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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-225 Resolution No. 05-225 ' RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE REVISED CITY OF ELGIN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN,ILLINOIS,that it hereby adopts the revised City of Elgin Business Improvement Grant Program Guidelines, dated July 13, 2005, a copy of which is attached. s/Ed Schock Ed Schock, Mayor Presented: July 27, 2005 Adopted: July 27, 2005 Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 Attest: s/Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk CITY OF ELGIN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES I. INTRODUCTION II. TARGET AREA III. TYPE OF ASSISTANCE IV. OWNERSHIP V. ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS VI. INELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS VII. APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES VIII. CORRESPONDENCE IX. APPLICATION I. INTRODUCTION The City of Elgin has committed to assisting businesses and neighborhoods by assisting neighborhood business areas. In 1998, the City authorized the Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant Program(NBIGP), a partnership grant program for building and grounds improvements. The NBIGP offers reimbursement for eligible improvements to businesses enrolled in the program. Under the program, owners of property or owners of businesses located within the designated target areas are eligible to apply for grant funds equal to 50 percent of the cost of improving their storefronts, building facades or grounds. II. TARGET AREA Properties located in the followingtargeted areas will be eligible to g g apply for the Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant: a. Buildings or properties zoned NB (Neighborhood Business)NB business districts offer convenience commodities and services to a neighborhood. b. Buildings or properties zoned RB (Residence Business) RB business districts allow both residences and businesses built at a residential scale along arterial streets. c. Any building or property located within the Rt. 31,Rt. 25 or Villa Street Entryway Corridors. NOTE: The Elgin downtown area is not eligible for participation in the NBIGP. However, the City of Elgin offers several assistance programs specifically for Revised July 13, 2005 businesses located in the downtown. For more information, contact Ray Moller, Director of Economic Development&Business Services at(847) 931-6749. III.TYPE OF ASSISTANCE After approval in the program, property owners can receive matching funds equal to 50 percent of the project cost, up to a total City of Elgin contribution of$25,000 per location. IV. OWNERSHIP An eligible applicant may be the owner of a commercial building or the owner of a commercial business located in the target area. A business owner who is a tenant in a building for which NBIGP funds are sought must provide written consent from the building owner for all proposed improvements. The tenant-applicant must have at least a five-year lease at the location in order to apply under the program. V. ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS The NBIGP is intended to fund improvements ranging from signs compliance and landscape enhancements to complete facade restorations. Eligible improvements include: -Upgrading non-conforming signage to code compliance - Landscaping - Exterior lighting -Street furniture (must be approved and licensed by the City of Elgin) -Parking area improvements - Storefront facade enhancements -ADA Handicap accessibility- ramps, doors, etc. Architectural and other design work are eligible costs under the program. Architectural drawings are not required. Potential enhancements visible from a public right-of-way are eligible for funding in the NBIGP. All work funded under the NBIGP must conform to all applicable code and ordinances. VI.INELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS It is not the purpose of the program to finance ongoing improvements which could be considered part of a building's routine maintenance. Building additions shall not be funded. Each eligible improvement shall be funded by the program only once. The Revised July 13, 2005 program is not intended to assist in funding improvements not readily visible from the public right-of-way. Ineligible improvements include improvements to the building interior(remodeling floor, office, or display spaces) or exterior maintenance work such as roof repairs/replacements. VII. APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES 1. Applicants shall receive a copy of the program guidelines and application form. The completed application should be submitted to the Program Coordinator. 2. Applications will be reviewed by staff for compliance with all program guidelines. A site inspection will be completed by the City of Elgin's Code Administration staff for an inventory of any violations of the property maintenance,building, or zoning codes. Applicants do not have to be in complete code compliance at the time of application for the program but must be compliant on the building exterior before reimbursement can be made to the business. 3. If an application meets the program guidelines, and sufficient funding is available for the proposed project, the completed application and a recommendation for grant award will be made to the City Council. The City Council shall authorize execution of a grant agreement. An appeal of any application denial by staff may be made to the City Council. The applicant shall notify the Program Coordinator in writing (by return receipt mail) with a request to appeal within ten working days of receiving notice of the disapproved application. The City Council will hear the appeal and review the facts and may vote to uphold or reverse the staff decision. 4. No reimbursement shall be made for work initiated or completed prior to the execution of a grant agreement. 5. All required work shall be completed within one year of execution of the grant agreement. 6. Following the approval of a completed application, and after the applicant has received at least two cost estimates for each of the approved proposed work items, the applicant shall notify the Program Coordinator as to the contractor(s) selected, the contract amount(s), and the anticipated date of project completion. Copies of all bids and proposals shall be submitted promptly to the Program Coordinator. The program shall fund an amount based on the lowest reasonable bid for each work item. This determination does not affect the applicant's selection of contractor. The applicant may not serve as his/her own contractor. 7. When applicable,building permits shall be obtained by the applicant before the work begins. ALL PROJECTS MUST APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY, if none exists for current uses in the building. Questions regarding permit requirements should be directed to the City's Department of Code Administration at 847 931-5910. 8. All exterior work funded by the NBIGP for properties that are located within designated local historic districts or that are located in areas officially designated as Elgin landmarks, must comply with the requirements of the Elgin Design Guideline Manual for historic districts. Proposed work is subject to review and approval by the City of Elgin Revised July 13, 2005 Planning and Preservation Coordinator and/or the Elgin Heritage Commission. For more information, or to obtain a copy of the Historic District Design Guidelines, contact Sarosh Saher at 847-931-5943. 9. After the agreement has been executed and all necessary permits have been issued, work may proceed. All change orders must be approved by the program coordinator in writing. 10. After completion of the project, copies of all bids, contracts, invoices, lien waivers, and cancelled checks must be submitted to the Program Coordinator. City staff will inspect the work for compliance ancewi hCity codes andconformance wit h the designPlans approved for the project. Payment shall be made to the applicant within 30 days of final project closeout by the City. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE Questions and comments regarding this program may be directed to: Raymond H. Moller, Director Economic Development and Business Services City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120 (847)931-6749 Revised July 13,2005 CITY OF ELGIN NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM Application Form Applicant information Name: Home address: Phone: Fax: email 2. Business information (the building or establishment for which the grant is sought) Name: Address: Phone: Fax: email Applicant is: Owner Tenant If tenant, term of lease: Is this location a commercial building or a commercial business? Yes No Facade to be improved: Front Side Rear 3. Addresses of additional storefronts, if any: Total number of storefronts: Total number of stories: 4. Proposed use of program: Canopy/awning Signage Exterior lighting Windows/doors Restoration of architectural feature Painting/tuckpointing Landscaping Brick cleaning Exterior ADA accessibility Street furniture and fixtures Other(please specify 5. Statement of Understanding: A. The applicant(undersigned) agrees to comply with the guidelines and procedures of the Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant Program and the conceptual design and outline specifications as agreed to by the applicant and the application review team. B. The applicant understands that the applicant must submit detailed cost documentation, copies of building permits, bids, contracts and invoices and contractor's final waivers of lien upon completion of the approved improvements. Applicant's signature: Date: If the applicant is other than the owner,the following line must be completed: I certify that I, the owner of the property at Revised July 13, 2005 do authorize the applicant to apply for a rebate under the Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant Program and to undertake the approved improvements. Lease beginning date: Lease ending date: Owner's signature: Date: Return completed application form to: Raymond H. Moller,Director Economic Development and Business Services City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date application received: Zoning: Minimum of two cost estimates obtained for each work item: Yes No Ineligible improvements, if any: Grant Approved Date: Grant Denied Date: Total estimated project cost: $ Reason: Percent applied for grant : Total amount of grant: $ Program Coordinator: Raymond H. Moller Economic Development Director Revised July 13, 2005 „cm OP sto "C City of Elgin - Agenda Item No. E 11 July 8, 2005 '”' `" }_ Namp .�. , ECONOMIC GROWTH TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Olufemi Folarin, City Manager Ray Moller, Economic Develop ent Director Cherie Murphy, Economic Development Coordinator SUBJECT: Amendment to the City of Elgin Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and members of the City Council with information to consider adopting proposed revisions to the City of Elgin Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt an ordinance providing for the proposed amendments to the City of Elgin Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant for a cost of $50,000. BACKGROUND The current Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant guidelines were originally adopted in March of 1999, at which time they were written to reflect the Council's economic development principles, policies and goals. At that time, the targeted areas identified for this grant were buildings and properties zoned either Neighborhood Business (NB)or Residence Business (RB). Since that time, the focus of the City's economic development has been expanded to include efforts to encourage improvements along the city's entryway corridors. Attached is a proposed revision of the Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant guidelines,which would: 1. Change the name of the grant program to Business Improvement Grant 2. Amend the target areas to include all businesses within the city's corridors. 3. Amend the guidelines to give priority to Rt 31, Rt 25 and Villa Street from January 1- July 1, after which the grant would be available to businesses along any of the city's corridors. 4. Increase the maximum city contribution from $15,000 to $25,000 in order to encourage more extensive improvements to the participating properties. J • Amendment to the City of Elgin Economic Development Guidelines July 8, 2005 Page 2 COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED None 3,,,, FINANCIAL IMPACT There is$300,000 budgeted and $246,478 available in the Riverboat Lease Fund, account number 276-0000-791.80-27,project number 177108 for 2005 Economic Development Incentives. Of the remaining balance, $50,000 would be used to create a new project(177110), to establish funding for the Business Improvement Grant Program for the remainder of the 2005 budget year. Future funding for this grant program will be considered in the five year plan. EGALIMPACT I:\ VN" None ALTERNATIVES 1. Adoption of the revised guidelines. 2. Maintain the guidelines as currently written. Respectfully submitted for Council consideration. CLM Attachment CITY OF ELGIN NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES I. INTRODUCTION II. TARGET AREA III. TYPE OF ASSISTANCE IV. OWNERSHIP V. ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS VI. INELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS VII. APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES VIII. CORRESPONDENCE IX. APPLICATION I. INTRODUCTION The City of Elgin has committed to assisting businesses and neighborhoods by assisting neighborhood business areas. In 1998, the City authorized the Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant Program (NBIGP), a partnership grant program for building and grounds improvements. The NBIGP offers reimbursement for eligible improvements to businesses enrolled in the program. Under the program, owners of property or owners of businesses located within the designated target areas are eligible to apply for grant funds equal to 50 percent of the cost of improving their storefronts, building facades or grounds. II. TARGET AREA (Residence Business) to be eligible. Properties located in the following targeted areas will be eligible to apply for the Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant: a. Buildings or properties zoned NB (Neighborhood Business) NB business districts offer convenience commodities and services to a neighborhood. b. Buildings or properties zoned RB (Residence Business) RB business districts allow both residences and businesses built at a residential scale along arterial streets. c. Any building or property located on entryway corridors. 1. Priority will be given to property located on Rt 31, Rt 25 and Villa Street. program is not intended to assist in funding improvements not readily visible from the public right-of-way. Ineligible improvements include improvements to the building interior(remodeling floor, office,or display spaces) or exterior maintenance work such as roof repairs/replacements. VII. APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES 1. Applicants shall receive a copy of the program guidelines and application form. The completed application should be submitted to the Program Coordinator. 2. Applications will be reviewed by staff for compliance with all program guidelines. A site inspection will be completed by the City of Elgin's Code Administration staff for an inventory of any violations of the property maintenance,building, or zoning codes. Applicants do not have to be in complete code compliance at the time of application for the program but must be compliant on the building exterior before reimbursement can be made to the business. 3. If an application meets the program guidelines, and sufficient funding is available for the proposed project, the completed application and a recommendation for grant award will be made to the City Council. The City Council shall authorize execution of a grant agreement. An appeal of any application denial by staff may be made to the City Council. The applicant shall notify the Program Coordinator in writing(by return receipt mail) with a request to appeal within ten working days of receiving notice of the disapproved application. The City Council will hear the appeal and review the facts and may vote to uphold or reverse the staff decision. 4.No reimbursement shall be made for work initiated or completed prior to the execution of a grant agreement. 5.All required work shall be completed within one year of execution of the grant agreement. 6. Following the approval of a completed application, and after the applicant has received at least two cost estimates for each of the approved proposed work items,the applicant shall notify the Program Coordinator as to the contractor(s) selected,the contract amount(s), and the anticipated date of project completion. Copies of all bids and proposals shall be submitted promptly to the Program Coordinator. The program shall fund an amount based on the lowest reasonable bid for each work item. This determination does not affect the applicant's selection of contractor. The applicant may not serve as his/her own contractor. 7. When applicable,building permits shall be obtained by the applicant before the work begins. ALL PROJECTS MUST APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY, if none exists for current uses in the building. Questions regarding permit requirements should be directed to the City's Department of Code Administration at 847 931-5910. 8. All exterior work funded by the NBIGP for properties that are located within designated local historic districts or that are located in areas officially designated as Elgin landmarks, must comply with the requirements of the Elgin Design Guideline Manual for historic districts. Proposed work is subject to review and approval by the City of Elgin Planning and Preservation Coordinator and/or the Elgin Heritage Commission. For more information, or to obtain a copy of the Historic District Design Guidelines, contact RuthAnne Hall at 847 931 6104 Sarosh Saher at 847-931-5943. 9. After the agreement has been executed and all necessary permits have been issued, work may proceed. All change orders must be approved by the program coordinator in writing. 10. After completion of the project, copies of all bids, contracts, invoices,lien waivers, and cancelled checks must be submitted to the Program Coordinator. City staff will inspect the work for compliance with City codes and conformance with the design plans approved for the project. Payment shall be made to the applicant within 30 days of final project closeout by the City. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE Questions and comments regarding this program may be directed to: Raymond H. Moller, Director Economic Development and Business Services City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120 (847) 931-6794 Ix. CITY OF ELGIN NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM Application Form Applicant information Name: Home address: Phone: Fax: 2. Business information (the building or establishment for which the grant is sought) Name: Address: Phone: Fax: Applicant is: Owner Tenant If tenant, term of lease: Is this location a commercial building or a commercial business? Yes No Facade to be improved: Front Side Rear 3. Addresses of additional storefronts, if any: Total number of storefronts: Total number of stories: / ' 4. Proposed use of program: Canopy/awning Signage Windows/doors Exterior lighting Painting/tuckpointing Restoration of architectural feature Brick cleaning Landscaping Exterior ADA accessibility Street furniture and fixtures Other(please specify 5. Statement of Understanding: A. The applicant (undersigned)agrees to comply with the guidelines and procedures of the Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant Program and the conceptual design and outline specifications as agreed to by the applicant and the application review team. B. The applicant understands that the applicant must submit detailed cost documentation, copies of building permits,bids, contracts and invoices and contractor's final waivers of lien upon completion of the approved improvements. Applicant's signature: Date: If the applicant is other than the owner,the following line must be completed: I certify that I, the owner of the property at do authorize the applicant to apply for a rebate under the Neighborhood Business Improvement Grant Program and to undertake the approved improvements. Lease beginning date: Lease ending date: Owner's signature: Date: Return completed application form to: Raymond H. Moller,Director Economic Development and Business Services City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date application received:_ Zoning: Minimum of two cost estimates obtained for each work item: Yes No Ineligible improvements, if any: Grant Approved Date: Grant Denied Date: Total estimated project cost: $ Reason: Percent applied for grant : Total amount of grant: $ Program Coordinator: 1 Raymond H. Moller