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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04 EDARCommissioner Elliott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: EDA RESOLUTION NO. 2021-04 .RESOLUTION APPROVING POLICY AND PROCEDLIRES FOR MICRO -GRANT FA(ADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Economic Development Authority of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota (the "EDA") acknowledges the need to provide financial assistance to small and medium sized businesses to forward the economic development objectives of the City of Brooklyn Center (the "City"); and WHEREAS, the EDA has determined to adopt written procedures regarding how the City will carry out its micro -grant fagade improvement program, and to that end has caused to be prepared a document titled Policy and Procedures for the Micro -grant Fagade Improvement Program of the Brooklyn Center Economic Development Authority as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto (the "Policy"). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Economic Development Authority of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota (the "Board"), as follows: 1. The Board hereby adopts the Policy. 2. EDA staff are authorized to take all actions necessary to carry out the Policy. Apri126, 2021 Date President ATTEST:JbLU6 City Cleric The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Ryan and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof. Butler, Elliott, Graves, Ryan and the following voted against the same: None. whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. EXHIBIT A POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR THE MICRO -GRANT FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OF THE BROOKLYN CENTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY I. PURPOSE The purpose of the Micro -grant Facade Improvement Program is to provide matching grants of up to $5,000 to support small and medium sized businesses in the City with exterior improvements, beautification and repairs. The intention is to encourage and assist businesses with improving the exterior of properties while improving the public realm, beautifying businesses, improving public safety and maintaining cleanliness. II. MICRO -GRANT FACADE IMPROVEMENT FUND GOALS By providing matching grants of up to $5,000 to existing or new businesses, the Economic Development Authority of Brooklyn Center has established the following goals: 1. The proposed project must be a conforming use in the zoning district in which it is located and generally consistent with the City of Brooklyn Center's Comprehensive Plan. 2. The project will consist of permanent building and/or site improvements, which improve the exterior appearance of buildings and property, comply with all building codes and city regulations. 3. The project will not significantly or adversely increase the impacts on existing utility service needs in the City. 4. The project should seek to utilize local contractors, suppliers, vendors, professionals, and/or financial institutions when feasible. 5. The project will help protect or increase property values and the general public's health, safety and welfare. 6. The proposed project will improve the customer experience and contribute to the aesthetic quality of the area. III. QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS AND USE OF FUNDS Micro -grant Facade Improvement Fund proceeds may be used for the following purposes: 1. Installation, repair or replacement of exterior signage including, monument signs on the property and wall signs affixed to the building 2. Exterior lighting 3. Exterior painting 4. Repair and /or replacement of windows and exterior doors 5. Masonry repairs and tuck pointing 6. Art installations and wall murals, with an approved maintenance plan 7. Canopy and/or awning installation or repair 8. Pedestrian improvements, which improve access for persons with disabilities. 9. Permanent site improvements (walks, patios, courts) 10. Trash and mechanical enclosures 11. Parking area repairs and improvements (including the addition of bicycle facilities) 12. Security cameras, as approved by the Brooklyn Center Police Department 13. Fences 14. Materials for any of the above identified items Grant proceeds may not be applied to: 1. Worl<, which is in process or purchases made prior to the application approval. 2. Improvement to residential -only (non-commercial) buildings or sites 3. New additions (new square footage) or new buildings 4. Billboards 5. Trees 6. Roofing 7. Kitchen or store equipment that is not affixed to building, such as free-standing refrigerators 8. Plantings 9. Pylon, temporary, or roof signs 10. Labor for an unlicensed contractor Qualifying Improvements must begin construction or be purchased within 90 days of loan closing, unless an extension is requested and approved. IV. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY 1. Applicants may be individual owners, partnerships, corporations, tenant operators, or contract for deed purchasers of a property or building within the City of Brooklyn Center. Documentation of entity status shall be delivered with the application forms. 2. Land use of the property must be identified as a commercial, industrial, office or mixed - use 3. Applicant must provide $1 for $1 match of program funds, up to $5,000. Any expenditures related to a project, which exceed the EDA's match, will come from owners' expense. V. GRANT DETAILS The Economic Development Authority of Brooklyn Center will review each application, pursuant to the goals and policies set forth in this document, on a case -by -case basis. 1. Minimum Grant Amount. The minimum loan amount shall be $1,000. 2. Maximum Grant Amount. The maximum loan amount shall be $5,000. 3. Grant Terms. Grantee shall enter into a Grant Agreement with the Economic Development Authority of Brooklyn Center prior to commencing work on the approved project. Grantee shall furnish invoices for work done to complete the project. City shall reimbursement up to 50% of eligible costs back to the Grantee. 4. Property Beautification. Grantees who control their parking and property areas shall provide a property maintenance and beautification plan as part of their approval. The Plan shall include how the property owner or property manager will ensure the parking VI VII and landscaped areas of the property remain free of trash and litter. This may include the addition of covered trash receptacles, trash enclosures or other devices to prevent trash from blowing around the property; assigning staff to regularly clean up parking and landscaped areas; and eliminating plastic bags and other one-time use items that tend to accumulate as litter. 5. Equity Participation. Applicant shall provide a $1 for $1 match of grant funds, up to $5,0000 6. Grant Repayments. No repayment of grant funds is required provided all funds are used on eligible expenditures. 7. Grant Duration. Worl< for grant funded activities must commence within 90 days of the execution of the Grant Agreement, unless an extension is approved in writing by EDA staff, or the Grant Agreement shall expire and grant funds shall be absorbed back into the program to fund other eligible projects. APPLICATION PROCESS In order to be considered for a grant award, an applicant must submit a completed application to the Economic Development Authority of the City of Brooklyn Center with the following attachments: 1. Picture(s) of existing conditions of proposed area to be improved; 2. Descriptions, drawings, renderings and/or pictures of proposed improvements; 3. Contractor estimates; 4. Timeline for project; 5. For tenants: Letter of consent for improvements from building owner REVIEW GROUP City of Brooklyn Center staff will review applications to ensure they are complete, and score them based on the scoring criteria below. Applications will be ranked based on the scoring results. A recommendation for funding shall be presented to the Economic Development Authority of Brooklyn Center, which will make the final determination. Determination of whether a grant application is approved will be in the sole discretion of the EDA. 1. Scoring Criteria: i. Aesthetic improvement/"curb appeal". Improvements that enhance the customer experience and aesthetic quality of the business, property and area (10 points) ii. Community Impact. The project provides a positive impact to the neighborhood, such as improving safety, increasing ADA accessibility, improving public spaces, building community connections, honoring cultural assets or creating jobs. (10 points) iii. Local Economic Impact. The project utilizes local contractors, suppliers, vendors, professionals, and/or financial institutions (5 points) iv. Readiness. The project can be completed in a reasonable timeframe, with a budget that matches the scope of work. The scope of work is achievable with the funding and timeline provided. (5 points) v. Local Business Impact. The business is owned (at least 25% stake) by a resident(s) of the seven -county metro area and meet at least one of the criteria below (5 points): ii. Be a small business (25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees); 3 , Be owned (at least 257o stake) and/or operated by women, or persons of color. VIII. PAYMENT OF GRANT PROCEEDS Grant payments shall be paid directly to Grantees. Grantees shall submit invoices to EDA staff. The City shall reimburse up to 50% of all eligible expenditures identified on the invoice. A final reimbursement payment shall not be issued until all work for the grant -funded activities has been completed. Invoices and other necessary information as related to the project costs shall be provided to the EDA or its representative prior to the disbursement of funds, The EDA may, in its sole discretion, allow proceeds to be released earlier than upon completion of work if used as a down payment for work and/or to allow payment to be made directly to the participating lender, contractor, or vendor. IX. DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED All persons/businesses submitting an application and receiving loan proceeds agree, by accepting said proceeds, to comply with all federal and state laws and related rules and regulations which prohibit discrimination. Generally, these laws and rules make it an unfair employment practice, expect when based on limited, statutory exception or a bona fide occupational qualification, for an employer to refuse to hire, discharge, or otherwise treat a person differently with respect to fire, compensation, terms, upgrading, conditions, facilities or privileges of employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, or sexual orientation; or in reprisal for objection to, or participating in the investigation or litigation of, alleged discrimination or for associating with disabled person(s) of a different race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation or national origin,