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Home My WebLink About[06b] Business Facade Architectural Grant Program Modification~h~.~~-' °lCITY OF ST. JOSEPH W~~~w ciryo~~st~osrph.com Administrator Judy Weyrens Mayor Al Rassirr Date: March 18, 2009 Councilors Memo To: EDA Members Steve Frank City Administrator Weyrens Bob Loso Renee Symanietz Memo From: Cynthia Smith-Strack, MDG, Inc. Dale Wick RE: BFA Grant Program Modification Background: As you are aware, the EDA has established a Business Facade Architecture Grant Program (BFA Grant). At this time the BFA only reimburses program participants for 50% of actual architectural/design costs up to a maximum of $1,000. In 2008 we had five project participants. Following is a list of accepted grant projects and current status: 1. Daisy a Day Floral. Approved did not request reimbursement. 2. Gohman Construction. Approved, reimbursement granted. 3. Bo Diddleys. Approved, paid expenses for line drawings from Matthew Hall Lumber. 4. Kurt Schneider - Curtcrete. Approved, has not moved forward. Is still interested, especially if grant is modified. 5. Randy Schmitz, Scenic Specialties. Approved, has not moved forward. Very interested, especially if grant is modified. One of our 2009 EDA goals was to examine potential for modification of BFA program guidelines so as to accommodate actual design expenses plus facade updates at a match of 50% but not to exceed $1,000. Randy Schmitz has requested an update on the status of the BFA guidelines. As indicated at the February EDA meeting, the City Council is anticipating a freeze on new capital improvement project spending due to reductions in local government aid. Attached please find the current program guidelines with potential modification highlighted in yellow and bold text face. Request: Direction on potential project guideline modification is kindly requested. 31 ST. JOSEPH BUSINESS DISTRICT FACADE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GRANT PROGRAM PURPOSE The St. Joseph Business District Facade Architectural Design Grant Program provides incentives to stimulate visible reinvestment in St. Joseph businesses. Property owners are encouraged to consider improvements that incorporate the surrounding community including but not limited to aesthetics, environment, cultural & historic elements and architecture. These improvements should create a cohesive, inviting environment. The program provides a matching grant for actual design and construction costs, up to $1,000 per property address. Qualifying projects must be designed by a professional, be applied for by commercial property owners and/or merchants, and be applicable to exterior building and landscape improvements. Approved projects will be funded on afirst-come/first-served basis until all funds are expended. In addition, the opportunity exists that the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority's revolving loan program could be available to assist with construction costs associated with the implementation of facade designs. ELIGIBILITY 1. All work must be done on the exterior of the building/property and result in a publicly visible improvement. 2. All work done must be in accordance with the City of St. Joseph Code of Ordinances, the Downtown Revitalization Plan and subsequent design guidelines, and the building code. All required permits must be obtained. Work shall include the correction of any known exterior building code violations. 3. Work in progress or performed prior to project approval will not be eligible for funding. 4. Funds may be used for the design of exterior building improvements, awnings, windows, doors and/or site landscaping resulting in a publicly visible improvement and for actual construction costs related to a professionally designed improvement. Other uses may also be eligible if prior approval is granted by the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority. 5. Signs are eligible for this program but must be in connection with a facade improvement project. 6. The following types of property are not eligible: • Tax delinquent • Special Assessment delinquent • Property in litigation • Property in condemnation or receivership Tax exempt properties • Exclusively residential buildings • Properties zoned industrial • New construction projects (redevelopment and/or rehabilitation projects remain eligible) • Property considered non-conforming to the City's Code of Ordinances, unless the proposed improvements are intended to correct all the non-conforming issues. 32 PROJECT APPROVAL GUIDELINES Program oversight and authority for grant approval is delegated to the City of St. Joseph Economic Development Authority. The Economic Development Authority will review and approve all grants based on the following guidelines: 1. A project for which an application has been received will only be reviewed if it is filled out completely and accompanied by photographs illustrating subject building(s) and property. 2. Multiple property owners must submit separate applications for each property/project. 3. Any business owner under a lease who submits and application must obtain and provide written consent of the property owner. 4. Preference will be given to projects which: • Will positively contribute to the City revitalization/renewal efforts • Will eliminate a blighting influence • Will result in a visible improvement that would not be made otherwise • Demonstrate a ratio of private investment to public investment greater than 2:1 5. Project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, transportation plans and other applicable plans. 6. Projects must be completed within a timely manner from date of official project approval (i.e. one year with a maximum extension of an additional six months). As indicated, dollars are limited and reimbursement will be made after project improvements are completed, and reimbursement requested. PROPERTY OWNER REQUIREMENTS Upon the application submittal for a project, the Applicant will play an important role in a partnership that includes the City of St. Joseph and the Economic Development Authority. The following may be required to review plans depending on the scope of the project: City staff, the Planning Commission, the EDA and the City Council. Those required to review the plans and/or grant application will review design drawings, proposed work specifications, and the architectural materials. Below are items that will be required of as part of completing your project. 1. Attendance at an informational meeting which will outline the entire project procedure. 2. Property owners' attendance at various meetings, reviews etc. with representatives of either the City or EDA to expedite various stages of the project. 3. The property owner must sign an architect/owner agreement prior to commencing construction to ensure their improvements are in accordance with the design approved by the City/EDA. 4. All work to be done on the project shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner. The City of St. Joseph/EDA administers the grant program herein and the City/EDA is not responsible for any work undertaken as a result of the design grant. The owner hereby holds the City and EDA harmless for any and all liability commencing out of any work constructed and paid for the design grant herein. 33 APPLICATION FOR ST. JOSEPH BUSINESS DISTRICT FACADE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GRANT PROGRAM ** Please read attached program criteria carefully before completing the application ** ** Please remember to include photos of your building(s) and/or property as they relate to the types of improvements indicated on this application. ** Business Name: Property Address: Business Owner(s): Property Owner(s): Mailing Address: Phone Number: Fax Number: E-Mail Address: 1. On the attached page, please identify the specific improvements you are proposing for the building(s) and/or property. 2. Based on the proposed improvements identified, please provide your best estimate of the entire project cost: $ 3. If the project cost comes in at, or exceeds your estimate, do you have private funds readily available to complete the proposed the project? Yes No If No, by what means will you secure funding and still complete the project within a timely manner 4. If your project is approved, does completing the project timely pose any concerns for you? Yes No If yes, Please list those concerns: 34 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Please provide an accurate and thorough summary of your project. The photographs taken of your building(s) and property will assist in a visual manner to further support your written project description. Based on the description of your project and your motivation for wanting to make these improvements, please place a check mark next to those project preference item you feel your project meets. Will positively contribute to the City's revitalization/renewal efforts. Will eliminate a blighting influence. Will result in a visible improvement that would not be made otherwise. Result in a ratio of private investment to public investment greater than 2:1. The information on this application is accurate. I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the program criteria for the St. Joseph Business Facade Architectural Design Grant Program. Authorized Agent: Title: Mail or Deliver to: St. Joseph Facade Architectural Design Grant Program, City of St. Joseph Economic Development Authority 25 College Avenue North, P.O. Box 668 St. Joseph MN 56374 Date: 35