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Member Cords stated that he would support the options that have the least impact, as just <br />mentioned by staff, as they could provide quick benefit to those businesses. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen asked for input from staff on the desire to waive, reduce or defer those fees. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that he would look to waive/reduce the entire <br />liquor license renewal fee, as those businesses will have been closed for at least one to two <br />months. He stated that he is unsure how long this will run and therefore he would support a lease <br />deferral, or late fee waiver for the Highway 10 RALF properties. <br /> <br />Member Hardin stated that he is leery of waivers and grants but would be open to deferrals or <br />no/low interest loans if that would be beneficial to businesses. He stated that he would like to <br />see specific details on how programs would operate before anything moved forward. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan asked if the loan programs would be targeted to <br />business impacted by the order to close (restaurants, salons, etc.). <br /> <br />Member Hardin stated that he would be worried about picking and choosing industries. He <br />stated that if there was a low/no interest loan program, he would want that open to the entire <br />business community in Ramsey rather than picking and choosing industries. <br /> <br />Member Riley stated that he has talked to bankers and accountants and they are busy trying to <br />submit loan applications for the PPP and SBA programs. He stated that he would be concerned <br />that they do not fully know what is available right now and while there is a need, he was unsure <br />that the City could assess the need. He stated that he does like the list of the items the City has <br />direct control over, such as the fees. He stated that if something moves forward, he would want <br />to ensure that needs are being addressed through targeted efforts. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that if no/low interest loans are offered, he believes that City staff <br />would be inundated by requests similar to banks. He asked the timeline suggested by staff. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan explained that the development of a low/no interest <br />loan program would take time, as the City would not want to duplicate what is available and <br />would instead want to create something unique to fill gaps. He stated that he likes the idea of <br />offering things that could be done immediately, using the example of purchasing gift cards from <br />businesses. He stated that option would place cash in hands immediately and the City could use <br />those gift cards for event prizes in the future. He stated that the list of businesses developed by <br />staff are the ones that have been shutdown the longest. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if that would be normal course of business to purchase gift cards for <br />the golf event. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan confirmed that the City does that in normal course of <br />business but noted that the intent would be to purchase additional cards. <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/ April 7, 2020 <br />Page 6 of 9 <br /> <br />