March 2024 Minutes
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PANAMA CITY DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT BOARD
Wednesday, March 6thth, 2024 @ 8:30 AM
Panama City Center for the Arts
19 East 4th Street
1. Call to order – 8:30 AM. Present: Chairman Catherine Shores, Allan Branch, Jake Sostheim, Jennifer Burg, Nate Taylor. Absent: Catherine McCloy and Kevin Mitchell
2. Chairman’s report – Catherine Shores reminded the board that budget season is coming soon. She reminded the board of the DIB mission statement of marketing, historic preservation and bringing people downtown. She pointed out that there is no signage heading west on Hwy 98 for Historic Downtown. Jennifer Vigil, with Destination PC said that they tried 2 years ago to get signage from DOT but was denied due to safety reasons. She said when “malfunction junction” gets redone, there may be an opportunity to add. Nate suggested adjusting the marketing budget to be able to put up billboards. Catherine also shared that additional trees were planted in Gateway Park. One of the trees was donated in memory of Alonzo Johnson and a marker, provided by the DIB, will be placed by the tree.
3. Additions/Deletions – Catherine asked to add 8c. Social District funds to the agenda. Allan made a motion to add. Nate 2nd. All Approved.
4. Approval of minutes – from February 7, 2024. Allan Branch made a motion to accept. Jennifer Burg 2nd. All Approved.
5. Public Participation – Jenna Haligas (via phone) is hoping that streetscapes will be out to bid in March/April. It will be out for 30 days. It is estimated to start July/August timeframe.
6. Financial Update – Bank account balances, current budget update
7. Arts Update – Jayson thanked the DIB for continued support of FLLUXE Art Fest. He would like it to be on the radar for next year’s budget. He shared that the event will never be self-sustaining and will require sponsors. He would like to be able to request $10,000 yearly. He shared a request for $1000 for May the 4th event. He will ask at the April meeting. Jayson will send Maria Williams, Director of the DIB, information that he is working on for marketing downtown. Allan Branch asked if more crosswalk art will continue downtown. Jayson said yes, eventually, but is focusing on 3D art this year.
8. Old Business –
a. D & O Insurance – Allan made a motion to approve purchasing D & O insurance. Jennifer Burg 2nd. All approved.
b. Will Thompson with Songwriters – Tabled until next meeting.
9. New Business –
a. Jenny Kelly from Bookish Boutique requested funding – Jenny requested funding for the signage of her new store. No motion was made.
b. Historic signs downtown – Allan would like to see if the board is interested in signage downtown for historical buildings. Jennifer Vigil shared that they had been approved for a grant through the state prior to Hurricane Michael and had to decline because downtown was still in disrepair. Brochures need to be redone. Maria will coordinate with Destination Panama City to see what needs done to move forward with new brochures and signage.
c. Social District funds – Catherine Shores shared that more money is needed to purchase stickers for the social district. Jennifer Burg made a motion to add $3000 to fund more stickers. Nate Taylor 2nd. All approved.
10. Administrative Update
a. Public Bathroom – Hoping to go out to bid at the end of the week.
b. EV Charging Stations – RFP’s are due on Friday, March 8th
c. DIB letter of support for Phase 2 of Streetscapes was sent after the last meeting.
d. IRS – Settled 2019 1st Q 941 for $900.77
11. Reminders / Calls to Action
a. Next meeting will be Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024
b. Next Workshop meeting will be TBD
12. Adjournment at 9:43 AM