Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2021 01 15

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes December 18, 2020 Page 3 of 4 $5,000 each. They discussed a total funding of $500,000 be proposed, including contribution from the Louisville Revitalization Commission (LRC) In addition, the Committee agreed to not have an employee size limitation in the criteria. The program would be limited to brick -and -mortar licensed businesses within the City of Louisville that are open at the time of the grant application. Businesses will not be precluded or prioritized differently for having received prior grant(s) from the City of Louisville. The Committee also provided Director Pierce guidance and confirmations about what to include in the applicant acknowledgments, including a pledge of experienced financial hardship. Committee members briefly discussed the other program and support ideas included in Director Pierce's memo. There was consensus that the grant program is most relevant to the current environment and that other ideas should be revisited to target what is most impacted at the time. In relation to the possibility to cap dining delivery fees, it was suggested that public education could positively influence consumer behavior because residents may not be aware that delivery vs. takeout has a different impact on restaurant revenue. Mr. Andy Clark agreed that residents would rally support to businesses if they know the best way to patronize their local businesses. He was appreciative of the proposed program, but suggested that larger support from the State and Federal levels would be required given the dire financial situations small businesses are facing. Chair Dickinson commented that the gift card program would be a great value for Louisville, not just during the pandemic. However, he realizes that others have looked at this and it has not been easy to accomplish. Councilmember Leh said he had concern about pursuing such a program without the staff and infrastructure in place to property support. Mr. Oberholzer was not sure how effective gift card programs have been during the pandemic. He felt it was possible the stimulus gift certificates recently provided by the Town of Superior might generate more dollars spent locally. The Committee also concurred with staff's recommendation to waive liquor license renewal fees in 2021, similar to what is occurring at the state level based on recent legislation. Director Pierce clarified the small financial impact of this undertaking and that staff would bring it forward after the grant program for Council consideration. Director Pierce noted that the grant program would be packaged for Council approval on January 5, 2021 and noted how this timing would intersect with LRC meeting dates and a potential program launch. Agenda Packet P. 4