AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2019-12R, amending the Business Improvement and Growth (BIG) Grant Program guidelines to prohibit City employees and officials from benefiting from BIG Grant Program Funds and to clarify program eligibility and intent; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: January 15, 2019
Department: CMO - Steve Parker, Assistant City Manager / CFO
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: 10001280.54246
Funds Available: $69,400
Account Name: GF Special Services - BIG Grant Program
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: The BIG Grant Program was established by Resolution No. 2016-49R on April 5, 2016.
City Council Strategic Initiative:
N/A
Comprehensive Plan Element (s):
☒ Economic Development - Fiscally Responsible Incentives for Economic Development
☐ Environment & Resource Protection
☐ Land Use
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities
☐ Transportation
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan:
Vision San Marcos - A River Runs Through Us
Background Information:
The BIG Grant Program was established by Resolution No. 2016-49R on April 5, 2016.
The Resolution establishes the program, adopts guidelines and an application, and authorizes the City Manager to take such measures as necessary to implement the policy.
The guidelines and application form were approved by Council; therefore, Council action is required to amend the program. The proposed amendments provide for the following:
• City employees or officials, or their immediate family members (spouse, children, siblings, parents) are ineligible to apply for or receive BIG Program funds.
• BIG Program funds may not be awarded for any improvements to property or buildings owned in whole or in part by any city employee or official, or their immediate family members (spouse, children, siblings, parents), or any business organization of which such persons are equity owners, shareholders, members, partners or officers.
• Clarifies the intent of the program to provide funding for signage, stating that grant funding for signage may only be requested in conjunction with a grant application for real property improvements, and that applications for signage only will not be considered.
• Other, minor, text amendments.
The BIG Grant Program was funded with a one-time appropriation, which has been drawn down since 2016. As of September 22, 2018, 14 projects have been completed under the Program, and a total of $90,755 in grant funds have been awarded. An additional $3,722 in Program funds were expended for the purchase and installation of bicycle racks downtown. The amount available for future grants as of the end of FY18 is $69,400.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
N/A
Alternatives:
Take no action.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.