6. NEW BUSINESS
A. Election of Officer (Vice President) for the Economic Development Corporation – M. Hornes- Mr. Hornes stated staff received a resignation letter from Vice President Henry Edwards III effective June 30th creating a vacancy. The Board would be required to elect a new Vice President to fill the vacancy through a nomination process.
Board President Dennis nominated Citizen Director Feldmeier for the position of Vice President of the EDC Board. Citizen Director Feldmeier accepted the nomination. Hearing no additional nominations; called for a motion. Council Director Bob Tullgren made a motion to elect Citizen Director Scott Feldmeier as Board Vice President until the term ending September 30th; seconded by Citizen Director Elizabeth Kuhlmann.
C. Discussion and Possible action regarding amendments to the criteria of the Visual Improvement Program for FY 2021-2022 – M. Hornes
Mr. Hornes presented the following during his presentation:
- Within the last five years, 13 VIP recipients went “out of business” taking their signage with them
- Total number of VIP grants granted was 100 within the same five year survey
- The VIP during that five years has an 90% success rate
- The VIP recipients that did not operate for more than a year were approximately 7; two of those businesses closed due to COVID in 2020
- Staff provided three options for the Board to consider as language changes
- Option 1 – Tenants or property owner must be in business for 1 year prior to participating in the VIP Program
- Option 2 – If applicant has operated in Live Oka for 1 year or less; the grant awarded may not exceed $2,500
- Option 3 – If applicant has operated in Live Oak for 1 year or less; the initial grant awarded is $2,500 and after 1st year anniversary, a final payment of $2,500 may be paid to the applicant
- Option 4 – Leave the language as is
- He then deferred to the Board for additional suggestions
Q&A Citizen Director Cynthia Audelo and Board President Dennis both asked for staff clarification on objectives and goals of the VIP program; improve the appearance or to attract new business; Mr. Hornes answered by stating the programs intent was to ensure the businesses that began showing signs of aging, the VIP could assist. It morphed over time not only to assist aging businesses but to incentivize new businesses.
Council Director Bob Tullgren commented the VIP accomplishes the aspect of attracting new businesses, retention of existing businesses and the beautification of the commercial areas. The current language provides the flexibility to provide assistance on an individual basis.
Board President Mary Dennis commented in the beginning of the program, it was with a purpose for retention and beautification. The LOEDC was able to assist them with the VIP grant. She asked for conversations at a later date about the signage portion of the grant.
Citizen Director Elizabeth Kuhlmann was in favor of changes to the verbiage to better suit the old businesses versus the newer businesses using Option 1 & 3.
City Attorney Clarissa Rodriguez interjected the Board would be able to write the language for the program that meets the approval of the Board but it would have to meet the purpose of the statute. A review of the original Resolution, in which the VIP was created, would need to be reviewed to remain in line with the intent of the original guidelines of the program for “new and expanded businesses.”
Citizen Director Cynthia Audelo asked for instances where a new business that couldn't afford a sign would apply for a sign through the program; Mr. Hornes stated during the permitting process, the VIP program is introduced and offered. Many already have the sign cost included in the business plan. Staff has had a few business that took advantage of the program before opening.
Citizen Director Scott Feldmeier asked if the LOEDC had programs to assist the larger developments; Mr. Hornes stated through incentives and agreements, the City has assisted and incentivized with larger projects such as the Town Center. This functionality is in existence now.
Council Directors Cimics and Tullgren stated they are in favor of leaving the language as it reads currently.
Citizen Director Nguyen added that existing businesses during the pandemic will most likely not have additional funds and she’s in favor of leaving the language as it currently reads to allow for any business to participate in the program if they are eligible.
Mr. Wayman interjected the history of the program has remained solid and staff does not want to stand in the way of business success but will continue to monitor the program closely.
Mr. Hornes stated with the Board’s direction, the VIP information will remain the same and new booklets will printed for distribution.
Board President Mary Dennis closed this item by stating it was the consensus of the Board to leave the language as it currently reads carrying no action on this item.
- Option 1 – Tenants or property owner must be in business for 1 year prior to participating in the VIP Program
- Option 2 – If applicant has operated in Live Oka for 1 year or less; the grant awarded may not exceed $2,500
- Option 3 – If applicant has operated in Live Oak for 1 year or less; the initial grant awarded is $2,500 and after 1st year anniversary, a final payment of $2,500 may be paid to the applicant
- Option 4 – Leave the language as is
Jul 27, 2021 Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. Election of Officer (Vice President) for the Economic Development Corporation – M. Hornes- Mr. Hornes stated staff received a resignation letter from Vice President Henry Edwards III effective June 30th creating a vacancy. The Board would be required to elect a new Vice President to fill the vacancy through a nomination process.
Board President Dennis nominated Citizen Director Feldmeier for the position of Vice President of the EDC Board. Citizen Director Feldmeier accepted the nomination. Hearing no additional nominations; called for a motion. Council Director Bob Tullgren made a motion to elect Citizen Director Scott Feldmeier as Board Vice President until the term ending September 30th; seconded by Citizen Director Elizabeth Kuhlmann.
C. Discussion and Possible action regarding amendments to the criteria of the Visual Improvement Program for FY 2021-2022 – M. Hornes
Mr. Hornes presented the following during his presentation:
- Within the last five years, 13 VIP recipients went “out of business” taking their signage with them
- Total number of VIP grants granted was 100 within the same five year survey
- The VIP during that five years has an 90% success rate
- The VIP recipients that did not operate for more than a year were approximately 7; two of those businesses closed due to COVID in 2020
- Staff provided three options for the Board to consider as language changes
- Option 1 – Tenants or property owner must be in business for 1 year prior to participating in the VIP Program
- Option 2 – If applicant has operated in Live Oka for 1 year or less; the grant awarded may not exceed $2,500
- Option 3 – If applicant has operated in Live Oak for 1 year or less; the initial grant awarded is $2,500 and after 1st year anniversary, a final payment of $2,500 may be paid to the applicant
- Option 4 – Leave the language as is
- He then deferred to the Board for additional suggestions
Q&A Citizen Director Cynthia Audelo and Board President Dennis both asked for staff clarification on objectives and goals of the VIP program; improve the appearance or to attract new business; Mr. Hornes answered by stating the programs intent was to ensure the businesses that began showing signs of aging, the VIP could assist. It morphed over time not only to assist aging businesses but to incentivize new businesses.
Council Director Bob Tullgren commented the VIP accomplishes the aspect of attracting new businesses, retention of existing businesses and the beautification of the commercial areas. The current language provides the flexibility to provide assistance on an individual basis.
Board President Mary Dennis commented in the beginning of the program, it was with a purpose for retention and beautification. The LOEDC was able to assist them with the VIP grant. She asked for conversations at a later date about the signage portion of the grant.
Citizen Director Elizabeth Kuhlmann was in favor of changes to the verbiage to better suit the old businesses versus the newer businesses using Option 1 & 3.
City Attorney Clarissa Rodriguez interjected the Board would be able to write the language for the program that meets the approval of the Board but it would have to meet the purpose of the statute. A review of the original Resolution, in which the VIP was created, would need to be reviewed to remain in line with the intent of the original guidelines of the program for “new and expanded businesses.”
Citizen Director Cynthia Audelo asked for instances where a new business that couldn't afford a sign would apply for a sign through the program; Mr. Hornes stated during the permitting process, the VIP program is introduced and offered. Many already have the sign cost included in the business plan. Staff has had a few business that took advantage of the program before opening.
Citizen Director Scott Feldmeier asked if the LOEDC had programs to assist the larger developments; Mr. Hornes stated through incentives and agreements, the City has assisted and incentivized with larger projects such as the Town Center. This functionality is in existence now.
Council Directors Cimics and Tullgren stated they are in favor of leaving the language as it reads currently.
Citizen Director Nguyen added that existing businesses during the pandemic will most likely not have additional funds and she’s in favor of leaving the language as it currently reads to allow for any business to participate in the program if they are eligible.
Mr. Wayman interjected the history of the program has remained solid and staff does not want to stand in the way of business success but will continue to monitor the program closely.
Mr. Hornes stated with the Board’s direction, the VIP information will remain the same and new booklets will printed for distribution.
Board President Mary Dennis closed this item by stating it was the consensus of the Board to leave the language as it currently reads carrying no action on this item.
- Option 1 – Tenants or property owner must be in business for 1 year prior to participating in the VIP Program
- Option 2 – If applicant has operated in Live Oka for 1 year or less; the grant awarded may not exceed $2,500
- Option 3 – If applicant has operated in Live Oak for 1 year or less; the initial grant awarded is $2,500 and after 1st year anniversary, a final payment of $2,500 may be paid to the applicant
- Option 4 – Leave the language as is
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