A Workshop Meeting of the Apalachicola City Commission was held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 6:00 Present: Mayor Brenda Ash, Commissioner Despina George, Commissioner Anita Grove, Commissioner Adriane Elliott, City Manager Travis Wade, City Clerk Sheneidra Cummings, (Absent: Commissioner  PM at the Commission Meeting Room, 74 6th Street, Apalachicola, Florida.  Duncan)  Workshop Meeting opened by Mayor Ash followed byi invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.  PRESENTATION  Brett Hammond, with Hammond Design Group opened the Popham Building discussion and presented various updates. Mr. Hamlin asked the Commission for direction and public input regarding the future if Mr. Hamlin recommend demolishing the Popham Building stating that the structure is beyond repair and suggested that the building be dismantled down to the 1s floor platform to address the hazard(s) and to further secure the site. For more information, page 7 of the Agenda packet references the engineer's  the building and/ors site. Discussion held.  recommendation. Further Discussion held.  City Planner Bree Robinson provided an update on the last meeting with Dept of. Commerce (DOC), informing the Commission that DOC approved the amended scope that included the partial demolition. Mayor Ash inquired about associated cost. Bree and Brett confirmed that funding to demo the building can be covered from the CDBG Funds along with the cost for construction documents. Commissioner Groverecommended that a copyofa alldocumentation; produced fromt the! Hammond Group regarding the Popham Building be provided to the Apalachicola Historical Society, Library archives, and City Planner for record purposes. Commissioner Grove expressed concern about the stabilization of the pilings and inquired ift the funds would cover the cost of stabilization. Mr Hamlin replied that the existing funding would not cover the: stabilization oft the existing pilings. Commissioner Grove would like tos salvage the some of the metal, wood, and doors from the building. Commissioner Grove stated that the initial funds to purchase the Popham Building was provided by Community Affairs and suggestedi informing the original Grantor (or subsequent Org.) of the City's plan to demolish to avoid any push-back. Manager Wader respondedi to Commissioner Grove: stating that al Rep at the Florida Community Trust (FCT) informed him that the City would need to keep them informed on any plans to demolish and seek their approval for any future use of thes space. Manager Wade further stated that the FCTI is more interested in the future use of the: site implying that they would like to see educational, recreational, and conservation  activities remain thei focus for the space.    10/8/24 CC WS- Popham Building Discussion  Page 2of3  Commissioner George inquired about the original 300k grant allocation for the Popham Building. Mr. Hamlin stated that, based on his knowledge, the $300,000 that was initially allocated for the Popham Building will continue tol be: appropriatedi for the revised use that was approved by Dept. of Commercei i.e., preparation of demolition documents and a complete set of structural plans for future funding opportunities, as well as, to demolish the building down to the 1s floor platform. Commissioner George suggested consulting with local craftsman and salvaging thel building and materials. Commissioner George  suggested a minimal design ift therei is a: structure at all.  Discussion held.  Commissioner Elliott concurred with the fellow Commissioner and suggested prioritizing getting the building secured as moving forward with demolition plans to resolve the! blight and hazard(s). andi not sure ifas structure should be placed there. Commissioner Elliott expressed concerns about erecting another structure and mentioned associated costs to run and maintain another City-owned building. Commissioner Elliott suggested that if the Commission decides to erect another structure that it be in support of existing focal attractions in that area, functional, and in conjunction with the Battery Park City Planner Bree informed the City of the timeline and have until Sept 20251 to get the construction plans  Marina. for demolition.  Mayor. Ash summarized the discussion as follows, Waterfront and the Battery Park Marina.  Direction for Hammond Design Group, LLC: Prepare design documents that reflect an open-air concept, a 1500-2500. sq ft. building, and a conceptual plan that would bei functional andi in alignment with Working Mayor. Ashs suggested having City Planner, a Commissioner and a Citizen/volunteerls) to brainstorm: some concept Ideas for the building and provide feedback to the Commission. City Planner concurred and Mayor Ash asked Bree to produce names to be considered for the volunteer(s), and the Commission recommended Commissioner Grovei to meet withl Bree and Mr Hamlin: and! bei the Commisioneronm-board  suggested that the discussion be posted online and in newspaper for publici input. to be included int the brainstorm discussion for conceptual plans for the site.  ADJOURNMET Motion carried, 4-1.  Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Elliott, seconded by Commissioner Grove. None opposed.    10/8/24 CCWS- Popham Building Discussion  Page 3of3  3 BRENDA ASH, MAYOR  ArTEST:  Sdie - SHENEIDRA CUMMINGS, CITY CLERK