Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 24, 2020 6 <br /> Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained interested business would <br /> be asked to complete and submit an application. As part of the application, applicants would also <br /> be encouraged to provide proof of application submittal, acceptance, approval and/or denial of <br /> state and federal emergency financing programs. Upon a successful grant application being <br /> awarded funds, the applicant would be required to sign an acknowledgment agreement under <br /> which the applicant agrees to spend the awarded funds on eligible uses. As a condition for <br /> receiving grant funding, all grant recipients would be required to submit a brief report <br /> documenting how the grant funds were utilized by November 30, 2020. <br /> Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated funds for grants will be <br /> distributed on a first-come, first-considered/awarded basis. Applications will be accepted until <br /> September 15, 2020 or when all general grant funds are fully committed. Each general grant <br /> application will be considered independently in the order received until funding is expended. <br /> Once all available funding has been expended, any remaining eligible applications not receiving <br /> funding will be held and considered if future funding rounds become available. Staff will report <br /> back to the City Council to discuss the feasibility of additional funding opportunities. If approved, <br /> staff will finalize the implementation of the new program such as begin promoting the program <br /> through emails, the website, and social media. <br /> Councilmember Holmes asked if the application form would be similar to the County's form. <br /> Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported the application would be <br /> similar. <br /> Councilmember Holmes questioned how the City would get the word out regarding this grant <br /> program. <br /> Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla discussed how the City would <br /> advertise this program to the local business community. He reported the business registration list <br /> would be utilized noting emails would be sent. <br /> Councilmember Holden explained the North Chamber has done a great job advertising the grant <br /> opportunities that were available through Ramsey County. She suggested the North Chamber be <br /> contacted to promote the City's program. <br /> Mayor Grant supported this recommendation. He suggested the City send a letter and email the <br /> local businesses regarding this grant program. <br /> Discussion ensued regarding the number of businesses that could be helped through the proposed <br /> small business grant program. <br /> Mayor Grant asked if funds from these grants could be used for revenue loss. <br /> City Administrator Perrault reported these funds could be used to cover expenditures but not <br /> revenue losses. Staff provided further comment on the types of expenditures that could be covered <br /> by the City's grant funds. <br />