Jeovahna Branning

Key discussion items for this meeting included the first of two public hearings regarding a Development Agreement between the City and CBD Holdings, LLC for property in Panama City North. The Consent Agenda covered approval of a Special Event Permit for the '250th Birthday Bash -- An American Pride Concert' scheduled for June 20, 2026. Further items involved awarding a bid for Fire Station Generators, amending a contract with Gulf Coast Utility Contractors for Project Area O-12 to add an omitted contingency, approving a Task Order for the PC North Forcemain Evaluation Project, approving two Infill Program houses, approving a Mott MacDonald Task Order for CDBG-DR Area O-11, approving Change Orders 4, 16, and 17 related to SRF Area F1 and CDBG-DR Project O-12 utility repairs, reviewing the February 2026 Financial Statement, Commissioners' Reports including a Resolution on Excess Bill Credit and a Resolution of Support for the Sunshine Protection Act, City Clerk-Treasurer recruiting efforts, approval of a grant application resolution for the Florida Boating Improvement Program, a Budget Amendment Resolution for FEMA Public Assistance Programmatic Management Support, a report on athletic field usage, approval of a Work Order for CCTV Inspection of gravity sewer mains, execution of a vacant land contract for a property on West 10th Court, approval of the award for the Truesdell Park Parking Lot project, and approvals for final change orders for the MLK Jr. Recreation Center and the Martin Theatre, as well as additional construction administration services for the Martin Theatre.

The meeting agenda included several quasi-judicial proceedings requiring action. Key requests included conceptual plan approval for the infrastructure supporting SweetBay Town Center Phase 3 development, major development approval for a property at 230 and 236 McKenzie Ave, and a request for annexation, small scale land use amendment, and rezoning for property located at 4620 and 4622 Highway 390 East. Other items included a rezoning request from Neighborhood Residential (NR) to Neighborhood General (NG) for a property on E 9th Street, and a request to vacate utility, drainage, and sewer easements near Mound Avenue and W 21st Street. The agenda also listed sections for call to order, changes to the agenda, announcements, and audience participation.

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included a request to discuss water billing at a future meeting or workshop. A public hearing was held for the final reading of Ordinance 3299, which amends Chapter 12 to mandate maintenance of railroad rights-of-way regarding vegetation, drainage, and nuisance control outside of the operational track area; the ordinance was subsequently approved with an effective date of April 1, 2026. The consent agenda covered multiple considerations, such as allowing corked alcohol sales at the St. Andrews Farmer's Market, approving a Special Event Permit for the Copper Collar 5K Run/Walk, approving a Professional Services Contract for six firms, approving an agreement with Destination Panama City, executing a corrected Riparian Rights Easement Agreement for DFW Properties, and approving deductive and task orders related to the CDBG-DR Project Restore Millville. Furthermore, discussions addressed the process for hiring a new City Clerk-Treasurer, which resulted in a request for staff to return with detailed information at a later date. Approvals were granted for a Budget Amendment Resolution increasing funds for the Panama City Kings Bayou/Pretty Bayou Sewer and Water Expansion Phase III, an amendment for CEI services for Pretty Bayou Improvements Phase 3, a Memorandum of Understanding for 300 Luverne Avenue, and the selection of Volkert, Inc. for professional services for the Panama City Rails with Trails project. Finally, the Downtown Farmers Market location was approved to remain the same for an additional week.

The meeting began with the Chair calling the Planning Board meeting to order. A request was made to table agenda item 6.a, which concerned a Major Development application for the St. Andrew Bay Yacht Club located at 218 Bunkers Cove Road, to a later meeting when the associated Development Agreement could also be addressed. Following this request, the quasi-judicial proceedings section was waived as the item was tabled. The Board subsequently voted unanimously to continue Case Number CPC-PLN-2026-0176 to a later date. No audience participation or non-action items were presented.

The meeting addressed several significant municipal matters. Discussions included the finalization of the alley closing between Isabella and Grant, south of Highway 98, following up on a prior resolution. The Commission considered a recommendation from the Panama City-Bay County Chamber of Commerce regarding the adoption of Central Daylight Saving Time, which was ultimately defeated. A drainage issue near Glenwood Elementary School concerning a retaining wall on Mercedes Avenue was referred to the City Engineer for assessment regarding potential easement conflicts. Two ordinances were introduced on first reading: one closing and vacating a portion of Joyner Avenue, and another relating to taxation and property assessment changes. Commissioner Charles Abbott announced his intention to serve until a successor is appointed as the new Bay County Sheriff. A lease for William E. Dalton to operate a photographic shop at the Panama City Marina was approved after Commissioner Copeland retracted previous objections. Authorization was granted for city employees to establish a credit union, contingent on future administrative cost discussions. The Commission directed a study on the probable cost for a complete property revaluation for the 1962 tax roll due to existing inequities. An Urban Development Advisory Committee was established, with the Mayor cautioning against confusion with Urban Renewal programs. A motion was passed to develop an employee suggestion incentive awards program. A committee was appointed to recommend a revised policy for wrecker service calls by the Police Department to address potential discrimination against non-franchised operators. Resolutions were adopted to highly commend the late city employee C. C. Spivey for his service and to fully endorse and support the Panama City Port Authority in acquiring the Wainwright Shipyard, including encouraging personal endorsements for necessary loans. Finally, the Commission accepted a report from the consulting engineers regarding waterfront development, noting lower than estimated revenues, and appointed Col. Albert S. Lisenby to the Panama City Housing Authority.