SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the amendments to the Downtown Clearwater Commercial Grant.
Body
SUMMARY:
The Downtown Clearwater Commercial Grant Program has been updated to improve clarity, consistency, and transparency. Changes or amendments to any policy or program are not official without trustee approval.
Recommended changes:
• Table of Contents - Section 2 (pp. 1-3): Corrected typographical errors, removed duplications, standardized terminology, and clarified numbering.
• Section 3 - Available Assistance (pp. 3-4): Clarified CRA Director authority, grant thresholds, and applicant match percentages to ensure consistency and transparency.
• Section 4 - Eligible Property and Applicant (pp. 4-6): Defined eligible applicants, clarified independent ownership/operation requirements, excluded ineligible properties and mobile vendors, and clarified cumulative grant caps over 12 months.
• Section 5 - Eligible Improvements (pp. 6-7): Clarified eligible restaurant fixtures and equipment (cap $7,500), removed entertainment and outdoor café furniture, and added retroactive reimbursement for approved improvements completed within 8 months prior to application submittal.
• Section 6 - Requirements, Reviews, & Approval Process (pp. 7-9): Removed redundancy and corrected numbering/format errors.
• Section 7 - Disbursement Policy and Procedure (pp. 9-10): Clarified documentation required for disbursement, including proof of payment, contractor information, photographs, permits, inspections, and Certificate of Occupancy/Completion. Work performed without required permits is ineligible.
• Section 11 - Application (pp. 11-13): Added Local Historic Landmark, updated Project Budget (Attachment A) including verified owner equity, and deleted Notary section.
These recommendations enhance clarity and readability, reduce applicant confusion, ensure the effective targeting of grant funds, increase transparency, and safeguard CRA resources.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for the program are available in R2003- Economic Development-City
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sectors.
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job growth.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.
