11-23-2020-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – OCTOBER 26, 2020 5 City Attorney Jamnik concurred with Councilmember Scott stating it was better to eliminate the first sentence and to use the language proposed by staff. Councilmember Holmes stated she would support the City Attorney’s recommendation. A roll call vote was taken. The motion 4-1 (Mayor Grant opposed). B. Resolution 2020-052 Allowing Disbursement of Remaining Funds and Closing the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated on June 25 Governor Tim Walz announced a plan to distribute $853 million in federal funding to Minnesota communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was authorized by the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. City funding was calculated on a formula of $75.34 per capita and the amount allocated to the City of Arden Hills totals $745,040. The City submitted its certification form for Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) monies on July 6. The funds are now available and the City is required to expend all of its funds by November 15, 2020. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained at the direction of the City Council, the City of Arden Hills made available $150,000.00 of CARES Act Funds to create a Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. The intent of the grant program is to provide financial assistance to local businesses to help them continue their operations, preserve employment, and prevent business closures in an effort to encourage long-term economic vitality in Arden Hills. The program provides locally-owned and operated businesses with an emergency grant of up to $5,000. The program was launched on August 25, 2020. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained at its October 12, 2020 meeting, the City Council adopted resolution 2020-049 extending the application window for the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program until Friday, October 23, 2020. Staff has promoted the program through previously discussed methods and has received one (1) new application at the time of writing this. Staff will provide an update to Council as to any new applications received. City staff has received 24 applications and has awarded funds to 18 businesses or $90,000 of the $150,000 available. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated staff is asking for Council direction to on how to distribute the remaining Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program funds. Businesses that have previously submitted applications, but not all of the required documentation, will be required to submit all outstanding documentation by November 2, 2020. If no additional documentation is received by the aforementioned due date, the businesses will be no longer eligible for assistance. Staff will then take the remaining funds and evenly distribute them among the qualifying businesses. Staff will contact businesses that have been previously awarded funds and request them to submit a certification form and required documentation by the end of day on November 2, 2020 in order to receive additional funds. Should Council want to proceed with the proposal above, a resolution has been provided for consideration. Mayor Grant asked why the program date was cut off on November 2.