Charter Review Advisory Board Meeting of June 10, 2026. packet 2026-06-10

Charter Review Advisory Board · 2026-06-10 · packet

[501 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401] This document details the proceedings and proposed revisions of the City Charter for Panama City, Florida. The Charter Review Advisory Board met on May 28, 2026, and discussed various articles and sections of the charter, including pensions, mayor and commissioner compensation, agenda processes, term lengths, and residency requirements for city officials. Key decisions included not including compensation in the charter, changing the mayor's term to four years aligned with presidential elections, and changing residency requirements for City Manager, City Attorney, and Comptroller to Bay County. The board also discussed incorporating single-member district language into the charter. A subsequent meeting was scheduled for June 10, 2026, to submit recommended revisions to the City Commission. The document also lists numerous past charter amendments and ordinance adoptions dating back to 1963, primarily concerning boundary changes, ward definitions, and various governmental powers and procedures. This document is a compilation of sections from a city charter, primarily detailing the powers and administrative structure of the city. It outlines the city's broad governmental, corporate, and proprietary powers, including the ability to adopt ordinances, acquire and dispose of property, exercise eminent domain, and regulate various aspects of city life such as fires, water, animals, and public health. It also details election procedures, the roles and responsibilities of city officers (City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk/Collector Comptroller), and provisions for police and fire protection. The document extensively references the Municipal Home Rule Powers Act (F.S. ch. 166) and Florida Statutes, indicating that many original charter provisions have been superseded or converted into ordinances covered by state law. Specific sections on building and zoning regulations, taxation, bonds, and public utilities are noted as being adequately covered by state statutes. There are no specific development projects, applications, or public comments detailed in this excerpt. This document contains sections of the Panama City, Florida, Code of Ordinances and City Charter, primarily detailing administrative structures, powers of the city commission and manager, election procedures, and financial oversight. It does not contain specific development projects, addresses, or case numbers for contractors to pursue work. The document outlines the framework for city governance, including the roles of various officers and departments, and the process for adopting ordinances and managing city affairs. It references the Municipal Home Rule Powers Act (F.S. ch. 166) as a basis for many of the city's ordinances. [Majette Industrial Park] The City Commission of Panama City, Florida, held a public hearing to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation of property within the Majette Industrial Park from 'sylvaculture' to 'heavy industrial' to accommodate Spencer Industries. Spencer Industries plans to locate a plant and create 200 jobs, requiring an additional 10 acres adjacent to their existing 8.6 acres. The property is part of land recently annexed by the City. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce supported the change. A local resident inquired about the park's naming, and a representative from The Bay Line, Ltd. provided historical context regarding the Majette siting. The Commission also approved ordinances related to the Florida Retirement System, a defined contribution pension plan, the vacation of portions of Elm Avenue and Second Street, and amendments to Land Development Regulations concerning non-residential developments of ten acres or less. Additionally, the Commission approved bids for refuse containers and the Johnson Bayou drainage project, allocated funds for the Moates Avenue fire station relocation, and authorized design and right-of-way purchase for the four-laning of Jenks Avenue. A grant for an additional police person for community policing at Foxwood Apartments was accepted. The Commission discussed but did not make a decision on a proposal from the Panama City Swim and Tennis Club regarding a swimming pool, with some commissioners expressing concerns about costs and liability, while others saw potential for cooperative efforts and grant funding. The City Manager was directed to investigate further ideas for the swim and tennis club project. A temporary fueling station at the Panama City Marina was approved. The City Commission also discussed fire protection coverage with Cedar Grove and the design of a joint City/County administration building.