City Council Minutes 2020 08 11 SP

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City Council Meeting Minutes August 11, 2020 Page 2 of 6 all City accounts. To be limited to one approved program project per business and only future projects may be submitted for consideration. Other criteria include: • Project provides for restructuring, retooling, or implementing best practices in a business operation, consistent with public health guidance for physical distancing or sanitation. • Project enhances the exterior appearance of the building fagade with improvements such as painting, awnings, and permanent signage. • Project allows business to purchase new interior or exterior furniture and fixtures to accommodate appropriate physical distancing. • Project improves the physical tenant or building space to accommodate operational, service, or infrastructure changes. • Project supports a collaboration between two or more Louisville businesses seeking to offer a unique product or community service. The group recommends the following process: • A complete application, including any submittals on project costs, designs, or bids • Rolling application period, beginning in early September after several weeks of promotion • Administrative review and approval • Required agreement between City and applicant • Verification and expense accounting at project close-out Director Pierce stated the EVC recommends initial program funding of $150,000 for grants, with awards up to $10,000. The applicant must pledge a 50% match and the program would run through December 31, 2020, but could expire sooner if all funding is allocated. Staff anticipates the program would be reimbursable under the City's CARES Act funding. Director Pierce stated the LRC is interested in participating in this program for businesses in the Urban Renewal Area. They will be evaluating their participation depending on what Council decides. Staff recommends approval of the project. Public Comments — None. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney stated the EVC wants this to be the next step to help businesses in the near future. It is a matching program and is targeted to keep businesses viable both right now and in the long term. Councilmember Leh noted his concern this would take up a large amount of staff time. He asked about criterion one and if it must meet public health guidance. Director Pierce stated the end goal is to tie any upgrades to public health regulations or guidance.