City Commission Meeting of April 14, 2026. packet 2026-04-14

City Commission Meetings · 2026-04-14 · packet

[4620 Hwy 390 E and 4622 Hwy 390 E; 2209 9th Street E; southeast of the intersection of Mound Avenue and W 21st Street, north of W 20th Court; 1900 W. 11th Street; 1100 Fountain Avenue; 447 Harrison Avenue; case PC26-020; PC26-013; PC26-026] The City Commission will hold the first of two public hearings on Ordinance 3300.1 for the voluntary annexation of approximately 2.89 acres. Concurrently, they will hold the first of two public hearings on Ordinance 3300.2 to amend the Future Land Use Map to General Commercial and Ordinance 3300.3 to amend the Zoning Map to General Commercial-2 (GC-2) for the same property. A Development Agreement with Lindsey Crossing PC, LLC is also up for a first public hearing for this property. The City Commission will also hold the first of two public hearings on Ordinance 3301 to amend the Zoning Map to Neighborhood General (NG) for a property at 2209 9th Street E. A second and final public hearing will be held for Ordinance 3294, amending the Gateway Overlay of the Unified Land Development Code regarding Special Exceptions to Prohibited Uses. Additionally, the commission will hold the first of two public hearings on Ordinance 3302 to vacate and abandon an alleyway and platted easements southeast of the intersection of Mound Avenue and W 21st Street, north of W 20th Court. The commission will consider awarding bid PC26-020 for Project Hometown Revitalization – A.D. Harris to Anderson Construction Company for $484,650.00. They will also consider awarding bid PC26-013 and contract for the 8th Street Improvements project to ECSC, LLC for $378,535.94, with authorization for the City Manager to approve change orders up to $75,707.19. Budget amendment resolutions are on the agenda for generator retrofits ($92,321.00), police training equipment ($93,875.00), a police mobile command trailer ($105,025.00), SWAT ballistic vests ($25,290.00 plus $1,014.00 transfer), and a small street scrubber ($218,340.00). An Interlocal Agreement with Bay County for roadway transfers and a long-term lease agreement with Girls Incorporated of Bay County for the Oakland Terrace Club House in exchange for property at 1100 Fountain Avenue are also on the agenda. A purchase contract for The Breezeway Project at 447 Harrison Avenue is up for consideration. Special Event Permits for the Annual Juneteenth Celebration at McKenzie Park and a Pure Leaf film shoot at Tarpon Dock Drawbridge are also on the agenda. Consideration to approve an Interlocal Agreement with Bay County and the City of Panama City for roadway transfers. This agreement is authorized by Section 163.01 of the Florida Statutes. [1900 W. 11th Street] Consideration of approval for a long-term lease agreement with Girls Incorporated of Bay County for the shared use of the Oakland Terrace Club House at 1900 W. 11th Street, in exchange for the property at 1100 Fountain Avenue, Bay County Parcel # 18764-010-00. [447 Harrison Avenue] Consideration of approval for a purchase contract between the City of Panama City and Jayson Kretzer and Catherine FitzSimons Shores concerning the property at 447 Harrison Avenue (The Breezeway Project). [case PC26-026] Consideration to appoint Matthew Goldhagen for Special Code Enforcement Magistrate. [East of John Pitts Road and north of Old Majette Tower Road] Second and final public hearing on the approval of the proposed Development Agreement with CBD Holdings, LLC for a property located east of John Pitts Road and north of Old Majette Tower Road (Parcel ID 03875-000-000). The agreement was approved. First of two public hearings on Ordinance 3294, amending Sec. 104-66, Gateway Overlay, of the Unified Land Development Code regarding Special Exceptions to Prohibited Uses. [928 Promenade Street] First and only public hearing on the approval of the proposed SweetBay Town Center Phase 3 Conceptual Plan for a property located at 928 Promenade Street (Parcel ID 11731-650-020). The plan was approved. Consideration to approve two (2) Infill Program houses. [621 E. Beach Drive] Consideration to approve the Special Event Permit for The Sunset Soiree event on April 11, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 621 E. Beach Drive, with a road closure on E. 2nd Street from E. Beach Drive to Harmon Avenue. [Harvey Dee Mathis Walking Park] Consideration to approve the Special Event Permit for Emerald Coast Kidney Walk event on April 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Harvey Dee Mathis Walking Park. [McKenzie Park] Consideration to approve the Special Event Permit for National Day of Prayer event on May 7, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at McKenzie Park. [Millville Waterfront Park] Consideration to approve the Special Event Permit for Hooked on Classic Rock event on May 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Millville Waterfront Park, with a road closure on 3rd Street from Maple Avenue to Millville Treatment Plant. [Harrison Avenue and 4th Street] Consideration to approve the Special Event Permit for NWFL Pride Fest Art Market and Block Party on June 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Harrison Avenue and on 4th Street, with road closures on Harrison Avenue from Oak Avenue to 5th Street and on 4th Street from Luverne Avenue to Bagel Maker. The permit was approved. [case LPA-0203] Consideration to approve Amendment 2 of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Standard Grant Agreement No. LPA-0203, the Millville WWTP Relocation Study, and extend the expiration date from March 31, 2026, to March 31, 2028. [case PC26-007] Consideration to award bid PC26-007 Project Hometown Revitalization – Aaron Rich Marketing to Bayou Builders of Bay Co., LLC and approval to execute a contract in the amount of $164,042.58. [case PC24-006] Consideration of approval for Change Order 4 in the amount of $171,664.39 and 27 additional days for PC24 -006 CDBG -DR Project Restore Area A2 to CBC Construction for design adjustments and resultant project timeline delays. [case PC25-031] Consideration to amend the existing contract between the City of Panama City and Royal American Construction Company for CDBG -DR Project Restore Glenwood (COPC Bid PC25 -031) and adding 5% extra contingency in the amount of $229,971.09 to the original contract price. [case 20260324.2] Consideration of approval of Budget Amendment Resolution 20260324.2 to transfer unreimbursed costs of closed projects into the Hurricane Michael Fund. This item was tabled to the meeting of April 14, 2026. [Millville Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)] Discussion, consideration, and approval to provide a construction grant of $400,000.00 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County for the reconstruction of the Millville Boys & Girls Club Center located in the Millville Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). No action was taken. [704 East 15th Street] Consideration and authorization to finalize and close on the purchase of property located at 704 East 15th Street (Parcel No. 17340-010-000) using Downtown North CRA funds. The purchase was authorized. [4620 E Hwy 390 & 4622 E Hwy 390; case CPC-PLN-2026-0640] First of two public hearings on Ordinance 3300.1, an ordinance on the voluntary annexation of approximately 2.89 acres of property located at 4620 Hwy 390 E and 4622 Hwy 390 E (Parcel ID 05916-025-010 and 05916-010-000). The property is proposed to be rezoned to General Commercial-2 (GC-2). The Planning Board recommended approval. [4620 Highway 390 E and 4622 Highway 390 E; case CPC-PLN-2026-0640] The City Commission approved the annexation, small-scale future land use amendment, and rezoning of two parcels totaling 2.89 acres from Bay County jurisdiction to City of Panama City jurisdiction. The land use changes from County Industrial and General Commercial to City General Commercial, and the zoning changes from Bay County GC to City GC-2. The proposed development is a medical and retail/commercial complex with associated parking. The Planning Board unanimously recommended approval, and staff concurred. The City Commission held public hearings on April 14, 2026, and April 28, 2026, approving the ordinances. [2209 9th Street E; case CPC-PLN-2026-0601] The City Commission approved the rezoning of a 0.524-acre parcel from Neighborhood Residential (NR) to Neighborhood General (NG). The property is located at 2209 9th Street E. The Planning Board unanimously recommended approval, and staff concurred. The City Commission held public hearings on April 14, 2026, and April 28, 2026, approving the ordinance. [case Ordinance No. 3294] The City Commission approved an ordinance amending Section 104-66, Gateway Overlay (GO), of the Unified Land Development Code. The amendment allows the City Commission to grant special exceptions to prohibited uses on a case-by-case basis, provided the use is not prohibited by the underlying zoning district. Conditions and safeguards may be imposed. Prohibited uses previously included gas stations, vape shops, pharmacies, and dispensaries. The Planning Board recommended approval unanimously on November 10, 2025. The City Commission held multiple hearings, with the final adoption on December 16, 2025. [Southeast of the intersection of Mound Avenue and W 21st Street, north of W 20th Court; case Ordinance No. 3302] The City Commission approved an ordinance to vacate and abandon an alleyway and platted easements southeast of the intersection of Mound Avenue and W 21st Street, north of W 20th Court. The property is designated as 'City Property' and does not retain any underground utilities or infrastructure. The Planning Board recommended approval unanimously on March 9, 2026, and staff concurred. The City Commission held public hearings on April 14, 2026, and April 28, 2026, approving the ordinance. This document is the Panama City Fire Department's Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover, detailing their operational strategies, risk analysis, and performance objectives for fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. It outlines the department's structure, staffing, apparatus, response areas, and historical context, aiming for accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The document identifies key demographics, geography, climate, and industry within Panama City, and analyzes response times and service demand trends, noting an increase in EMS calls and a shift in demand towards high-density zones. It also mentions future expansion needs due to city growth. The Fire Chief, David W. Collier, authored the Chief's Message. The FY 2026 budget is $12,367,632.94, a decrease from FY 2025's $14,017,970. The department has a Class 2/2X ISO Public Protection Classification. [211 West 19th Street (Station 4), 625 Jackson Way (Station 5), 4931 Star Avenue (Station 6)] Station 4 is located at 211 West 19th Street and responded to 1083 incidents in 2023, 1324 in 2024, and 1623 in 2025, with an average fire response time of 5 minutes and 35 seconds. Station 5, located at 625 Jackson Way, responded to 551 incidents in 2023, 664 in 2024, and 759 in 2025, with an average fire response time of 5 minutes and 33 seconds. Station 6, located at 4931 Star Avenue, is currently not in use by the Panama City Fire Department but is utilized by Bay County Fire Rescue for storing emergency medical equipment and ambulances. [501 Harrison Avenue; case PC26-020] Project Hometown Revitalization – A.D. Harris work at the City of Panama City, 501 Harrison Avenue, involves improvements to parking lots, courtyard, lighting installation, ADA accessible sidewalk, and walkway covers. The bid PC26-020 was awarded to Anderson Construction Company for $484,650.00. [8th Street, between North Cove Blvd and Massalina Drive; case PC26-013] 8th Street Improvements project near Downtown Panama City, between North Cove Blvd and Massalina Drive, involves approximately 1,150 linear feet of asphalt roadway resurfacing, 800 LF of gravity sewer main replacements, 350 LF of potable water main replacements, and associated site restoration. Bid PC26-013 was awarded to ECSC, LLC for $378,535.94, with authorization for change orders up to $75,707.19. [case G1C82] This document details a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funds approval for the Linderwood Drive Reconstruction Project. The City of Panama City is the vendor, receiving a grant disbursement of $500,000.00. The project has a beginning date of 09/11/2019 and an ending date of 10/31/2020. The document also includes extensive financial reports for various City of Panama City funds as of March 31, 2026, and discussions regarding a proposed Historical Building Ordinance update. This document outlines the regulations and procedures for historic preservation within the Town of Yankeetown, Florida. It details criteria for designating historic resources, including buildings, sites, and archaeological areas, and establishes processes for review and approval of alterations, new construction, and demolition. The ordinance aims to protect and enhance the town's distinctive architectural and cultural heritage, safeguard its history, foster civic pride, stimulate the economy through tourism, and stabilize property values. It specifies that no building permits for modifications to designated historic resources will be issued without a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Board, with exemptions for certain mechanical and safety-related permits. The document also defines key terms related to historic preservation and outlines the scope and exemptions from these regulations. It details the criteria and procedures for designation, including owner consent requirements and the role of the Historic Preservation Officer and Board. The process involves designation reports, public hearings, and recommendations to the Town Council for final approval. The ordinance also addresses the protection of archaeological sites and resources during development. [case Resolution 20260414.3] City of Panama City is transferring $4,334,355.00 from Hurricane Michael Reserves to close out several completed projects: Carl Gray Park, Sidewalks and Curbs, Sudduth Park, Cemetery Fence, and Vehicle Maintenance Facility Project. This action is to cover unreimbursed costs of these closed projects. [case Resolution 20260414.1] City of Panama City is approving a budget amendment of $92,321.00 to utilize Infrastructure Surtax funds for the PC26-010 Generators for Fire Station 1, 2 & 6 Wind Retrofit project. This amendment covers a budget increase related to a grant agreement. [case Resolution 20260414.2] City of Panama City is transferring $93,875.00 from the Law Enforcement Training Fund to the Panama City Police Department for the purchase of training equipment and aids, including items for de-escalation, defensive tactics, K-9, taser, and firearms training. [case Resolution 20260414.4] City of Panama City is approving the use of State Forfeiture funds totaling $105,025.00 to purchase a 2026 Ford F-450 vehicle and associated equipment for the Panama City Police Department's mobile command trailer. The trailer will serve as an on-site command and communication platform for incident response. [case Resolution 20260414.5] City of Panama City is accepting and expending $25,290.00 from the 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and transferring $1,014.00 from the General Fund to purchase 14 SWAT ballistic vests for the Panama City Police Department. The total cost is $26,304.00. [case Resolution 20260414.6] City of Panama City is considering a budget amendment for the purchase of a MULTIHOG cv350 Sweeper Stage V with integrated scrubber and suction unit from Jet-Vac Equipment Company through a Sourcewell Contract for streetscape areas, paths, pedestrian areas, and parks. The cost is $218,340.00. [501 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401; case RESOLUTION NO. 20260414.6] The City of Panama City is purchasing a street sweeper/scrubber for $218,340.00 to clean new streetscapes, pavers, sidewalks, and multi-use paths. This equipment is needed because the current sweeper is too large and abrasive for these surfaces. The purchase is budgeted for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Environmental Services Fund. The Director of Public Works recommends approval. The City of Panama City and Bay County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) are entering into an Interlocal Agreement for roadway transfers. This agreement establishes criteria for the condition of infrastructure, including a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 80 or greater, before a roadway transfer occurs. The County will improve roadways with a PCI below 70 prior to transfer. The agreement also outlines optional cost-sharing for resurfacing, with the County contributing up to 50% of the cost. Specifically, the BOCC agrees to pay the lesser of $800,000 or 50% of the actual bid cost for the resurfacing of Discovery Loop South. [1900 W. 11th Street (Oakland Terrace Club House) and 1100 Fountain Avenue] The City of Panama City and Girls Incorporated of Bay County (Girls Inc.) are entering into a Sale & Lease Agreement. Girls Inc. will convey its property at 1100 Fountain Avenue (Bay County Parcel # 18764-010-00, appraised at $245,000) to the City. In exchange, the City will lease designated areas of the Oakland Terrace Club House (1900 W. 11th Street) to Girls Inc. for a six-year term with zero base rent. Girls Inc. will have exclusive use of approximately 3,041 square feet of dedicated space Monday-Friday during program hours, with shared use of approximately 3,453 square feet on weekends for City rentals and programming. The City will be responsible for building systems, structure, grounds, and cleaning Shared Areas after rentals. Girls Inc. will be responsible for janitorial services of its exclusive premises and reporting maintenance issues. The City will perform initial buildout, including a new restroom, and Girls Inc. may fund program-specific fixtures. The agreement aims to provide Girls Inc. with a new facility as their current lease expires at the end of April 2026. [447 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401; case RFP PC26-017] The City of Panama City will sell the property at 447 Harrison Avenue to Jayson Kretzer and Catherine FitzSimons Shores for $10.00 for the development of retail, restaurant, or office spaces. The project, known as 'The Breezeway Project,' must include a pedestrian walkway and two ADA-compliant public restrooms. The City will be responsible for the reasonable maintenance, supplies, and cleaning of the restrooms after construction is complete and accepted. The closing date is set for on or before October 30, 2026, with construction and final occupancy required by August 1, 2027. Failure to meet development milestones will result in the property reverting to the City. The buyers may assign the contract to an entity they own at least 51% of. [502 Harmon Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401 (Goldhagen Law, PLLC office); case RFQ PC26-026] The City of Panama City is considering the appointment of Matthew Goldhagen, Esq. as a Special Code Enforcement Magistrate. Mr. Goldhagen's firm is located at 502 Harmon Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401. He has extensive experience in local government regulations, code enforcement cases, and civil litigation, including construction and property law. He has prosecuted over 30 code enforcement cases and defended over 10. He currently serves as Assistant City Attorney for Chipley and Vernon, Florida. The evaluation committee recommended him despite his six years of practice being less than the advertised eight years, citing his relevant experience. Blake Bohlman, Esq. also submitted a proposal but was not recommended. [327 S. County Hwy 393, Suite 201B, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459; case PC26-001] Blake A. Bohlman, Esq. submitted qualifications for Special Magistrate Services (RFQ No. PC26-001). Bohlman Law PLLC, located at 327 S. County Hwy 393, Suite 201B, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, is seeking to provide these services. The applicant has a background in construction law, real estate, and municipal compliance, with experience in conducting hearings, reviewing case files, and applying laws impartially. The proposed hourly rate for Special Magistrate Services, Case Review & Preparation, and Drafting of Orders is $195.00. Travel time is waived, and administrative/clerical services are included. [501 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401 (for opening of qualifications); case PC26-026] The City of Panama City is re-advertising a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Special Magistrate Services (RFQ No. PC26-026), seeking multiple qualified Florida licensed attorneys. Services will be in accordance with City of Panama City Ordinance 2324 and Florida Statutes Chapter 162. Qualifications are due by 2:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and will be opened at City Hall, Lower-Level, Room 010, 501 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any qualifications. [not stated (refers to Millville CRA, Downtown North CRA, and St. Andrews CRA)] The City of Panama City is establishing an internal paving capability. The City Commission and CRA Board have approved an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for paving services. The plan includes funding for materials, personnel, equipment leases, and purchases over several years. Year 1 funding is approximately $1,029,000, with contributions from Housing, Millville CRA, and Downtown North CRA. Year 2 funding is approximately $1,484,000, with contributions from Millville CRA, Downtown North CRA, St. Andrews CRA, and Housing, supplemented by Infrastructure Surtax. Year 3 funding is approximately $1,745,000, with similar funding sources and a larger contribution from Infrastructure Surtax. The plan involves providing miles of paving annually, starting with 2.12 miles in Year 1. [501 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL 32401; case Resolution No. 20260113.2] The City of Panama City is establishing an internal paving crew. This involves amending the FY 2025-2026 budget to allocate funds from various city sources, including CRA funds, Housing funds, and Infrastructure Surtax. The plan includes purchasing paving equipment, materials, and personnel costs. The document outlines projected paving work for Years 4 and 5, detailing mileage, funding sources, and material costs. A specific lease agreement for a LeeBoy 8608 Asphalt Paver machine from Tractor & Equipment Company is also detailed, including monthly payments and a purchase option price. The City Commission approved the budget amendment and interlocal agreement for staffing and equipment purchase for the internal paving team. The total estimated cost for the paving program in Year 4 is $2,046,000.00, with a contribution of $996,000 from Infrastructure Surtax. For Year 5, the total estimated cost is $1,972,000.00, with a contribution of $922,000 from Infrastructure Surtax. The lease for the paver machine totals $263,080.98 over 6 months, with a purchase option price of $31,176.72.