Agenda

Return

12.

City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

12/19/2023

BACKGROUND

The owner of the property at 409 Main, currently Bar 1899, is requesting a Main Street Local Flavor Grant for $12,969.47 for sewer replacement work. The owner has applied for 3 grants over the past three years, for which the owner has received $19,150.00 in matching grant funds. A prior tenant received $6,500.00 in grants and the current tenant has a grant approved for up to $5,000.00. Properties are eligible to receive up to $40,000.00 over a five-year period. The estimated cost of the sewer work is nearly $40,000. The City will match up to 50% capped at the $12,969.47.

GOAL

Promote and enhance commercial activity along Main Street to promote the economic, cultural and general welfare of the public. The area around Main Street in Schertz once served as the commercial and social hub of the community. The City seeks to improve the image of the area around Main Street through matching grants that promote local economic development and stimulate business and commercial activities.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Encourage the attraction of small businesses that will create local charm and help develop a sense of place around Main Street. Promote commercial development. Stabilize and improve property values. Foster civic pride. Strengthen the economy of the City by protecting and enhancing the attractiveness of the Main Street area to residents and visitors, as well as provide support of local businesses.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Staff recommends approval of Resolution 23-R-138, approving a Schertz Main Street Local Flavor Economic Development Grant for up to $12,969.47 for 409 Main Street.

FISCAL IMPACT

The maximum fiscal impact of approving of this grant is $12,969.47. The City budgets $50,000.00 annually for the Main Street Grant Local Flavor Economic Development program. The City has paid $5,500.00 in Schertz Main Street Local Flavor Economic Development grants this year (and $9,000.00 in historic grants that come from a separate source of funds). The current outstanding liabilities for the Schertz Main Street Local Flavor Economic Development Grant programs total $39,283.38. Approval of this grant would bring the total outstanding liabilities to $52,252.85. While this is above the $44,500.00 of funding left, the City has traditionally either tapped into Contingency Funds or submitted a budget adjustment to Council for approval. One aspect of this program is that the property owner has a year to complete the work (or seek re-approval), so grants can extend past a fiscal year.

RECOMMENDATION

Approval of Resolution 23-R-138.

Attachments
Res 23 R 138 w attachment