• Historic Preservation Grant since 2016 (5 awarded)
• Local Flavor Street Grant since 2019 (20 awarded)
• Annual amounts
•2016 1 $20,000
•2017 2 $17,250
•2018 1 $20,000
•2019 4 $72,000
•2020 15 $130,000
•2021 2 $31,000
• Only a few properties have seen a significant increase in valuation

•1:1 match

• Historic Grants for residential structures limited to roofs, foundations and walls. Commercial for most major repairs.
• Local Flavor
•Signage
•Façade
•Site
•Capital Equipment
•Systems

• Current Local Flavor caps payments at $20,000 per year (calendar)

• Proposed Changes – Local Flavor
• Existing Structure – Capped at $40,000 max over 5 years – this allows complete renovations at one time
• New Structures – up to $50,000 max at one time over 5 years. Is a 1:4 match – (we award up to $50,000 if $200,000 is spent by owner – so total of improvements is $250,000).
• Owners of existing structures often spend money on improvements – remodels not eligible.

• Current Local Flavor caps payments at $20,000 per year (calendar)

• Local Flavor Street Grant since 2019 (20 awarded)
• Annual amounts
•2016 1 $20,000
•2017 2 $17,250
•2018 1 $20,000
•2019 4 $72,000
•2020 15 $130,000
•2021 2 $31,000
• Only a few properties have seen a significant increase in valuation

Members and guests addressed questions regarding the following:

Brian James noted that the application process was intentionally kept simple in order to make it easier for property owners to apply. Recently, at the request of Council, staff is requesting more information – elevations and plans for the aspect of the grant work that is visible from outside of the property. For some items, electrical, plumbing and HVAC it's hard to get documents that help a person to envision what the work will look like.

Based on feedback from folks who have applied for grants, a few changes are proposed. One would be to cap the grants at $40,000 over a 5-year period. This will allow folks who are making major renovations and are not limited by the desire to not improve the building by more than 50% over the current value, to do all the improvements at once – and not stagger it over 2 calendar years.

The other to encourage new structures is up to $50,000 for new structures (and not other improvements – signage, site work, equipment) but it requires a 4 to one match (not a 1:1). This is a one-time grant for that property.

There was discussion about the cost of renovating buildings and work that is necessary but not eligible for the grant – such as interior finish out work.

Discussion occurred from the residents attending and Council. It was noted the focus of this program is Main Street until we get it done. There have been discussions about expanding the program or creating another one. It was noted that funding for the program comes from the general fund, some of which is budgeted but additional funds are pulled from contingency as needed. Some comments were made about limiting the grant to just Main Street and maybe FM 78 due to some of the unique challenges. There was discussion regarding concerns of folks coming in, applying the grant and the flipping of the property. After discussion the majority was OK with this as it achieved the goal of improving properties. It as noted that if this becomes a problem, consider requiring a hold period and restructure the grant. Comments were made about discussing other grant opportunities, beyond Main Street, at a future retreat. The direction was to bring the two grant changes to City Council listed below:

Cap the grants at $40,000 over a 5-year period but increase the annual maximum to $40,000. Allow up to $50,000 for new structures (and not other improvements – signage, site work, equipment) but it requires a 4 to one match (not a 1:1). This is a one-time grant for that property.

• Schertz Parkway to Pfeil - $250,000
• Pfeil to Lindbergh - $633,000
• Requires additional lines on Exchange (some trees may be removed)

• Do we want to find the money (EDC or City) to do this with the Main Street improvements?

Members and guests addressed the following:

It was noted that undergrounding has always been desirable, but bond funds would not be enough. So, the idea is to do the work with the Main Street project and try to get reasonable rate for relocations. The suggestion was to come back to City Council once we have the design and cost estimates and seek more funding. Its important to explain why we would do it that way.

• Once scope approved focus on sculptures – but won’t place til survey work done
• Will get inspections to assist on parking sign repair/move and fences on parking
• Ongoing property owner discussions parking and public area

Members and guests addressed questions regarding:

Shirt’s project was the priority to go first. The shirts would be Citywide but have some of the more creative ones on Main Street. These are not intended to be permanent or to set a tone for Main Street – really just a shorter-term effort to attract attention to Main Street. Concerns noted not turn Main Street into a circus and keep the emphasis on history. It was noted that we needed the appropriate vetting of the designs, perhaps a judging like the fire poster contest with Parks Board, SHPC, and Main Street. Once the surveying it done then do the bronze sculptures so we know those won’t be disrupted by the work.

Next meeting Date - Next meeting moved to September 1, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.