Votes at a glance: Aug. 12 Panama City Commission

The Panama City Commission took multiple votes Aug. 12 on budget amendments, equipment purchases, permit waivers and procedural items. Key outcomes follow.

- Police electric bicycles (budget amendment 2025008 1 2.1): Approved to use $9,600 in vehicle insurance proceeds from a totaled 2020 Dodge Durango to purchase four electric bicycles for foot and e-bike patrols in downtown and entertainment districts. Motion passed 5-0.

- Fire department equipment (budget amendment / resolution 202508 1 2.2): Approved use of $42,750 in fire-protection service revenues to buy two side-by-side vehicles and fire-prevention materials for public education and event access. Motion passed 5-0.

- Centennial Bank Knox Box waiver: The commission approved a waiver and hold-harmless agreement allowing Centennial Bank (2200 Stanford Road) not to install a Knox Box under city ordinance 26-03, subject to the city’s hold-harmless terms. Motion passed 5-0. Commissioners asked city staff to consider revising the ordinance so routine waivers could be handled administratively and to evaluate making Knox Boxes voluntary.

- Bay County Veterans Day Parade special-event permit (Nov. 11): The commission approved the closure of Eleventh Street (Frankfurt Ave to Woods Ave) and waived event fees in recognition of the parade; police and public-safety staffing requirements were discussed and staff will explore equipment-based traffic-control options to reduce officer burden. Motion passed 5-0.

- Infrastructure Surtax Citizens Committee appointments: The commission reappointed Denise Rowan and Fred Denneke to two-year terms as requested. Motion passed 5-0.

- Executive session scheduling (Bambi’s Dollhouse litigation): The commission approved a city attorney-client executive session for the next commission meeting; motion passed 5-0.

Other administrative consent items and the consent agenda passed 5-0 during the meeting.