 2 of them being outside. He also shared that he would like to spearhead new entertainment downtown that would highlight different spaces. The board asked that he come back with more information on his request for both events.
f. Budget for Christmas Decorations – Jayson Kretzer is talking to a company that can do a light display downtown. He hopes to have more information at the next board meeting. Bay Arts is willing to help facilitate and help fund.
9. Administrative Update
a. Winter Wonder Wagon Rides – Total cost to the DIB after ticket sales was $3000. It was well received and booked out on Friday nights during the holidays. Saturday afternoons and after the holidays were not busy.
b. Public Bathroom - Hope to go out for bid by the end of the month.
c. EV Charging Stations – The RFP was posted today and will be out to bid for 30 days.
d. A letter of support for Streetscapes phase 2 from Downtown merchants was sent to the city.
e. Destination PC board meeting will be February 8 at 12 PM.
10. Reminders / Calls to Action
a. Next meeting will be Wednesday, March 6th, 2024
b. Next Workshop meeting will be TBD
11. Adjournment at 9:55 AM