Community Redevelopment Board - Regular Meeting

all right good evening everyone We're  going to call to order the April 15th   Community Redevelopment Agency board  meeting We'll be opening up this evening   with an opening prayer with Reverend  Dr Gregory Thomas senior pastor of the   Greater Bethl AM Church After that we'll  have a pledge of allegiance by the Deputy   CRA Director Miss Brandy Waldron Would you  please stand with me pastor look at that Let us pray More gracious and eternal God we  come to thank you for this day for life We   thank you for health We thank you for strength  But most of all we thank you for your darling   son Jesus Christ that had not been for Calvary  we would not have a right to the tree of life   And as we gather here in this place we ask right  now that you soul our minds on the business at   hand Touch every heart touch every soul touch  every spirit That the decisions that will be   made today will be pleasing in your eyesight  Guided is the way that you would have it That   when it's all said and done we can lift up  holy hands and say "Praise God from whom all   blessings flow and a job when dealt." and we  give you all the praise We give you all the   glory We give you all the honor It's in the  match's name of your darling son our elder   brother Jesus the Christ And every child  of God said "Amen." Amen Amen And amen Amen Pledge allegiance to the flag of the  United States of America and to the   republic for which it stands One nation under  God indivisible with liberty and justice for all Thank you Miss Storm please call the role Board  member Heligus here Board member Lucas present  

Board member Street here Board member Granger  present Chairman Ruan here All present Thank   you Miss Sichorn Uh board members you have  the minutes from the February 18th 2025 uh   board meeting and staff would entertain a motion  to approve Second We have a motion and a second   Is there any discussion miss Horn please call the  role Board member Heligus yes Board member Lucas   yes Board member Granger yes Board member Street  yes Chairman Ruan yes Motion passes Thank you Uh   are there any additions deletions or modifications  to this evening's agenda uh I know that staff has   none Correct Miss Waldron that is correct Any from  the board All right Hearing none moving on Item   number six is audience participation Open to any  issue related to the authority of the Panama City   CRA Remarks are limited to three minutes Please  approach the podium uh and just give your name and   address for the record And again we have a timer  up here you'd be limited to three moments Uh 3   minutes Um if you are um here for any of the items  specifically uh item number seven the 15th Street   and MLK redevelopment project and you're planning  to give a presentation for that you can wait   uh until that point I don't believe there's  another item that would allow anyone to speak   from the audience Do you concur Miss Waldron that  is correct Yep All right So any public comments   please come up to the podium Or I'm sorry Jonathan  The applicants on the tip Thank you I was testing   you I was testing I'm sorry Yes The applicants  for 445 Grace Avenue and 401 East Street you could   save your comments uh during that because I'm sure  the board will have questions for you So if you're   speaking on item seven uh one of the presentations  or you're the applicant for 9 or 10 you can wait   until that particular item Otherwise you would  want to speak now during audience participation   Brian so I want to make sure I'm clear for  that particular topic on seven We can speak  

on that later Is that correct no only if you're  providing a if you're one of the three that was   asked to provide a presentation So if you want to  address that now you should do that Awesome Thank   you You're welcome Uh Michelle Bryant 409 East 9th  Street Um I have just one question but I want to   start off with a statement Uh Glennwood has been  or was a vibrant community and that's what we need   and of course that's what we want back Over the  years there has been so many promises and so many   promises broken by city government We've conducted  surveys chourettes feedback all the way to no we   can't do The project on MLK Boulevard and 15th  Street was purchased and closed back in September   14th 2017 with the goal of the city and the CRA  to turn these lots into a new modest home for   the people who had that lived there before could  potentially come back and as well be affordable   for them to be able to buy as well as some retail  space be considered What you have on the agenda   today is for apartments And as you guys are aware  that we've discussed before that with the new law   passed by govern Governor DeSantis apartments  don't bring the tax revenue and dollars and tiff   dollars specifically for the CRA to rebuild and  revitalize to a vibrant community Even after the   millions of dollars have been spent on do coal  what is being presented today in my opinion and   several others do not reflect the needs of the  community Now I'm going to skip over to on the   agenda regarding Henry Davis Park I just want  to say a kudos and I hope that this gets passed   today I just want to give a special shout out to  Miss Elaine Griffin and several other of the PC   Senior Living members They worked really hard  and diligently wanting to get this across the   finish line So with that said I hope that passes  today with everyone's blessing The last thing  

I'll speak on is theou regarding world changers  World Changers has done a really good job with   revitalizing several areas in the community But I  believe that as our community begins to grow and   we truly want to revitalize I ask that you look  within and allow an community organization to be   able to work with world changers or assist in  thatou from a downtown north's perspective And   of course change is always good Thank you guys so  very much Thank you Thank you Miss Bryant Thank   you for your work with your organization on behalf  of Henry Davis Park Any other public comments good evening Um Tony Champlain 962 Louisiana  Avenue Panama City Florida own property within   the downtown North CRA Resside at 1308 Indiana  Avenue Lin Haven Florida Um I had a need to   speak because I've been watching I always watch  it I think as long as I live CRAAS Um having   been the president for that organization for 2  years um I had a need to caution us regarding   making sure that our governance is up to date  Make sure that your CRA plans are current Um   because you know there are some um timelines  and if that legislation should pass then one   of the the historical behaviors is to try to do  many audits across the state So it behooves us to   make sure that the downtown north I think that  was one of your last expansions that all that   is current and up to date as well as the other  three So um just be mindful because we need to   be able to take the CRA to it its extension which  I think is 2045 or something around that time Yes  

ma'am Okay Thank you Thank you Miss Champlain Yeah  Hi my name is Dr Anthony Bryant Uh I preside in   Washington DC but this is my home All right  You got me Okay All right Yeah I'm glad you   provide your address up there That's fine sir  10:08 East Avenue or 18047 Court the beautiful   section of town called Millville All right My  uh my family is a legacy family here in the city   My uh father owned repainting body shop on Martin  Luther King for multiple years and we are invested   and involved with uh private enterprise to  bring some revitalization to that part of the   city and I'm just hoping that this council  continue to move forward in that direction   uh along with the P3s that are connected with  those properties that I've been pursuing for   years with documentation and even from the old  regime uh General Queen So I'm just hoping that   you will help and proceed and revitalize Glennwood  with your your support your dollars private and   governmental So thank you Thank you Thank you  Dr Bryant Any other public comments at this time good afternoon Brenda Lewis Williams one 07  North Center Avenue PC3 32 something or 01 Now   Miss Lewis Williams you're not scared of that Are  you scared of that microphone i never seen I've   got a big voice You don't really want my in this  microphone But aside from that uh although the CRC   socials were productive I was very disappointed  in not seeing some of the information that we  

filled out You all asked us specifically to  to follow up with the uh questions and what   we would like to see I didn't see mine on there so  somebody didn't pay attention And I don't I don't know I can't say that But anyway the I'm I was  disappointed if mine wasn't on there I'm going to   work on the premise that many others were not on  there So in it doesn't make sense You may as well   have done it all by yourself and not even invited  us to participate in the socials the and I thought   the purpose of those socials was for community  participation I didn't see it Now there are some   good things Jonathan thank you for getting Sherman  and Ninth Street fixed That that hole that was   there Uh this is not CRA but actually it is CRA  because that's what's supposed to be done But   uh as far as the C information from the CR socials  and I'm belaboring a point I was very disappointed   You did a disservice and an injustice to  the cities to the citizens of this county   You did all four wards Nah didn't work You  need to go back to the drawing board Thank   you Miss Louis Williams Are there any  other public comments at this time all right Happy Sunday 11:15 Fairland  Anthony I'm going to need your help   The reason Anony's in town is because it's his  mom's birthday Mrs Reid another Glenwood Legacy   um citizen How old is your mama going to be 87 87  And I Yes And when he told me he was coming here's   another comment from not being here but having  lived in four states and I get to address city  

commissions and CRAAS through the years in four  states and I've realized aside from all the stress   and angst and everything I've been meaning to say  this which is I don't go anywhere where everyone   celebrates the birthdays think how many times  we're in a meeting or there's a picture you know   I love to take those pictures Um where someone  is coming that's 90 or 100 I'm telling y'all   in the other places I've worked I haven't seen  that So I realize that we're in a friction point   a little bit of a stress but I I did that made me  think of it Anthony that you came home that there   y'all are still and we are still a small enough  community that we celebrate the positive things   The other thing I wanted to say oh don't want  to get emotional makes me think of um Johnny   Uh Johnny used to say this about me so I'm going  to say that about this meeting Um the cool thing   about the meeting today is there's a lot of balls  in the air There are people coming and wanting to   spend money in Glenwood and it's so overdue and  I've only lived here 5 years So I have chill bumps   even saying it So it's just so good Look at all  this excitement and activity and want to present   and other people are coming and people are flying  in and here comes Tony Champlain It's wonderful   That's my three minutes Thank you Patty Thank  you Miss Sunday Any other public comments at this time all right seeing none audience participation  is over and we will move into our agenda Board   members item number seven is the 15th Street  and MLK Boulevard project update As background   information at the January 27th 2025 board meeting  the CRA board voted to authorize staff to enter   into negotiations with the Amaran Design Group for  the redevelopment of MLK Boulevard and 15th Street   the southwest corner which commenced shortly after  as directed by the board In accordance with the   Florida statute governing the disposal of property  by CRA a public notice was published on January  

29th 2025 and ran for the required 30 days with  no response However following the expiration of   the notice period a proposal was received from the  Sanc Kofa Group expressing interest in the project   Retail strategies consultants also identified  a potential third interested party but did not   ultimately choose to submit a proposal with  guidance from legal team Staff sent a request   for clarifying information to the three interested  parties to address if they chose to provide any   additional information to the board These parties  were requested to respond to these questions by   April 7th of 2025 and they were given the  opportunity to present their proposals to   the board at the upcom upcoming CRA meeting That  is the one this evening in response the It's okay   Uh where was I that's a bypass ring too That's  what's so bad about that Okay Uh please silence   all cell phones All right in response to the  American design group has chosen not to submit a   presentation or full proposal at this time However  the Sanca group is eager to present their proposal   and answer any clarifying questions from the board  Uh staff seeks board direction on moving forward   in the redevelopment of property at the southwest  corner of East 15th Street and MLK Boulevard And   um we have uh Pedro here uh with the Sanc Kofa  Group uh who will uh provide a presentation and   then be glad to answer any questions uh from the  board Mr Chair Yes ma'am Prior to his presentation   I would like to say a few things Absolutely Go  ahead board member So um this project has been of   great interest to the community Uh it has come up  in meeting after meeting uh that we want a grocery   store uh in Glennwood We don't want to continue to  be a food desert And um I've also uh said to staff   and I will say um publicly that I don't want to  be the commissioner that gentrifies Glennwood It's  

going to be very important who we work with to  bring uh a grocery store residential development   um and retail development to that corner And  uh with that being said I am uh also very happy   that we have uh the Sancopa group represented Uh  it's one of the reasons that municipalities go   out for bid You don't know who's out there that  may be able to provide the service or product or   development that's needed And so this opportunity  that we have today to hear from someone who has   taken the time to read the dober coal plan to come  to our community to walk around drive around and   um to say hey I think there's something uh here  that's worth my company coming to be a part of Uh   with that said this is uh a next step in a process  as we were reminded by Miss Bryant that began in   2017 with the p purpose purchase of those parcels  So thank you for being here And uh those are my   comments Thank you uh board member Lucas And so uh  are there any other comments before we step into   the presentation from the board all right Like  to introduce Mr Pedro Gasant who is the manager   of the Sanca Group LLC for this presentation Sir  floor is yours Thank you uh Mr Hayes and thank   you board member Lucas for the opportunity and  thank you board members for the ability to speak   to you this evening on this what we believe is  a wonderful opportunity and an amazing location   within this city Uh my name is Pedro Gasant I  am the principal of the Sanc Kofa Group uh LLC   which essentially focuses on the redevelopments  of property We have been based in Miami Florida   uh for the past six or seven years and we  have developed a variety of different mixeduse   developments uh down in the southeast Um and in  researching the various opportunities throughout   the state uh I fell in love with what was going  on with respect to Glennwood and in particular   what has been happening with respect to the  MLK recreation center and the redevelopment  

that your CRA this board has done with respect to  that property So I want to take a step back talk   about the context of the site I don't think it's  just a location is a very special location within   the city in an area that I think is primed for  redevelopment while also being able to provide for   uh an opportunity for affordability uh while  providing for revitalization which is always   a a delicate mix and balance that you have to  strike when you're trying to ensure that there's   uh pres preservation and enhancement on the site  Um as you all know uh and this is actually one   of the things about the site I I drove down by  the property uh today One of the thing one of   the things about this property in particular  is that at the northeast corner of the site   is this sign that pays homage to the gateway to  Glennwood And for me being able to provide for a   redevelopment on this property that takes into  account the historic nature of this site and   provides for a revitalization and redevelopment  something that is uh prime and something that I   would be very proud to be able to pursue as  part of this redevelopment Uh you all know   where the site is located along 15th and MLK uh  Boulevard Uh and we think that this site uh is   uniquely positioned given all of the activity  that has happened to the north of the site Uh   the substantial reinvestment that has occurred  by the ascension health system to the south Uh   we believe that it's prime for redevelopment  and prime for being able to support the type of   community uses and redevelopment activities that  we think would work on the property just to give   some background uh not necessarily to this board  because I know you all are very well aware about   what's happening with respect to this property but  uh immediately to the east uh of MLK Boulevard is   the uh MLK recreation center that has is being  redeveloped and is currently under construction   right now We anticipate uh that it's going to be  I believe it's going to be completed by this fall   uh and ready for occup occupancy if that's  that is correct Um if that's anticipated So   you know we went by there we took a look at the  site and I think that one of the things that we   wanted to do was be able to keep uh the potential  commercial uses along that uh intersection corner   because of the opportunities to provide for the  enhancement that's being done with respect to the  

uh recreation center Uh and this is just a a  notice of some of the enhancement the $14.7   million that has occurred as part of the uh new  recreational facility Now with respect to this   site one of the things that I wanted to emphasize  is that we're looking at that dish as a phase one   And the reason why we're looking at this as a  phase one is because the way that the parcel was   configured it's essentially a Christmas tree It  it is an irregular shaped parcel And to be able   to bring to bear the vision that the Glenwood  community and that this board has had for some   time it's going to take us some time to bring  in the phases But I think what's particularly   important for the site as you can see at the  northwest corner is that blue building which   is contemplated as a grosser Uh to be able to  provide for the support for a grosser we believe   that you're going to need to have a mix of density  which will require uh apartments uh and town homes   which is the yellow buildings that you see on the  south So we want to provide for home ownership to   the south and we want to be able to provide  for affordability as part of the apartments   and the captured consumers that's going to help  to provide for uh the use and attractiveness for   the grosser But in addition to all of that if  you look immediately to the east of that blue   building we're not just putting in a bunch of  parking spaces because we think when you have   that sign of the Glenwood community it doesn't  make sense to put all of that parking immediately   adjacent to that sign We think it makes more sense  to have a plaza So what we're thinking about and   what we're conceptualized as part of this plan  is create a plaza immediately uh in front of this   groceryer And so this is what we're contemplating  with respect to the site enhancing uh the frontage   of the um MLK and 15 with respect to the grosser  having a plaza that provides for uh activity as   you can see the apartments in the background and  then further in the back you will have uh the town   homes I will show you some of the the conceptual  renderings that we have for the apartment   buildings on the property Uh but really what we  want to be able to do is provide for a community   bro grosser that provides for um pedestrianism  and that provides for activation on the site  

We think that that's going to be important uh at  this time We think that really having the grosser   is going to be what helps to drive with respect  to this site but also having the residential on   the property will help to drive the interest  from the grocery uh chains that we do work   with So we think that there's some uh significant  synergistic opportunities here to make this work   Not sure what's happen this slide Okay Uh here's  the conceptual of the apartment buildings that   we're uh contemplating for the property Not sure  why that slide Okay But what that other slide was   supposed to show you was that we're contemplating  about 60 apartment units and about 22 uh town   houses on the property to help support uh and  provide for the attractiveness with respect to   uh the groceryer that's on the property Uh this is  the apartment building that we're conceptualizing   with respect to the property Again we haven't done  the geotechnicals We haven't done the percolation   test We haven't done the phase one We haven't done  the typical items that are necessary with respect   to the redevelopment of the property to be able  to take into account the cost that's going to be   necessary how far down we have to go understanding  how how easily uh the drainage occurs the   percolation and what the soil is made of within  this particular area in order to ensure that uh   the development that we're contemplating will be  both cost effective um and efficient with respect   to this development of this property Here are the  town homes that we're uh conceptualizing for the   property as well We're anticipating that these  town homes will be for home ownership That would   be our focus We want to be able to provide for a  mix of home ownership and rental opportunities We   believe that that creates the type of dynamic uh  residential communities that helps to provide for   pedestrianism and activation And so we think that  it's the type of development that would be both uh   compatible and consistent what's going on within  the area And these are just some uh renderings of   some of the stuff that we've done uh down south  Some of the developments that we have been a   part of and that we've partnered with with respect  to the redevelopment of uh the sprouts We've had   apartment buildings uh and we've had town homes  that we've developed that are similar to uh the   ones that we're contemplating for this site And  so we are excited about this opportunity to come  

before you and see if there's the ability for us  to engage on the redevelopment of this property Um   and we think that this uh is something that we can  help bring to fruition I thank you for your time   Uh I will say that the only reason that we did  not get a chance to actually submit our bid was   because it was uh mistakenly calendared we had  it for 5:00 uh and we didn't realize that the   actual calendar for the bid uh uh time was at 3  p.m So when my team went to submit they realized   it was already closed up Thank you for your  time Thank you for indulging me and I'm here   to answer any questions that you may have Thank  you so much Thank you so much Mr Gassant And uh   at this time we would open up to the board  for any questions that y'all may have board Um yep Mr Chairman we start where's the money  coming from i imagine this is going to cost   some dough It it is What sort of project do  you have and then kind of give us a an idea   Absolutely So one of the things that we would do  we we have limited partners who are our equity   partners on this um on this project and we also  have banking relationships with both We have a   very strong relationship with Ocean Bank uh down  south that we anticipate would help to fund the   site Uh but we also have a limited partnership  that we have created uh with partners who invest   with respect to our redevelopment Uh we could  talk about those I don't want to necessarily   talk about the breakdown of that uh in public Uh  but we have funds that help us uh to provide for   the redevelopment of properties uh that our team  is um excited and interested about We would need   to get more information with respect to the site  in order to be able to calculate the specific cost   for example you know what is going to be the the  site cost we need to have geotechnical we need   to have percolation we need to have phase one and  phase twos to understand the environment the land   cost the understanding what we need to do on the  site Uh so there's still some work that needs to   be done for us to be able to um do our performance  formalize our performance but we we have a   variety of both equity relationships and banking  relationships that allow us to move forward with   these types of developments Well it's it's great  to have you interested It sounds like it sounds  

like you're just just getting started Uh but we  all got to start somewhere So uh I certainly wish   you good luck because it is a it's a great place  It's it's right in what's going to be the middle   of the city sort of and uh we got a lot of stuff  happening around there A lot of a lot of hungry   people that don't like that food desert there So  that's a great idea Thank you Charlie Do you know   how much money uh do you have any idea of what is  going to run in money like 100 million 200 million   50 million yeah So I think between depending upon  the cost we have it budgeted between about 30 and   $60 million for the site I see Thank you M Thank  you Glad you're interested Thank you Chairman   Thank you Mr Chairman Any other questions from  the other board members street um so expected   timelines to get through the work that you guys  would need to do obviously with geotechnicals   all of those things What what what kind of time  frames are you looking at so there are a variety   of things that we would need to do in order to  make this vision a reality I'm going to take   a step back here So if you if you see uh towards  the spine road in order to make this um make this   happen we anticipate that we may need to close off  some some roadways Our anticipation is to really   provide for a pedestrian path along both sides  of that roadway And so we may need to vacate that   uh curve linear road that goes through uh in  order to provide for the type of redevelopment   that we think would be uh creative to the site  and provide for the pedestrianism that we're   anticipating Um but assuming that we can get some  of those entitlements in play we would anticipate   those entitlements would take about um I don't  know 6 to9 months to get uh go through the process   um start the um get the construction documents  make sure that our platting documents are in order   Uh if we were to assume that we do the vacation  of the rightway the subdivision plat as part of   this property concurrently if the city would allow  us to do that we would be anywhere between what   9 to 12 months Uh subsequent to getting that we  would have to prepare our construction documents  

Those construction documents would take my team  about 2 to 3 months to prepare Subsequent to the   preparation of the construction documents we have  to go through permitting While we're going through   permitting we would have to get the site work  done do the phase one do the geotechnical do the   percolation test Um get an understanding of what's  going on the site Uh I would I would say uh that   would take about six months I'm I'm I'm being  uh hopeful here And and then sub subsequent to   that uh once we actually submit the construction  documents it would take time for your uh staff to   review uh and to approve those permits So you know  it would take anywhere between 24 36 months to be   able to get this done from suits to nuts So all  I can say is we we've tried and attempted several   times on this site and so um incredibly ecstatic  to have someone that's willing to come and invest   um to the to the city If there's anything we  can do to try to help expedite um obviously   I think you'll find us to be very um amicable  to try and help that process move along So um   I can't remember the last time I've talked about  a grocery store with specifically in Glenwood but   it's been several years um of conversations And  so um whatever we can do to help in the process I   I think the staff as well as the commission is  is willing and ready to help that come M it's   music to my ears to hear that potentially expo  That's why as a developer it's uh music to my ears   Well and and just for the board and Mr Gassan's  awareness So we actually already have the uh phase   one underway through a Brownsfield grant Staff  is already on top of that So that's already in   motion And is the as background is the entire site  already designated Brownsville i no just Okay So   we would we would add that I think we want to make  sure that we would add the entire site as a as a   brownfield for the re redevelopment of it Yeah All  right Any other questions for other board members so I thank you for the time that you've put into  um understanding uh what we're looking for here  

How did you come across this project uh so  one of the things that uh we tend to do is   that my acquisition team will look at different  opportunities and areas that we like to do work   in Uh and particularly we we have done a lot  of work uh down south in what you would call   historically disadvantaged communities uh that are  well positioned well located uh but for a variety   of reason haven't had the necessary investment to  support redevelop redevelopment and revitalization   And so when our team came across this site we  thought it was particularly interesting given   oh you you're so kind You're so very kind You  can they don't treat you like that They don't   treat you like this in Miami No no maybe not Great  That's very nice Um and when we looked at the site   the more we dug into the property we dug into the  effects that have happened all throughout Panama   City after Hurricane Michael and um the impacts  within the area we be we started to become a bit   more passionate than I was anticipating um  because of the historical nature of the site   and the fact that the city itself had already  started uh to move a lot of this forward and I   think when you have a city uh that not just says  we're going to do something but puts the money and   actually starts doing something it it it allows  the developer to recognize that you know this is   a city that actually wants to see something done  Um a lot of the cities in which we operate in what   ends up happening is we'll we'll say okay we're  going to do this contingent upon the city doing   X Y and Z In this case the city has already done  X Y andZ um and is simply looking for somebody to   come in and redevelop a portion that it believes  will be accretive to the to the whole area So   um that's what made made us very interested  in this uh property It checks the boxes for   us with respect to uh demographics history uh and  location And then quite frankly I just think it's   amazing site And there are some logical issues  for me that just don't make sense Like it it   does not make sense that you go two streets up  and you have a bustling retail corridor Um you  

have a very good retail corridor I don't want to  necessarily reference the mall at the moment but   you have very Please don't Please don't You have  a very good retail core corridor right now And   I I think it's at least in my mind it's it's not  something that I'm logically understanding as to   why this site um hasn't necessarily been able  to obtain that investment It's the same exact   street Um so for us I think there's a lot of  opportunities to to leverage our relationships   uh to play something there Um but I do think  that one of the things that we are and I I'll   tell you I'll straight tell you candidly some of  the concerns that we have with respect to the site   Uh one is the configuration It is a Christmas  tree parcel Uh I think that if it was more of   a square site it would be easier for us to to sell  it There are going to be grocerers that are going   to be concerned about site visibility If you're  coming from the west and you're coming towards   the site how do you see the the grocery currently  uh positioned and as curated we're anticipating   that you'll be looking at the rear of that grocery  store So the only way to be able to provide for   um the anticipation and support would be to  advertise that grocery store on the northwest   so that folks coming in can see it Um but then  also being able to provide for both the parking   and the pedestrianism So we need to be we need  to be in a position where it's not just a sea   of parking but where we're also creating for the  activation on the property So when you have this   uh irregular site it's really difficult to do  that because of the way that you have to have   radi to be able to turn in and turn out to park  in park out Um and then also being able to have   sufficient parking spaces for the apartments and  the town homes And so I think that the town homes   and the apartments uh are going to be portions  of the site that uh relatively should be able to   um obtain a lot of interest because there's a  lot of amenities associated with having a ger MLK   recreational center uh immediately nearby I but  I think that the real um issue here is going to   be the configuration and the location of the the  parking with respect to the fact that we really do   want to create the the pedestrian path within this  area to to get people out their homes to get them  

walking to get them utilizing the the plaza And  since you're talking about potential challenges   the flyover what um what does that present to you  as a challenge for this project so look I I think   the the flyover is not my understanding is that  the flyover is some distance away Um correct And   so you know I think we are anticipating that we're  not as concerned about the flyover at this moment   Um I think the biggest thing that I'm concerned  about with respect to this site is whether I can   get more parals That that's my biggest concern You  know it I think the real sale for the grosser is   going to be that we have these residential units  We're going to have more residential units We're   going to have a c captured consumer on the site  And to get there we need more parcels in order   to be able to to leverage that And so uh it's  going to be um a cell I think that there's an   opportunity to make it happen But I do think  that the configuration of the site is to me at   least the most difficult aspect of redevelopment  Difficult but not scary No no not scary at all We   look I I think for for a developer particular like  us we we we thrive in the hairy deals We don't do   the typical deals because uh those typical deals  everybody is is going after them But these are   the deals that we really like and we think that if  you if you create a bespoke type of configuration   uh and development it can really attract a lot of  interest And so that's what we're anticipating for   the site Again I do think that from a uh benefit  standpoint the location of the site is amazing   Um there the topographics seem to be good on  the western side The elevation is higher it   it seems to be elevated in a manner that uh will  allow us to drain pretty well Um so I'm excited   about some of the opportunities and the fact that  it's in such close proximity to existing and what   appears to be thriving retail establishments Um  and I think that this site uh could benefit from   the from the location So I think the best aspect  is location and then the worst thing would be the  

configuration of the property And um just two more  questions Is there a project similar i know you've   referenced generally some of the projects you've  done So is there one you would point us to as an   example of your work so I I have several There's  not any with this configuration I I will I will   tell you that Christmas I I I have several The  the biggest one we're working on right now is a 90   acre project where we're doing about 150,000 ft of  commercial and about uh 600 units of residential   And it's really the captured consumer that's  driving the retail right so when you when you have   rooftops that are going to support and be in close  proximity to the retail provides for a different   level of engagement with the retail uh audience So  that's that's what we're seeing Um we have smaller   sites but they're square um square and rectangle  So I I can provide you guys with those and you can   take a look at them I'm not sure how comparable  they're going to be with respect to this site   um get given again the the configuration of  the property And just lastly you're not a   foreigner to North Florida You've uh been to  school up here somewhere Ah so if you would   just tell us a little about about that because  we've talked a lot about your Miami connection   Absolutely So went to school in Tallahassee  I am a proud seinal and that's it I'm done That's it We're done You should have  said that from the very beginning   Um and the mayor's upset over there He's like  "Oh he's a Florida fan." That's why I said that   Well he won this year He sure did We haven't won  much of anything So we've been having a difficult   several several years Um Tallahassee for me was  was life-changing It for me it it got me to I had   grown up in a community uh that was predominantly  uh predominantly homogeneous and going to Florida  

State helped to broaden those perspectives  broaden uh my relationships and I think for me   Florida State will always be a very important  part of my background um particularly from my   metriculation and my growth um in my development  and in my career So uh Tallahassee will always   have a special place and Tallahassee itself has  uh been going through its own renaissance with   respect to the redevelopment of areas that had  once been uh underserved and uh disinvested in   So um I think it it bears a tale that I think we  can potentially pursue here on the site Um but   this is going to require some creativity um and  also some aggressiveness with respect to acquiring   acquiring some of the additional parcels So I  went by there today and I noticed that the the   parcel immediately next to the pink uh apartment  on the east side apparently is up for sale I'll   be reaching out to them uh later to see if I can  get that site under contract But I I think all   of this is going to be pretty important in trying  to square this all off and uh making sure that we   can make this as attractive as possible I have  a question I'll do that Yes ma'am I'm going to   suggest that in a few moments Are there any other  board members board member Granger Board member   Hanley Yes Go ahead Miss Hag Um I just want you to  know it makes me feel so good that we know that we   can't control everything with development but the  things that the city owns like MLK rec center what   a what an asset that is to developers you know to  not have some rundown dilapitated you know for we   were kind of forced to do it but nonetheless we  uh we chose to do and we wanted to do it Uh so I   like that I noticed that um you obviously have a  lot of experience in this in the trends of what   are going on because you completely understand  parking should not be like the thing you see   that's the you know that makes a a city have the  aesthetics that it needs to have But one thing   you said over and over again is the importance of  space uh cultural activity pedestrian uh you know   paths and things like that What does you where is  that did that come from you know your experience  

in doing some of these other projects or it's just  the trend of the live work play or you know where   where is that kind of coming from so so I'll tell  you my my background I I actually started off as   an attorney uh by background I couldn't imagine  that at all he actually makes Florida State look   there's like subsequent to yeah well I'm thinking  like I make Florida State look like wow they let   anybody go there but then he he's making it look  good anyway go ahead the so as a as a land use and   zoning attorney probably entitled about 25,000  residential units 2.5 million square feet of   industrial million square feet of commercial  and of the sites that we obtain entitlement as   a zoning attorney you really get involved at the  beginning um in the conversations with the boards   with the cities um and then when you're done you  want to see what happens what happens with the   projects and the projects that we saw that were  the most accreative and the most successful were   the ones that were focused on pedestrianism  activation uh and providing for spaces that   cater to the needs of the community And in this  instance I think what really struck me was that   this community has been very clear as to what it  wants There is no um ambiguity as as to whether   there is a want or a need for a ger Um and I think  the sharets and the studies that the city has done   has made it clear that this community says "Hey  we we need and recognize that we want a grosser   for the site." um the pedestrianism and the the  activation is something that we've seen in Miami   that has changed uh our communities For example  uh where my office was is in an area area called   Bickl which up until the 8 1980s was single  family residential homes that were laid out   suburban style And what recently happened is that  you now have the Bickl City Center which houses   about 3,000 people uh within that same area where  you had homes Uh the downtown has been revitalized   because of that because you have more people more  eyes on the street more activation and when you  

have people there's a natural security that  occurs in the community So from a development   standpoint one of the things that you want to do  is you want to create more people on the street   so that you can you can prevent opportunities for  there to be unoured or nefarious activities But   in addition there are certain like um um issues  that you can uh address So for example the plaza   uh I would always say that we need to be able  to control the plaza and under no circumstances   should that plaza become city space because if it  becomes city space then there are limitations as   to what the city will be able to do with respect  to folks coming onto the property Um if it's my   property I can make sure that we are regulating  who's on and who's off of the property and making   sure that people are utilizing that space  appropriately So there are small things like   that that occur and that we utilize in order to to  be able to enhance the environment and to be able   to enhance the development And from a branding  standpoint for us we want to make sure that long   term people look at and say you know S Kofa Group  came in they did a great job Look at what it looks   like today in actuality uh and it gives us more  of an opportunity to develop more uh throughout   the state So just for the audience to understand  it that's very similar or is exactly what we did   with St Joe on the marina between the Hotel Indigo  and Harrison's all that it's all public space but   because they lease that space they are able to  patrol it in a way that that uh that the city   uh the city can't So I just want to make that  point Well thank you I just I was uh pleased to   to hear that and I thought just kind of kind of  reiterates what we've all thought and the do coal   you know Coral Gables right where you are do coal  did that whole plan and you've seen how how that   has developed but anyway all right thank you thank  you Mr Ranger Oh is he question i'm sorry Go ahead   So my question is not necessarily to Pedro here  but it's um uh more towards um you're asking us  

for direction on what to do here because this is  not a formal proposal is what I understand Correct   That is correct sir Okay So we're not voting  today whether or not to move forward with this   No our our goal today would be to request the  board uh if they so desire to authorize staff   uh to work out a formal uh agreement and proposal  from the Sanc Kofa group and bring that back at   the next meeting That sounds like a vote So yeah  Well but but not to approve it though to bring   back a more expanded formal proposal Correct  Mr Zimmerman yes Whatever the commission I   love whatever the commission would like crush Yeah  I'm going out with a fire So now I have a question   for you So based on what I've heard it's it sounds  like you're saying that you'd rather just purchase   the property outright and I know that it's in your  proposal than doing a P3 So so look I I think when   I when I was reading the solicitation initially  it it asked and requested uh for uh proposals to   purchase the property Okay and because of that  I wanted to be responsive to that Um otherwise I   would I would have been deemed nonresponsive But I  would be open to engaging in the P3 project I know   that different cities have different perspectives  on it It's one of your core ways of being able   to ensure that there are measures being met that  we're doing what we say we're going to do and that   we're following along I don't have any objection  to that Uh we're happy to have our feet held to   the fire and making sure that we do what we say  we're going to do um it's difficult once I buy   the property uh for for you guys to to patrol that  unless we put it in the deed and that that creates   restrictions with respect to the title company  So I actually would prefer if there were going   to be certain metrics that we have a P3 and that  we delineate what the requirements are what the   city's vision is to make sure that it aligns with  what our vision is going to be for the property   Okay I'm not trying to derail anything You're good  sir Just asking the question I would suggest two   two ways of looking at this as you guys are  going through and and having conversations  

one is an outright purchase That would be one  one mechanism in order to do it Um however in   this particular case there may be more incentive  that the city could offer if you are willing to   commit to ger and um and strongly commit to a  timeline in order for that to be achieved And   so if that's something that your group would  be interested in um I think there may be more   flexibility here from a board perspective on how  we can engage and and maybe it still looks like a   purchase but it might be for a smaller amount Um  so look I I will tell you that what we've put in   our proposal is what we're willing to commit to Uh  we want to see the groceryer here Uh we think it   makes sense for a groceryer to be here Um with  the understanding that I would love to be able   to obtain more of those parcels in order to make  it more attractive but absolutely our our focus   to me the core amenity of the residential project  will be the groceryer nearby That's our focus Yeah   Just for the board's awareness we did take these  I believe Miss Waldron 13 parcels and had them   appraised and it came in just a smidge underneath  the offer amount uh in his letter to the board   Just FYI So Mr Chairman you had another question  No I'll wait I'll wait for the proposal that we're   going to ask him for I would also I would also  suggest that as you guys are going going through   um conversations is we look at all of the programs  and incentives that we offer specifically geared   towards that grocery store because I do believe  that while you know obviously putting parcels   together is definitely from a development strategy  the right thing to do Um you know I think it's   it's utterly important that we secure a ger and  so whatever incentives we can offer to do that   um I think you'll find us very aggressive So thank  you so much Thank you Uh board I'd like to suggest   in light of this presentation uh amending our  rules of procedure to allow the audience uh one   minute if they want to ask any follow-up questions  of the board after hearing that presentation Would  

there be a motion to do so i'll make a motion  Thanks I'll second We got a motion to second All   right Please call the role Miss Hworn Board member  Heligus Yes Board member Lucas Yes Board member   Granger Yes Board member Street Yes Chairman Rowan  Yes Motion passes Thank you Mr Gassan All right If   anybody else would like to Yep Come back up to the  podium and ask a question or make a statement Um   uh only one minute this time though just in  followup but after hearing the presentation   definitely want to give you that opportunity Uh  I'm a mountaineer So I'm a You just give your   name address one more time All right My question  is socially Dr Bryant Uh Dr Anthony Bryant um   Washington DC 18 to 47 court Panama City Florida  My question is given your relationship with the   bank from a social impact is affordable housing  affordable excluding the the bells and whistles of   the Christmas tree and all the other developments  Will the bank work with the community to continue   for it to grow and become that continue to be the  historical uh part of the city are there programs   already developed to do that thank you what we'll  do if if ask the questions and then after we're   done Mr Gassant I'll bring you back up and you can  answer this sir All right Uh thank you Dr Bryant   Michelle Bryant 409 East 9inth Street Um kind of  piggybacking off of Dr Bryant my question is as   we know here in the state of Florida as well as  the development you've already had with the tax   issue we know when it comes to apartments a lot  of times there is no property taxes selected or   collected excuse me And then here in Panama  City we have fire tax assessment which a lot   of times apartments are exempt So with that is  there a possibility for homes affordable homes   as Dr Bryant just mentioned so that maybe the  individuals who lived there before could come   back Second is um with the property aesthetics  you mentioned um a grocery store with that are you  

looking if you were to get this entire property  would you be in favor of uh chains or mom and pops   thank you Thank you Miss Bryant And Miss Louis  Williams I believe I saw your desire to speak Brenda Lewis Williams 10007 North Center  Avenue Panama City 32401 My questions are   um I look at it maybe a little differently  You've only been in business two years   according to Sunbiz Now there was an Yeah  it says 2023 There's you as the principal   There's another Sanco Cobra group that was uh  due to some administrative reasons they're no   longer on file So could you explain that and  then I had a a a text from someone as to what   do you perceive or conceive the rentals will be  on these apartments are we always banty about   the term affordable housing so are they going to  be affordable to the residents of Panama City or   are they going to be affordable for folks who  are moving in here thank you Mr Lis Williams Tony Champlain Uh 968 Louisiana Avenue Property  owned in downtown North uh reside at 1308 Indiana   Avenue Lyn Haven Florida Now I haven't been  here in a while and it look like I'm just   talking everybody to death tonight huh but  anyway so um in listening to the young man's   presentation which was a good presentation  um questions that I raised was about um home   ownership So if we're seeking home ownership  and we know the population and we also know   the income base of that population what kinds of  assistance would be rendered now he talked about  

a bank relationship So I understand banks you  know I'm I'm CRA minded right so I'm wondering   about how the banks and the banks CRA that you  are affiliated with would render assistance   because the banks have their own CRA where they  provide um um income funds for redevelopment in   uh you know lowincome kinds of areas So that  would be a question Also when we look at the   number when we look at the number of apartments  my concern is because I was on staff then when   we purchased those properties I don't want us  to re ghetto ties that area You know we're not   looking to develop compounds of apartments Okay  so now you we took down the shotgun houses because   you know that was DA's property Give you a little  history because I know a lot of y'all wasn't here   Okay So now we don't need high-rise and and and  all those kinds of things And also the grosser   When you talk about the grosser and you're talking  community I understand community very well But   you have an opportunity because the downtown  north that's the area you're talking about in   the CRA meeting but you also have the Cove that  is also a food desert So you would want to have   an entity a vendor that can cater to a larger  part because in the world today you know if you   want to go somewhere you gonna drive anywhere  you want Yep Thank you Miss Champlain Thank   you No problem All right Anybody else any other  public comments or questions for uh Mr Gassant Patty Sunday 11:15 Fairland I I was welcoming  him Um I'm in this space as well I do this and so   I wanted to know if you were planning to do your  capital stack with HUD because you and I know that  

that has changed a lot Um and I monitor carefully  the number of vouchers that are in the market and   I'm from Plant City by the way by Tampa So um I  wanted to know if you had thought of that or if   you plan to because it does change the skew and it  changes the cost Um and and I like a lot of what   I see And then um the second question is in your  experience as an attorney or a developer have you   done a neighborhood which is delicate and so hard  to do where it's not complete gentrification which   is really hard to do because the cost drives who  can stay there right so just a couple that's more   philosophical Thank you Miss Sunday Any other  questions for Mr Cassant he'll probably wrap   this up with that but I would like to say that  that was one question I was going to ask him is   if he's been through developing in areas like this  and how did you balance um because I can't imagine   I mean you have to make money too right so I'd  be curious about you know how you've been able to how you've been able to to work through those  process All right we're going to go ahead and   close the additional comment uh for um public  Uh if you'll come back up Mr Gassant we'll go   through those questions Sir I think the first one  was from Dr Brian I don't know if you took notes   but I did as well Um just asked about your  relationship with the banks and and how to   uh encourage and ensure the affordable housing  component that you spoke about Absolutely So   we have a long-standing relationship with uh  Ocean Bank and particularly Truis Bank We've   done a lot of work with Ocean Truis and Binesco  down south Um there are going to be opportunities   to do affordability on the site I think what we  are going to be keenly focused on candidly is  

what is going to drive bringing the grocery there  Um and so there's a balance that has to be struck   with respect to being able to provide for both the  demographic and so economic uh stature to be able   to attract the type of grocery that we're looking  to bring in bring here Uh we are not uh looking at   doing a mom and pops uh type of grocery store  We are looking at doing a boutique type store   like a Trader Joe's or Sprouts Those are sort of  the the core type of grocery stores that we'd be   contemplating for the site as currently rendered  This is this would be a smaller Sprouts store   This is about 16,000 ft Sprouts is around 26,000  This would be more akin of the Trader Joe's which   would fit within the 16,000 You've said Trader  Joe's in Panama City twice now So you're going   to be helped I'm just By the way Sprouts is a  great It is too great too And and so to to that   issue I think one of the things that we have  to be able to tailor is being able to create a   uh a demographic that will help to be able to  provide for the attractiveness of bringing in   that grosser Um with respect to the question  that the young lady brought up with respect   to the affordability I notice she was referencing  the live local act and I I want to be clear here   because there there are some opportunities here  um that may either supplant or supplement what   the city would otherwise do So typically as a CRA  board one of the biggest uh aspects and tools that   you have to be able to incentivize development  is tiff right and that's essentially providing   back funding uh tax taxable funding to be able to  reimburse the developers for redeveloping sites Uh   what Live Local does is just that So to the extent  that we would cap our uh developments at 125% of   the area median income we would be entitled to a  75% abalone tax exemption So we would be entitled   to that as part of the live local pro process  while also providing for more affordability Now   um I think what I'm hearing from the community  is something that was anticipating which would be   that the type of affordable that's contemplated  at the state level is not necessarily the type   of affordable that the community is looking for  And so that's going to be a delicate conversation  

because when you're looking at uh Bay County as a  whole and this area you have studios that the the   fair market rents are at $1,800 per studio And so  I don't think people who are here today if I told   them hey yeah we're going to have a studio here  It's $1,800 They would say yeah we don't think   that that's affordable Um and so I think that  those are going to be issues that we're going   to have to talk through with staff to see what  the opportunities are for us to do it Um and I   think to to get at one of the questions that you  raised with respect to how do we balance it what   we have typically done is the home ownership would  be more market and then there would be a strong   component of the apartments that would have the  affordability Um for us that brings in the dynamic   of both um home ownership and folks uh coming  in within the market but then also providing for   more of the units to be able to accommodate the  affordability That that's how we've seen it work   Uh I think it's really hard to get homes at an  affordable price because the banks typically just   um won't support it um unless there's that local  program So uh and we could talk about this we   could have long longer conversations about it  There would need to be a second mortgage that   the city or the county would provide We would  have to have a program that provides for the   support of that Um and it becomes it becomes a  bit of a process right there are um jurisdiction   in which we work where there are shared equity  agreements whereby you have to own the home for a   certain period of time before you can sell it and  if you sell it before I'll give you an example in   Miami Day County if you are buying a workforce  housing unit which is a home that you can own   you would have to get a second mortgage on it by  the county um if you sell that home within 5 years   100% of your equity goes back to the county  and you have to sell it to another workforce   housing home and so you For us what I'm what I'm  thinking of here and this is again looking at it   um prophylactically and taking 30,000 uh steps  back would be that the core aspect of market   the the town homes would be market and then the  uh apartments would have a strong affordability  

component as part of the the redevelopment of the  site And I think that balance would would help to   address some of the issues um that we're talking  about today and then being able to negotiate with   the city to understand what what the opportunities  are to help that out I think would be um helpful   Uh and then the reg ghetto ghettoise the area  I think what we what we're what we're focusing   on is really the deconentration of poverty  Uh one of the aspects of this site that's   particularly attractive is that there's nobody  on the site today right now And so we're not   moving anybody outside of their homes We're  not causing folks to lose their homes today   Um and so I think it creates an opportunity for  us to bring in people who who may have moved out   who may have wanted to come back Uh it gives us  an opportunity to do that And I think one of the   things that we like to do as part of the process  is work with the churches Uh churches tend to have   uh a lot of the demographics and the families  that would be supportive um of these types of   redevelopments who have the incomes and support  and the ability to make uh these developments work   So for us what we've seen is that the uh community  partnerships have been essential to being able to   make uh redevelopments like this work Uh with  respect to the comment about Soka Group So we   we have a variety of different entities and so I  don't want folks to get confused St Koko Group LLC   uh was started back in 2016 and was started off by  my brother and I My brother left to start off his   own venture and then I became the the head back  in 2019 and since then we've been doing a variety   of different projects So um let's see what else  is here Uh oh Well there was one question about   uh back at the earlier part and for the record  you you said the young lady I believe all four   of these ladies were very young uh that came up So  I'm not uh it they asked about the fire assessment   and you know so we we have a fire assessment here  and some apartment complexes and other tax exempt   like religious institutions don't necessarily pay  that and so there's a fire assessment because they   still rely on fire protection from the city What  are your thoughts on that um I'm sure you've dealt  

with that before in other parts of the state and  or country If you could speak to that So look I   I think if if we're talking about impact fees and  assessments I will be candid I am a developer And   so I will seek to seek and obtain the exemptions  that we can obtain Uh for example in Miami Day   County I don't pay for any impact fees except for  school Um whenever we're doing anything that's   workforce housing we don't pay parks we don't  pay police we don't pay pay and we don't um uh   we don't pay roadway uh mitigation impact fees So  for for me I I will be candid with this board My   intent is to be able to reduce the cost to be able  to address the concerns regarding affordability   It's hard to provide for affordability and you  know pay for all the assessments It's it's it   does it just doesn't the numbers won't add up if I  commit to saying "Yeah I'll pay I'll pay the fire   assessment I'll pay whatever you tell me to pay."  And then I'll come back and I say "Well I can't   do the affordability." And then the community is  going to be upset with me because I couldn't do   the affordability And so you know there's going to  have to be a give and take And I will be candid I   I do approach this as a developer and the the  numbers have to make sense Uh we're happy to   align our mission with the spirit of what the  community wants to see but the numbers have to   have to make sense And so yes to the extent that  there's a fire assessment uh waiver we would be   seeking that fire assessment waiver in order to  support the development of the affordable housing   on that site Any other comments sir uh you were  trying to answer one more I just wanted to go back   to the earlier question and not let Yeah And then  I think you know HUD is always an attractive um   frame of reference It's really hard for me this  early in the process to be able to to make the   determination as to the what the right financing  scheme I won't be in in a position to adequately   assess that until we until you know we've had the  negotiations with the city as to what the city   wants right the city wants deep affordability on  the site That that changes the calculus depending   upon how many units what's the percentage Um so  it it impacts how we look at those numbers and   it impacts on what we can do So thank you for your  time I really appreciate you indulging me on this   uh on this evening and you you all have been  very very kind Thank you so much Thank you  

Mr Gassan Uh any other questions from the board  uh of Mr Gassant before we go into deliberation all right Thank you so much sir Thank you  Thank you All right Very much board over   to y'all I sense Mr Zimmerman um he doesn't  like to be the only lawyer speaking So Mr   Zimmerman just if if the commission would like  to go another step uh forward in this process   a suggestion the board what the board the  board what I say the board thank you um is to   um usually in a project like this not as if  we've done dozens of them we haven't but you   know the community involvement's critical  uh also the involvement of the developer to   take one step at a time Not a huge jump but one  step at a time And an idea would be to authorize   uh staff to work on a letter of intent or  memorandum of understanding that sets out some   of the parameters of a more detailed agreement  to come later that way it would come back to you   quicker and also with some general parameters  uh where everyone we all understand we're on   the same page and then we can go So things like  what would be the you know the concept or or the   general plan of development What is the strategy  to demonstrate their ability to do this uh the   strategy about how how what do you do to to entice  a ger to come here um strategy on permitting and   and financing just not that it we don't want to  wait until it can actually be delivered I think   you need to know and the community knows how it  can be done uh rather than the final project or  

the final we we can talk about is it you know what  is the city's involvement is in this is it going   be a sale with reverter provisions or a right to  buy it back It's at uh at the price it was paid   for if it wasn't you know if it's still vacant in  two years I mean we we've got to have a timetable   I believe to move the project along and make sure  it gets done and and we don't have a a empty piece   of property up there And also there maybe there's  something the city can do with them to help   uh with additional property purchases I know  that's a critical piece of this Don't but that's   and and it appears that u Mr Gasat's going to  have his own ideas that can help us as far as how   to how to get there But that would be if you'd  like to go another step forward it would be to   authorize staff to work with uh the developer to  come up with a memorandum of understanding or of   a letter of intent and bring it back sooner rather  than later and then we can keep the process moving Thank you Mr Zimmerman Mhm Any any recommend  recommendations or questions or motions from the   board so having heard um uh the presentation uh  and thank you for allowing uh or suggesting that   we allow the uh questions from the community to  come and be a part of this uh deliberation Um and   having heard the suggestion from um our attorney  uh I think there in the spirit in this room in   the spirit of Sanca looking back while moving  forward that we uh would uh direct our staff   uh as has been suggested by the attorney to move  forward with uh with Sanca Group uh to determine  

next steps uh which um is not binding but it is  forward moving and um he has been responsive to   community understanding that um our community has  a voice um in this project as we move forward I   would like to add that um I like the idea of the  P3 myself just I mean I'm sure you're going to   look at both options but because I think it will  give the citizens a voice and the commission a   voice and I and I like that you're not against it  either You understand that too Um the only other   thing I would say is Patty made a good suggestion  maybe that we uh during this process that you're   in if assuming that we just kind of give direction  to move forward and see what the next step is that   maybe sooner than later that you could have like  a workshop with the community um so that they   can just early on because you might be like these  folks are crazy I'm out of here you know Well just   Michelle No I'm just kidding Um but really but  you may or you may say look I'm not going to be   able to meet the needs of what this is like a very  passionate place and a small community but then I   I can tell uh by what you say that there's a part  of that that really lights something inside of   you that you might want to be a part of So um that  that's the only suggestion that I would what what   I would add is you know and this may seem like  potentially it's not counterintuitive but it might   be more aggressive What I would suggest is when  we come back there's a purchase price associated   with it what the reverter clause would look  like should something not be accomplished in a   particular time frame Um that might be it returns  to the city if there's not a ger within x amount   of years that that kind of thing Because what I  will say is unique about this parcel versus some   of the other things we've looked at is because the  developer will have to assemble more parcels they   will not well at least I wouldn't but you might I  wouldn't go purchasing other other parcels without  

having the main parcels secured And so um I  think your Neban your suggestion on revertal   c revertal reverber clauses is appropriate  and then to add to it as part of this process   having a few community meetings for input on the  development that would be hosted by the developer   um to solicit that feedback from the community and  helping shape the final project So that would be   my kind of take on it It doesn't have to be  exactly that way but um if we just come back   with just like hey this is what we're thinking  again I think there needs to be some kind of   hard numbers and timelines and things like that so  we have something to work on um more definitively Mr Granger Mr Chairman I think we uh also  excuse me direct our staff to uh speak with   Mr I apologize I forgot your name already to speak  Pardon dant Dant That's not That's not a kind of   name Sounds a little French Anyway uh I would like  to uh direct our staff to meet with Mr Def Desant   and uh pardon me for butchering your name And uh  come up with a proposal that we could all uh look   at to make to move forward I think everybody wants  to move forward and so I don't know how to do real   estate sales and but I think that we have the  staff here that could work on a real estate deal   and obviously you know how to work on real estate  deals So that I would recommend we put our heads   together and uh come up with a proposal that we  could all look at so we can can move forward We   don't need to get mired in the details at the  moment Mr Granger So Mr Gasant thank you for   coming tonight and and showing us the proposal  I think it was very well thoughtout proposal Um  

you've been very candid with your answers tonight  so I kind of want to be candid back My concern   is with with a purchase of not with your company  but with any company my concern with an outright   purchase is that um what happens if if there is a  purchase and nothing happens I'm not saying you're   going to do that I'm not saying you're here to  do that I'm just saying is that this community   for the longest time has has wanted something to  happen here And so that's where my concern lies is   um how do we move forward in kind of having in in  assurance that something is going to happen and I   realize you're a developer and you're you're not  here just to buy land and sit on it I understand   that Um I also realize that life happens and and  sometimes things things happen that we weren't   expecting Um so I'm not opposed to a purchase  at all Um I just that is my concern is that if   this is just a a straightup purchase whether it  be with this company or any other company that   we may find ourselves in a similar situation in  the future Uh so I would prefer a P3 out of this   with performance metrics uh that are tied to that  P3 Uh or a reverter clause that is um if we do an   outright purchase that there is a reverter clause  that the city that gives the city uh puts the city   back in the driver's seat uh if nothing happens  after a set amount of time and that that can   be discussions between staff and and the company  that doesn't y'all can bring that back to us Thank   you Um board member Lucas I believe that was a  motion And Miss Haligus was that a second you said   direction no vote is what you said earlier today  We got a vote on direction Yeah I I think I think   I just feel like giving everybody a problem for  the next six weeks or five weeks or whatever it   is Um yes I'll I'll second that Well I'm I'm not  trying to say that Miss Lucas made a motion I was  

seeking clarity on that Yes pursue a P3 agreement  with legal clauses as suggested uh by our attorney   uh taking into consideration the concerns from  uh my colleagues here on the days and I just want   to clarify P3 or a reverter clause either one of  those is that what you meant because we then we're   separating those a P3 or something with a reverter  clause is what I've heard not necessarily locking   us into a P3 just to get clarification well you  can do a P3 with a reverter clause it's P3 is a   general term I understand exactly what Mrs Lucas  is talking about Okay Yeah So do we Yes So that's   the that's the motion Uh there's agreement from  uh the Sancopa group and from this DEAS of an   interest in pursuing a P3 So I would like us to  do that Um and also to protect the interest of   uh the community and the city in doing so Janice  can we add in there that the city uh put together   the workshop work with schedule and there's and it  not be set up like this of course but just a round   table just everybody talking discussing bringing  ideas Is that something that I mean it's you know   that you can get together sooner than later can we  add that to it just to be precise on that okay Is   that a second Miss Haligus yes it is Is there any  other discussion from the board yeah I would like   to know since Mr Mr Zimmerman understands P3s If  he could explain it to me the idea of the P3 in   relationship to what we're talking about today  Um I have a very general definition It's public   private partnership That's where the 3P comes  in And in a public private partnership the city   could sell property and then retain rights to get  it back under certain circumstances It could sell  

property and have uh development timelines It  could not sell property It could lease property   uh to the developer That's usually problematic  when it comes to financing but it's possible It   is across the board The key is in a 3P any project  fits You don't sell a piece of property and walk   away you sell a piece of property and you want to  make sure it's going to be used for the purpose   that you that this uh board intends and pursuant  to your CRA plan because this is property that has   CRA assets invested in it So that's it's a very  broad thing but that's kind of the key You want   to see it happen and you're going to stay around  and try to provide incentives and try to provide   guard rails to see that it does work All right  Any other discussion miss Horn please call the   role Board member Heligus Yes Board member Lucas  Yes Board member Granger Yes Board member Street   Yes Chairman Ruan yes Motion passes Thank you  Board Members Uh thank you Mr Cassant Uh Mr Uh   you gentlemen Yes ma'am Just want to say to Patty  Sunday thank you It was Patty Sunday who brought   um the letter of intent that started this  process that got us moving and thank you   All right Um the next item is item number eight  It's the presentation of the fiscal year 2024   uh annual report by the CRA I'm pleased to  present to uh the CRA's fiscal year 2024   annual report highlighting the significant strides  and accomplishments achieved throughout the year   As executive director it's with great pride  that I show the progress made in our ongoing   efforts to revital revitalize and enhance our  community A key effort and partnership between  

the community and our staff Uh over the past year  the CRA has undertaken several impactful projects   and initiatives aimed at improving the overall  quality of life for our residents and fostering   sustainable economic growth some of our major  highlights just to read through Affordable housing   initiatives community projects and revitalization  efforts enhancing public spaces and community   aesthetics Um again presented here is the 2024  annual report for the CRA which covers the period   from October 1 of 2023 through September 30th  of 2024 and includes the following information   for the board General background information  regarding the CRA and the redevelopment areas   uh financial information including the  statement of revenues expenditures and   changes in fund balances and fund balance sheet  for the fiscal year ending September 30th 2023   Taxable value history performance data within  the redevelopment areas and project descriptions   Uh staff is here when and no vote is necessary  on this but just here to answer any questions   uh in regards to the fiscal year 2024 annual  report Board any questions let me go through   it here You have it in your book but uh for the  folks in the room as well I will just go through   it And we're happy to provide this electronically  or printed copies to anyone that might want this Will we make that request for a  copy uh it's on the website and   we'll be sure to email you one  as well I'll give you my copy You know I I just want to highlight you know  since the board made the decision to really   shift away from uh more of the programming  and more into projects I just think kudos   to our staff uh for all their work Um  Michelle and Lena Lori uh Mr Dodge while   he was still here and of course the support  they get from Mr Zimmerman and Miss Masters  

uh from an attorney uh client relationship  and advice So uh just well done to the staff   Um and that's it If there's no questions  from the board we will continue on with our agenda All right Hearing none item number nine is  consideration and approval for the Panama City Tax   Increment rebate program application submitted  by Lighthouse 445 Grace Avenue LLC and the   authorization to execute a performance agreement  It's background information On March 6 Steven   Council on behalf of Lighthouse 445 Grace LLC  submitted an application under the program for the   redevelopment of 445 Grace Avenue located within  the CRA's downtown district In accordance with the   program requirement staff reviewed the application  completeness Following the review the executive   director completed his evaluation and provided his  recommendation determining the project meets the   criteria set forth in the tax increment rebate  program guidelines for an award rate determined   to be 90% of eligible project costs based on  the project's inclusion of a mixeduse component   and amenities or infrastructure improvements  desired by the CRA not to exceed 211,66.64   64 not to exceed a duration of 15 years and  the award recipient will be able to continue   to receive the rebate award in full so long  as they maintain ownership of a portion of   the property and maintain all requirements under  the performance agreement The executive director   uh recommends approval of the Panama City  Tax Increment rebate program application   submitted by Steven Counts on behalf  of Lighthouse 45 445 Grace Avenue for   the property located at 445 Grace Avenue and  further recommends that the city enter into a   performance agreement at an award rate of  90% with a total award rate not to exceed $211,664 a duration not to exceed 15 years and  the award recipient will be able to continue to   receive the rebate award in full so long as  they maintain ownership of a portion of the   property and maintain all requirements under the  performance agreement I'll just point out that Mr  

Couns is here uh if the actually stepped out Mr  Wher is here on behalf of Mr Counts and the team   to answer any questions that the board might have  about the application for Lighthouse 445 Grace   LLC Board members or we can just entertain  a motion to accept A motion to approve I'll   second Sorry we got a motion in a second Is  there any discussion or any questions for Mr   Wher or staff Thank you That's all I got to say  Thank you Miss H Call the RO Board member Haligus   Yes Board member Lucas Yes Board member Granger  Yes Board member Street Yes Chairman Rowan Yes   Motion passes Thank you All right Item number 10  is consideration uh to uh approve to enter into a   performance agreement for TIFF rebate application  for 401 East 6th Street Uh uh on March 25th 2025   Mr Brittton Hitchcock submitted an application  under the Panama City Tax Increment Rebate Program   for the redevelopment of 401 East 6th Street a  property located within the downtown CRA district   Application was reviewed by staff for completeness  upon completeness of the review process   The executive director conducted an independent  review and determined that the project meets   the requirements set forth in the tax increment  rebate program guidelines including the minimum   capital investment threshold of $500,000 and 0  cents and the 10% owner's equity requirement The   award rate was determined to be 80% of eligible  project costs based on the project's commercial   use and the inclusion of desired goal amenity  by the CRA that is a daycare not to exceed $17,798.34 and not to exceed a duration of 15  years based on the re uh based on a thorough   review process Uh staff recommends the following  approval of the tax increment rebate program   application submitted by Mr Britain Hitchcock  and authorization for the CRA to enter into the   attached performance agreement with the applicant  for the project located at 401 East 6th Street for   an amount not to exceed 17,798.34 cents and not to  exceed a duration of 15 years And I'll just point  

out for the board that Mr Hitchcock is here and  available answer any questions if you so desire   Otherwise we would entertain a motion to approve  I'll make a motion to approve Got a motion to   approve Is there a second second I hear a second  Any discussion um by the board or any questions   of staff or Mr Hitchcock I'd like to know who  Mr Hitchcock is just so I'll recognize I don't   have any questions I just want to know who you  are Thank you Y Thank you Brent Yep Thank you   All right All right Mhworn please call the role  Board member Haligus Yes Board member Lucas Yes   Board member Granger Yes Board member Street Yes  Chairman Rowan Yes Motion passes Thank you Uh item   number 11 is consideration of uh to approve the  ninth amendment to theou between the CRA downtown   north and Milville districts and world changers  organization Staff is requesting approval of the   fiscal year 25ou service agreement with the world  changers organization CRA will provide funding   for required materials and supplies to make  exterior improvements and to eliminate blight   to residential homes within a specified boundaries  in the downtown north and the Millville districts   Labor is provided free of charge by the WCO  volunteers Per this agreement the costs are   reimburseable not to exceed $30,000 for downtown  North District and $30,000 for the Millville   district Staff recommends approval by the board  of theou and would entertain a motion to do so I'll move a motion to approve There a second A  motion and a second Is there any discussion from   the board or questions of staff i just have  a quick question And I know Michelle you've   mentioned um just kind of maybe being a part  of the process and facilitating or something   like that You you don't have to get up I know  but Well yeah please do Just there's people   online watching Thank you Miss Brown Thank you  You want me to explain what I was yeah Yeah So   as you know in previous years when it came  to theou and working with world changers as   I mentioned they've done a really good job  but in that process applications were lost   um some people weren't even aware of the program  and or they weren't made aware of why or why not  

they were approved for the program So my ask is  having that partnership with the community and an   organization within the community that could help  navigate that and make that process just a little   bit smoother ongoing So is there a possibility  that we could just introduce uh their organization   and world changers that maybe they can assist  and help world changers while they're here   yeah we can absolutely um get that arranged I've  actually spoken with David Flatt um who owns World   Changers about um getting the word out a little  bit better And he even mentioned uh being a part   of the uh Glenwood Farmers Market to set up a  booth out there to try and get applications done   there as a way of getting the word out Um we're  also going to be doing um they're going to be   mailing out some letters to the residents within  the boundaries uh to let them know about it as   well Um and then Kristen Kennedy has been working  with me already Um if approved today she's ready   to go with uh setting out a campaign to get the  word out about the applications being available   It probably would get be good to have we're not  talking about compensating or anything everybody   that's doing this project you know is is you know  but if there's just even having the relationships   that the community has with PC Senior Living if  there just an introduction of the organizations   if there's anything they can help to facilitate  or Yeah absolutely David works with a lot of the   uh churches in the area too during that time So  thank you Any other discussion or questions all   right Uh and just for the public's reference  that was um Miss Webb one of the CRA program   managers All right Miss Sageorn please call the  role Board member Heligus yes Board member Lucas   yes Board member Granger yes Board member Street  yes Chairman Rowan yes Motion passes Thank you   All right Item number 12 is discussion of the  memorandum regarding the outcome of CRA socials   uh in response to a citizens proposal at  the November 19th 2024 CRA board meeting  

to establish an advisory board The board directed  the CRA staff to evaluate three options creating   advisory committees expanding the CRA board with  four additional district representatives or three   proceeding with the newly planned CRA socials Uh  detailed memo was included in your packet Uh the   staff recommendation based on community feedback  and analysis is that uh we recommend adopting   the CRA socials as the primary public engagement  strategy These events have pro proven to be the   most inclusive transparent and effective method  for gathering input on redevelopment efforts The   approach ensures broad participation in actionable  items while avoiding the limitations associated   with alternative government structures Furthermore  the direct citizen input received during these   socials has provided a clear understanding of  priority projects in each district allowing   for a more targeted and impactful approach to  redevelopment initiatives Uh before we entertain   any motions I'll just state I know that during  public comment uh there was a some feedback that   maybe some of it wasn't uh captured So I would  ask that staff get with Miss Liz Williams and   just make sure that those are in there I believe  you made all but one or you made every social You   did make every You were tardy at one of them  because I had to give you a demerit out in   the parking lot So I I got a long way to catch  up with demerits that she gave me back in high   school So we'll definitely follow up on that  So that's a word I hadn't heard in a long time   Yeah dear Dear dearit So all right Uh any uh  any comments uh or questions of staff from the   board or we would entertain a motion to approve  the socials going forward well that's great But   I do have a question The Millville CRA the only  thing I don't see in there that there literally   there were only two people who actually live in  Millville that were there uh and those two people   when it came down to it besides the things that  you said but was stronger code enforcement and a   little more police presence Okay So if we don't  if we can kind of I know it was only two people  

but they were the two people that were there  They probably speak pretty no but two just for   Milville though Who was the third it was it was  a hus it was a husband and a wife Yeah But um you   know Milville does go north of I know I'm talking  about my little Yeah Who else was there that day u so three people understood police presence  code compliance and I would just say the code   compliance is an effort that we're uh working on  throughout the entire city So she said I live in   Millville I don't count But I would say that like  I just don't want to like make that a small talk   like they considered if they they would even be  willing to they would appreciate maybe even if   we had to put CRA tax dollars to a police officer  that's dedicated to that area So I just just want   to make sure Yep Understood I've wrote it down  Chief Chief Smith has already said there's a   program in the works for doing just what the  couple asked for That that should negate any   CRA dollars going toward that Sweet It's good  All right For those online she just said that   the chief of police had made a comment that  some of those efforts and program had already   uh existed They're they're in workings Any  other questions or comments from the board   all right Miss Smith call the roll Wait we  do not have a motion in a second I'm going   to let the um I'll make a motion to approve  Second All right Any further discussion all   right Miss Sageorn call the role There There is  no rule on this one sir Well there was a staff   Yeah there was a staff recommendation It was to  either Okay My apologies You're fine Use socials   Yep We're going to continue socials You're  right Mr Chairman Board member Heliggus Yes   Board member Lucas Yes Board member Granger Yes  Board member Street Yes Chairman Rowan Yes Motion   passes All right Item number 13 is approval of  renovations and upgrades to Henry Davis Park in  

the downtown North CRA district with a budget  not to exceed I don't know what happened to   it Uh not to exceed $125,000 Uh during the CRA  social meeting in the downtown north district   on February 6 2025 community members voiced  strong support for muchneeded renovations   at Henry Davis Park while not originally in the  fiscical year 25 work plan Overwhelming feedback   um highlighted its importance to the community  and so in response staff proposes reallocating   funds initially designated for land purchases  to support these improvements Uh the supported   improvements are up on your screen I'll just  note that the Kuanas Club is uh donating the   uh the playground um and the detailed uh uh plans  and everything are laid out here uh in the agenda   item Staff recommends approval of the proposed  Henry Davis Park renovation project with the CRA's   investment not to exceed $125,000 combined with a  $145,000 playground donation from the Kuanas Club   These improvements will enhance the park amenities  support community engagement and address resident   request Approving this project will ensure the  park remains a valuable and accessible gathering   space for the downtown North community And I'll  just note that uh staff is aware that um the uh   MLK rec center is happening on the other side  of 77 but for families with little kids that   just want the playground uh having this here so  they don't have to cross Highway 77 is definitely   desirable from this neighborhood So staff  would recommend approval of this proposal   uh to move forward with enhancements at Henry  Davis Park So moved Is there a second y'all   know I have to second on playground now Yeah  I got six weeks I'm going to be second first   and only All right there's a motion and a second  on the floor Any discussion uh by the board or   questions from from the board of staff I just  want to thank the Glenwood working partnership   for weighing in on this design when they met with  uh Miss Zurkl Who was that glenwood GRP Glenwood   Revitalization Project Tony Yeah Yeah she's  looking at Tony No I I was actually looking at  

Michelle but I The Glenwood Revitalization Project  Yeah Well and I appreciate the fact that it's not   the same old stuff This that you know different  playground equipment It's not the same thing you   get everywhere So that's that's really cool And I  will say really quick that we didn't go over the   proposed projects than the CRA So we'll have to  go back to that Yep Sorry My fault That's on me   You might want to explain to people what this is  what this is because a lot of folks do not know   what's going on at playground I know And that we  don't have any slides or anything do we next slide   Oh there's another slide Next slide There we go  Yeah Somebody's got any other questions from the   board yeah I I have a question Are there other  parks in uh CRA North which is where we are Are   are there other parks and I don't have any beef  with this one It looks like a great project but   do we s sort of prioritize them and see which  parts we want to fix up the you know in other   words is there an order of how we would Well  this one Yeah No great question Mr Chairman So   yeah I mean obviously based on the community  has the community weighed in and and this is   their number one priority because I suspect  there's other parks huh well Kuanas too Yeah   And that's a great deal Yeah And they identified  the you know the desire to to do the uh to do the   playground Okay No my my concern is that we would  want to do you know the the most important one   or the one that people desire the most first  And if that's what this is then that's great   It is And again that's again in in conjunction  with the MLK Rec Center you know providing the   playground on the other side of Highway 77 for  those simply with the little kids They wouldn't   have to necessarily cross Highway 77 just to get  to even though there's going to be a playground   at MLK rec center This one would be you know on  the on the west side of Highway 77 MLK Boulevard   So I think there'll be people crossing both ways  in there will but I think this will reduce it some  

to some degree and not have them not have the only  choice be to cross Highway 77 if they choose to Uh   that's perfectly fine And it's a sweet little  neighborhood park It is That part's good Yeah Seniors going to use the playground absolutely  Okay All right Any other questions all right Call   the role please Miss Horn Board member Heligus  Yes Board member Lucas Yes Board member Granger   Yes Board member Street Yes Chairman Rowan  Yes Motion passes All right Thank you And I   apologize All right Let's go back briefly um Mr  Smith to the um uh project so I can go through   those real quick That was my fault I apologize  I even was told by staff 83 times to do this   and I still forgot So all right So these are the  proposed fiscal year 2026 projects uh for downtown   Um we uh again these are the proposed with the  feedback uh that we got from the community at the   socials Uh two digital directory boards musical  instruments games and seating at Mackenzie Park   Uh flower planners additional and uh and just  improving them along Harrison Avenue Uh more   dance steps and hopscotch And then a speaker  system uh for music It's a lot cooler than it   sounds It does Yeah for I'm trying to uh for St  Andrews projects uh assist with the renovation of   the Trudale Clubhouse which uh we've got some HRP  money that we're also utilizing that really need   um we don't have any real meeting space uh in  in St Andrews like we do in the other uh in the   other wards Uh solar lighting on Chestnut Avenue  uh and then hardscapes on both Beck and Bayiew   Avenue downtown north Um wayfinding and street  signs uh land purchases on MLK Boulevard uh kind   of was thinking kind of right around again that  southwest corner of MLK Boulevard and 15th Street   uh murals and public art solar lighting throughout  the district and then repair and add uh more  

sidewalks We're able and and we have the rightway  space that we need uh Milville additional updates   to the Daffen Park clubhouse uh and the overall  park uh repair sidewalks Uh and I'll just note   that we actually have a project underway right  now that came directly out of the uh CRA Social   in Millville Uh we've got a $60,000 project  underway uh with public works uh uh and going   out for a contract to repair I want to say like uh  over a,000 linear feet of sidewalk Uh that's about   a $60,000 project Uh CRA is covering half that  I believe and the other half by the public works   street maintenance department Uh bicycle safety  village This is proposed This is the idea of   Miss Zurkel and our team and it's her vision uh to  create this over there by the Millville wastewater   treatment plant the old Tiko uh fuel farm over  there and also near the Milville waterfront park   So in that area so that'll be something we'll  focus on in fiscal year 26 and also the bond   project for a a bike path on on Third Street in  Maple and and the waterfront parking lot Uh kind   of like a streetscapes project uh heading east  uh down Third Street Uh something very similar   to kind of what you've seen uh here in downtown  So we're looking on doing like a streetscapes   uh project and bike path and all that uh in that  area as well Uh so those cobblestones no no no   not necessarily cobblestones Just the the street  skates concept We're improving it for aesthetics   the walkability make it more safer for pedestrians  and uh and bicyclists Staff is there anything   y'all would like to add miss Waldron Miss Circle  Miss Webb All right All right Again sorry I missed   that All right Item number uh 14 is recommendation  to change the day start time and location of the   CRA regular schedule meetings Uh currently  the community redevelopment agency meetings   are scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m on the third  Tuesday of each month at city hall room 10 However   the city commission meetings as you know y'all  voted at the last meeting uh to keep the fourth  

Tuesday meeting of each month beginning at 4 p.m  and held at the Bay County government center The   difference in time and location these two meetings  has led to some confusion about scheduling for   stakeholders staff and community members who  may wish to attend the regular schedule meetings   So after a lot of consideration and conversations  with the Bay County uh commission and their   chambers it's my recommendation that CRA meetings  one uh be rescheduled to begin at 4 p.m This is   a change from 5:00 p.m and to align with the  afternoon commission meeting that we have Two   uh be moved to the first Tuesday of each month and  three uh held at the Bay County Government Center   This would align both the time and the location  of the city commission meetings to be held on   the fourth Tuesday of each month our afternoon  and evening meetings This change if approved   by the board would begin with the next scheduled  meeting which would be in two weeks on May 6th The   rationale behind this would be consistency with  the city commission schedule Align the CRA meeting   time and location with the city commission after  evening meetings Promotes consistency allowing   stakeholders staff and community members to  remember uh both meeting times uh more easily and   it aligns uh alignment maximizes participation and  fosters greater collaboration improved attendance   and participation Moving it to CR uh the 4pm  start time would reduce scheduling conflicts   and increase the likelihood of broader attendance  from the public and key stakeholders including   uh encouraging a more inclusive and engaged  community dialogue operational efficiency   shifting the time to 4 p.m to streamline  scheduling for staff who can coordinate more   effectively with the city commission's activities  Uh ensuring better preparation and continuity for   both meetings and reducing potential expenses  and just have a positive impact on the meeting   flow and early meeting time may improve focus  and engagement Also lead to more efficient use   of time and reduce the risk of meetings running  too late into the evening discouraging public   attendance and causing conflict uh with scheduling  and fostering engagement I will just add that the   reason we had to shift from the third Tuesday to  the first Tuesday and our suggestion uh is the uh  

county building which we believe is just a better  facility as far as uh from IT perspective and   engagement is not available on the third Tuesday  So uh the staff at the county suggested the first   Tuesday So again recommendation considering the  above reasons I recommend the CRA board approve   the change of the monthly meeting time to move  from 5:00 PM to 4 pm to be consistent and that the   meeting day be moved to become the first Tuesday  of each month at the Bay County government center   beginning with the May 6 2025 CRA board meeting  This modification will help align the meeting   schedule with the city commission meetings improve  attendance and support operational efficiency So   moved Second Any discussion from the board oh  yes sir I would like to uh I know Commissioner   Granger because of his job wanted this thing to  stay at 5:00 and I certainly have no objection   to going to 5:00 It looks like this motion is  to go to four 4:00 So yes I'm I'm asking you   uh because you wanted and I certainly respect you  have a job and so if you prefer 5:00 I think that   we should we should honor you Well thank you I'm  I'm fine with moving to four Um I I've found that   um I tend to my schedule tends to open up a little  bit Um on those particular days um so yeah as long   as it's in the afternoon I'm I'm I'm pretty good  with it I'm I may miss one here and there but the   CRA meeting doesn't happen that frequently But  that makes sense No it does I just time-wise I   know you preferred five o'clock and I you know I  do appreciate I'm retired so I can do either one   I appreciate that That time is not citizen Pardon  me That time is not citizen Whi- Which one four or   five four o'clock is not you are on salary Yeah  I would matter how many hours you were point of   point of order please Yep All right Let's please  keep the dialogue to to the uh board members up   here Do that when that gentle Mr A spoke the other  day and I didn't do it earlier in this meeting  

either So Miss Miss Brenda Lewis Williams you do  know what our standing protocol is Thank you All   right All right Reclaiming time of the board Mr  Chairman you had a statement you wanted to make   You were you Yeah I if uh I I would like to stay  at 5:00 And I think Miss Brenda Williams who spoke   out of order but I appreciate her speaking  whether it's in order or out of order If if   that's a better time for people to be present  then I would go along with the five o'clock   I think I like I think variety is the spice of  life So I don't think there's anything wrong with   one meeting at four and the other's at five  I I can I can live with that Yeah it it has   caused some confusion I just All right Any other  discussion we have a motion in a second Please   call the role Miss Sage Horn member Haligus Well  I guess are we ready or what we're ready to vote   No other discussion I had I had I was kind  of curious I was kind of kind of I kind of   enjoyed doing it in here Is this is this really a  problem for people or staff recommendation yes I   mean I like it because it's kind of more  you know intimate But you know who am I I don't know Well I'll just say  I've been in favor of it because   um Yes I need to hear more of what the board  because of the confusion that has happened   with people being here when we were over there  Uh that has happened on more than one occasion   Okay Do we need And what if I may ma'am yeah What  I would say is you know if if I do not believe   that we'll see uh a reduction in attendance uh as  we presented at the last meeting about commission   meetings Um but you know if if the board wants  to come back after a few months and and push it   back to 5:00 we can But again staff recommendation  stands to have a consistent meetings time starts   in the afternoon Um it it just makes sense and  it's consistent with what other communities have   done Typically if you remember the CRA meeting  used to immediately follow the first commission  

meeting of the month Good lord Yes So that's it's  been a minute since that's happened though So is   what's is the 5:00 I mean because I personally  don't care I'm entirely flexible to whatever   Um is it is it have to do with staff and being  after work hours i mean is there is there a cost   is there There is I mean that you know not not  everybody is salary That that's that's incorrect   And so I mean that and you get into the evening  and family you know people want to come here and   and engage and and maybe still try to get home  for dinner And so again just that consistent   starting time that our afternoon meetings are at  4:00 Um we we can move the commission meeting to   5:00 if you want And then that way you have your  meeting starting at 5 I just recommendation Now   you're now you're messing around I'm just there  needs to be I just think there needs to be Hey   since we're on the same page how about we table  this until next meeting but the next Well how   do we do that without voting without voting  You just say bring it back to us next time Is   that a motion to the table yeah I make a motion  table We have a motion You do So you're either   going to we're either going to vote on it or  Well we were in the middle of uh calling the   role so Okay continue I just wanted to ask those  questions Board member Haligus Um yeah Yeah Board   member Lucas Yes Board member Granger yes Board  member Street yes Chairman Ruan no Motion passes   All right we will entertain a motion to adjurnn  unless there's anything else for the good of the   order A motion to adjurnn Okay is there a second  a second Second All right we have a second Will   you please call the role Miss Horn board member  Haligus Yes Board member Lucas Yes Board member   Granger Yes Board member Street Yes Chairman  Rowan Yes Motion passes Meeting is adjourned