Agenda - Council - 07/10/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 07/10/2018 Submitted For: Tim Gladhill, Community Development By: Katie Schmidt, Administrative Services Information Title: Adopt Resolution #18-138 Establishing Restaurant Awning Assistance Program 7. 1. Purpose/Background: PURPOSE/ BACKGROUND The city has received feedback from residents, businesses, visitors, and elected/ appointed officials that attracting more restaurants is a priority for Ramsey. The purpose of this case is to review the proposed restaurant subsidy program documents that be the basis of this economic development program. This case was reviewed at the May and June EDA Meetings. The EDA recommended moving forward with the Awning Program with inclusion of a light financial analysis. The EDA will be looking at more detailed updates to the Water Availability Charge (WAC) Program at their July Meeting. The intent of this evening's case is to establish the Restuarant Awning Assistance Program. There is a subsequent request from Kitchen Table, a new restaurant planned for 7533 Sunwood Dr NW, to utilize this new program. Kitchen Table is scheduled to open in mid -July. Notification: Notification is not required. Observations/Alternatives: Establish a Sign & Awnim, GrantProQram Please see attached draft Sign and Awning Program policy and application. The program provides a one-time grant to help users with the cost to upgrade/ replace/ construct new signs and awnings. The City would use the EDA Fund as the funding source. Many cities use this type of program as a relatively low cost way to enhance commercial exteriors for businesses. Funding Source: Funding for financial assistance would come from the City's EDA Account. Recommendation: The EDA recommends approving the Restaurant Awning Assistance Program as part of the Restaurant Subsidy Program. The EDA requested proof of financing as part of the application review process. The EDA also requested that the Planning Commission consider a policy to define the appropriate color pallettes for these applications. This will be a separate future policy discussion. Note - the Applicant has yet to provide the requested Proof of Financing. If that is not received in time to analyze prior to the July 10 Meeting, it will be recommended that the specific application be postponed to a future meeting. Action: Motion to adopt Resolution #18-138 creating the Restaurant Awning Assistance Program.