Agenda - Council - 05/26/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 05/26/2020 Submitted For: Sean Sullivan, Community Development By: Sean Sullivan, Community Development 5. 5. Information Title: Adopt Resolution #20-098 Finalizing Implementation of COVID-19 Assistance Plan Phase 1 Purpose/Background: On April 14, 2020 the City Council Approved Resolution #20-077 authorizing the following types of assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic: • Reimbursement of 2020 On Sale Liquor License Renewal Fee (City Fees Only) • Reimbursement of Advertising Fees for Ramsey Resident for Ramsey Businesses • Waive Late Fees for Lease Payments on City owned properties (also a waiver of payment of 60 day Lease at 6701 Highway 10 NW) Staff has been working on implementation and adoption of policy/criteria for these programs. The EDA reviewed the attached policies at the May 14, 2020 EDA meeting and formally recommend adoption of the attached Resolution #20-XXX and Policies. Notification: Notification is not required. Observations/Alternatives: On Sale Liquor License Renewals Staff has implemented the Waiver of On Sale Liquor License Renewals. Businesses that have received this assistance include: Willy McCoy's, Aurelio's Pizza, Acapulco, River's Bend Bar and Grille, JR's Outpost, The Links at Northfork, McDuff s, Kitchen Table and Superbowl. In this case, the fee is not being taken up front, but the Business License Account is being reimbursed internally. The one-time cost of this assistance program is $48,000. Staff believes that replenishing this account that manages the licensing program will be important due to the fact that a service is still being provided. The recommended funding source for this program is the EDA's Professional Services Account with a line item budget of $43,000 for 2020. The EDA recommends supplementing this account, as needed, with EDA Fund Balance due to this unforeseen expense. Ramsey Resident Advertising Reimbursement City Staff has been working to develop a criteria for an advertising reimbursement program for the next edition of the Ramsey Resident. The proposed criteria is attached to this case has been reviewed by the EDA and is recommended for approval. The hope is that the reimbursement of some advertising fees for businesses looking to emerge from the impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic is helpful and provides some much needed financial relief. The goal of this program is to provide assistance to business impacted the longest by the COVID-19 Pandemic and various Executive Orders issued by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Stay at Home and Social Distancing Orders have impacted a number of retailers including bars, restaurants and places of public accommodation. The level of reimbursement is also something staff has taken into consideration. Most advertising sold in the Ramsey Resident is 1/8 to 1/4 page in size. Below is a comparison and potential financial impact for ad size and number of qualifying ads: Number of Ads Number of Ads 1/4 page 15 20 25 1/8 page 15 20 25 One Time $485 $7,275 $9,700 $12,125 $299 $4,485 $5,980 $7,475