HomeMy WebLinkAbout[07c] BFA Policy and Application • CITY OF ST. J OSEPH
www.cityofstjoseph.com
DATE: July 19, 2012
MEMO TO: Economic Development Authority
Administrator
Judy Weyrens FROM: Joanne Foust & Cynthia Smith - Strack, Municipal Development Group
Mayor RE: BFA Grant Policies and Procedures
Richard Schultz
Councilors Background:
Steve Frank At the June meeting, the EDA reviewed the BFA Grant Policies and Procedures and identified
Bob Loso the need to address:
Renee Symanietz 1. Work completed prior to a grant application
Dale Wick 2. Addressing the need to complete facade improvements beyond stand alone signs.
3. Identifying timelines for eligible work
EDA 4. Limiting dollar amounts
Larry Hosch 5. Reviewing landscaping eligible expenses
Chad Davey
Steve Frank Enclosed are the current policies and the application. The following text has been added in
Tom Skahen BOLD for the EDA's consideration:
Dale Wick
Page 1: Eligibility #4. Funds may be used for the design of exterior building improvements,
awnings, windows, doors and /or site landscaping, other than sod or seed, resulting....
Page 1: Eligibility #5. A notation has been added that "Signs are not eligible as "stand-
alone" projects."
Page 1: Eligibility #6: At the meeting it was discussed that new construction may be beneficial.
Therefore; the following clause has been added to #6 which lists projects that are NOT eligible,
"New construction projects on lots previously undeveloped unless it results in a project
beyond typical construction and is found to have a significant impact on the character of
the downtown."
Page 2. Project Approval Guidelines. The addition of #7 addresses the need to complete the
work prior to release of the funds as follows "Grant Disbursement - Awarded loan funds will
be dispersed to the applicant upon submittal of receipts or invoices for supplies
purchased and inspection which certifies the work completed is in accordance with the
EDA approval and other city ordinances."
In addition, the following has been added to the application form, for discussion by the EDA:
Building Permits & Inspections
Applicant is responsible for obtaining appropriate building permits, per the Building
Code and /or City of St. Joseph Zoning Ordinance. In the case of improvements that do
not require a city- issued building permit, the applicant must submit the name and state
license number of the contractor completing the work and agree to an inspection of the
work by a city building official.
•
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
www.cityoistioseph.com
Grant Disbursement
Awarded loan funds will be dispersed to the applicant upon submittal of receipts or
invoices for supplies purchased and inspection which certifies the work completed is in
accordance with the EDA approval and other city ordinances.
Certification
City staff or an authorized representative shall have the right to inspect the property to
be improved at any time from the date of application upon giving due notice to the owner
and to occupants.
I/We understand that any intentional misstatements will be grounds for disqualification.
I/We authorize program representatives the right to access the property to be improved
for the purpose of the grant program and to take photographs of the structure before and
after rehabilitation.
I/We further understand that I /we will make the final selection of the improvements to be
made with the loan funds and that the contract for improvements will be solely between
myself and the contractor(s). The administering agency will not be liable for the
inadequate performance of the contractor(s).
Action:
EDA input and action on the revised Guidelines and Application is requested.
ST. JOSEPH BUSINESS DISTRICT
FAfADE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GRANT PROGRAM
PURPOSE
The St. Joseph Business District Facade Architectural Design Grant Program provides incentives
to stimulate visible investment in St. Joseph businesses. Property owners are encouraged to
consider improvements that incorporate the surrounding community including but not limited to
aesthetics, environment, cultural and 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, per calendar year. Qualifying
projects must be of an approved design, be applied for by commercial property owners and /or
merchants, and be applicable to exterior building, landscape improvements, and other similar
improvements visible from a public right -of -way. Approved projects will be funded on a first -
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 /or 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 typically not be eligible for funding
unless the EDA finds significant underlying purposes for work beginning prior to project
approval.
4. Funds may be used for the design of exterior building improvements, awnings, windows,
doors and /or site landscaping, other than sod or seed,; resulting in a publicly visible
improvement and for actual construction costs related to an approved 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. Sign are not eligible as a `stand - alone " 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 on lots previously undeveloped (redevelopment and /or
rehabilitation projects remain eligible) unless it results in, a project beyond typical
construction and is consistent with Design Standards and is found to have a
significant impact on the character of the downtown.
• Property considered non - conforming to the City's Code of Ordinances, unless the
proposed improvements are intended to correct all the non - conforming issues.
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. Photographs illustrating subject building(s) and property and proposed site
changes /improvements may be required by the EDA.
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.
7. Grant Disbursement
Awarded loan funds will be dispersed to the applicant upon submittal of receipts or
invoices for supplies purchased and inspection which certifies the work completed is
in accordance with the EDA approval and other city ordinances:
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. 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 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.
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:
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.
Building Permits & Inspections
Applicant is responsible for obtaining appropriate building permits, per the Building Code
and /or City of St. Joseph Zoning Ordinance. In the case of improvements that do not
require a city - issued building permit, the applicant must submit the name and state license
number of the contractor completing the work and agree to an inspection of the work by a
city building official.
Grant Disbursement
Awarded loan funds will be dispersed to the applicant upon submittal of receipts or
invoices for supplies purchased and inspection which certifies the work completed is in
accordance with the EDA approval and other city ordinances.
Certification
City staff or an authorized representative shall have the right to inspect the property to be
improved at any time from the date of application upon giving due notice to the owner and
to occupants.
I/We understand that any intentional misstatements will be grounds for disqualification,
i/We authorize program representatives the right to access the property to be improved for
the purpose of the grant program and to take photographs of the structure before and
rehabilitation.
I/We further understand that Ilwe will make the final selection of the improvements to be
made with the loan funds and that the contract for improvements will be solely between
myself and the contractor(s). The administering agency will not be liable for the
inadequate performance of the contractor(s).
The information on this application is accurate. I have read, understand, and agree to comply with
the program criteria for the St. Joseph Business Fagade Architectural Design Grant Program.
Authorized Agent: Date:
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