[2024-10 Amend 2022-68 Fix our Storefronts Amended.pdf]
CITY OF NORTH OLMSTED
ORDINANCE NO. 2024 - 10
BY: Mayor Jones
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2022-68 IN ORDER TO
MODIFY THE “FIX OUR FRONTS” STOREFRONT RENOVATION
GRANT PROGRAM BY CREATING A NEW CATEGORY OF
PERMISSIBLE GRANTS AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO ISSUE GRANTS TO APPROVED GRANTEES, AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, AS AMENDED.
WHEREAS, this Council joined with the Administration to utilize a portion of
American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funding to create the “Fix our Fronts” in order to
provide grant funding for commercial storefront improvements in the City of North
Olmsted (Ord. 2022-68); and
WHEREAS, the Council accepted the Administration’s description of the “Fix
our Fronts” program as an important initiative aimed at improving public health, safety
and welfare and, further, that rests upon five (5) vital principles:
1. Investing in Public Safety;
2. Catalyze Economic Development;
3. Reinvest in our Neighborhoods;
4. Preserving Community Assets;
5. Improving City Services; and
WHEREAS, the Administration now proposes to amend the “Fix our Fronts”
program to add a new category of applicant funding by permitting potential grant funding
of up to $50,000.00 for the renovation of retail storefronts and signage investment when
the proposed project is a minimum investment of $4,000,000.00; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of this Council to support and adopt the amendment
of “Fix our Fronts” initiative to fix storefronts in order to provide incentives to substantial
investment in such improvements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORTH OLMSTED, COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA, AND STATE OF OHIO:
SECTION 1: That Ord. 2022-68 be and the same is hereby amended at Exhibit
B, Storefront Renovation and Signage Application, with such amendment at Page 3,
“Requirements” specifically reading as follows: “Catalytic Project exemption: projects
with a minimum investment of $4,000,000.00 are eligible for $50,000 grant.” See
amended and restated Exhibit B, attached hereto.
2
SECTION 2: That all other provisions of Ord. 2022-68 not otherwise amended
herein shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 3: Subject to Program Eligibility and Requirements, grant requests at
or below $5,000.00 still may be approved administratively by the Program Administrator.
Grant requests above $5,000.00, including the newly-created exemption identified herein,
still shall be reviewed and presented to the Board of Control for consideration of funding
and approval.
SECTION 4: That this Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency
measure immediately necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety and
welfare, and further for the reason that it is necessary that this Resolution go into effect
immediately to begin implementation of this important community improvement
program; and further provided it receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all
members of Council, it shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its passage and
approval by the Mayor.
PASSED: ________________________
First Reading: _______________
Second Reading: _______________
Third Reading: _______________
Committee: __________________
ATTEST:
_____________________________
__________________________
BEATRICE TAYLOR
LOUIS J. BROSSARD
Clerk of Council
President of Council
APPROVED: _____________________
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
_______________________________
/s/ Michael R. Gareau, Jr._________
MAYOR NICOLE DAILEY JONES
MICHAEL R. GAREAU, JR.
Director of Law
---
[2024-10 Amend 2022-68 Fix our Storefronts Exhibit B Amended.pdf]
North Olmsted
Economic and Community
Development
Storefront Renovation and
Signage Application
City of North Olmsted
Program Year 2022
Amended
EXHIBIT B
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
2
Introduction
On March 11th, 2021 President Joseph R. Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
into law providing an unprecedented $1.9 trillion dollars of economic stimulus to the American
Economy. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a part of the
American Rescue Plan, delivers $350 billion to state, local, and Tribal governments across the
country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The program ensures that governments have the resources needed to:
1. Fight the pandemic and support families and businesses struggling with its public health
and economic impacts;
2. Maintain vital public services, even amid declines in revenue;
3. Build a strong, resilient, and equitable recovery by making investments that support
long-term growth and opportunity.
In May 2021, Treasury published the Interim final rule (IFR) describing eligible and ineligible
uses of funds (as well as other program provisions), sought feedback from the public on these
program rules, and began to distribute funds. The IFR went immediately into effect in May, and
since then, governments have used SLFRF funds to meet their immediate pandemic response
needs and begin building a strong and equitable recovery, such as through providing vaccine
incentives, development of affordable housing, and construction of infrastructure to deliver safe
and reliable water.
The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program provides substantial
flexibility for each jurisdiction to meet local needs within the four separate eligible use
categories. The Final Rule addresses the four eligible use categories ordered from the broadest
and most flexible to the most specific.
1. Replace lost public sector revenue
2. Support the COVID-19 public health and economic response
3. Provide premium pay for eligible workers performing essential work
4. Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure
Local Response
On April 19th, 2022 the North Olmsted City Council passed Resolution 2022-39 which created
and appropriated $250,000 to the Storefront Renovation Grant Program.
The City of North Olmsted’s Storefront Renovation program, funded by the American Rescue
Plan Act (ARPA), is intended to spur and support the recovery of the retail sector which has
been disproportionately impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Financial assistance is available for new or expanding businesses and/or property owners that
will positively affect the economic and employment climates in the City and the broader
Northeast Ohio Region.
The City strongly believes that investments in economic development activities are vital to
recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Increased economic
development will also stimulate investments in underutilized or vacant buildings and sites which
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
3
will strengthen the real estate market, increase property values and create a more robust retail
shopping district.
City of North Olmsted ARPA Economic Development Programs
The Fix our Fronts Comprehensive Building Façade Grant program
The Intent of the program is to aid commercial/retail districts in becoming more attractive,
economically viable, and diverse places to visit and shop by assisting in the design and funding
of substantial rehabilitation of building facades and storefronts.
Eligible Uses:
Comprehensive physical enhancements to primary building façade; non-primary facades
will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Requirements:
City assistance for Comprehensive Building façade enhancements is capped at $20,000
or 75% of the total project costs. Whichever is less.
City assistance for non-comprehensive façade enhancements is limited to $5,000 or
75% of the project costs whichever is less.
Applicants are required to seek approval of enhancements by other administrative
bodies, including but not limited to, the Landmarks Commission and/or the Planning and
Design Commission. Applications will not be review until approvals are obtained for all
relevant Commissions.
The City will require architectural design renderings from a registered and/or from
another duly recognized design professionals prior to award of funding.
Contractors utilized must be registered with the City of North Olmsted and permits, if
applicable, must be obtained for any and all work performed as part of the grant award.
Catalytic Project exemption: projects with a minimum investment of $4,000,000 are
eligible for $50,000 grant
o Projects applying under the “Catalytic project exemption” must create 20 Full
time equivalent jobs in addition to the minimum investment threshold of
$4,000,000
Preferences:
Projects that involve the redevelopment of vacant, foreclose or underutilized sites
and buildings especially projects that focus on creating read-to-lease commercial
space
Minority, Female and veteran owned business enterprises
Businesses and/or projects that promote the goals and objectives of the 2015 Go
North Olmsted Master Plan
Commercial/ retail and service businesses preferred
Type of Funding: All projects funded under the Building Façade program will receive funds in
the form of a grant.
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
4
Term of Grant: Funding will be disbursed directly to the applicant upon completion of the
project and proof of payment to all vendors and/or contractors.
Amount of The Grant: Grant Requests or funding recommendations at or below $5,000 can be
approved administratively by the Program Administrator. Grants in excess of $5,000 will be
reviewed and presented to the City of North Olmsted’s Board of Control for consideration of
funding.
The Fix our Fronts Signage Improvement Grant Program
The intent of this program is to aid commercial/retail districts in become more attractive,
economically viable and diverse places to visit and ship by assisting in the design and funding of
signage.
ELIGIBLE USES: Installation of new or upgraded facade signage. Monument signs will be
considered on a case-by-case basis but are not preferred.
REQUIREDMENTS:
City assistance for façade enhancements cannot be in excess of 75% of the total project
costs. Maximum award of $5,000.
Applicants are required to seek approval of enhancements by other administrative
bodies, including but not limited to, the Landmarks Commission and/or the Planning and
Design Commission. Applications will not be review until all approvals are obtained.
The City will require architectural design renderings and/or from another duly recognized
design professional prior to award of funding.
Contractors utilized must be registered with the City of North Olmsted and permits, if
applicable, must be obtained for any and all work performed as part of the grant award.
PREFERENCES:
Projects that involve the redevelopment of vacant, foreclose or underutilized sites
and buildings especially projects that focus on creating read-to-lease commercial
space
Minority, Female and veteran owned business enterprises
Businesses and/or projects that promote the goals and objectives of the 2015 Go
North Olmsted Master Plan
Commercial/ retail and service businesses preferred
Type of Funding: All projects funded under the Building Façade program will receive funds in
the form of a grant.
Maximum Grant funding: Fix our Fronts Signage is capped at $5,000 or 75% of the project
costs whichever is less.
Disbursement: Grant funds will be disbursed upon project completion and proof of payment to
the vendor and/or contractor.
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
5
APPLICATION TO FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE
Applicant/ Borrower Company:
____________________________________________________________________________
(Applicant Name)
____________________________________________________________________________
(Title)
____________________________________________________________________________
(Company Name- if different than Applicant Name)
____________________________________________________________________________
(Street Address)
____________________________________________________________________________
(Suite, apt, ect.)
____________________________________________________________________________
(City, State, Zip)
______________________________
___________________________________
(Phone Number)
(Email address)
______________________________
___________________________________
(Federal Tax ID or last 4 of SSN)
(Fax Number)
Existing Business Information
Type of Business: Commercial ____
Retail____
Service____
Other (Please Describe) _________________________________________
Legal Structure: _______________________________________________________________
Primary Product or Service:______________________________________________________
Date Established: ________________________
NAICS-SIC Code: ____________
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
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Website (if applicable) __________________________________________________________
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
Principal Officers / Owners (Please list anyone with more than a 20% ownership stake):
Name/ Title: __________________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Phone: _________________
SSN (Last-4): _____________________________________
% Ownership: ___________
Name/ Title: __________________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Phone: _________________
SSN (Last-4): _____________________________________
% Ownership: ___________
Name/ Title: __________________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Phone: _________________
SSN (Last-4): _____________________________________
% Ownership: ___________
Name/ Title: __________________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Phone: _________________
SSN (Last-4): _____________________________________
% Ownership: ___________
Name/ Title: __________________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Phone: _________________
SSN (Last-4): _____________________________________
% Ownership: ___________
Location of Proposed Project
____________________________________________________________________________
(Address)
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
7
____________________________________________________________________________
(City, State, Zip)
____________________________________________________________________________
(County)
If a relocation, indicate from where: ________________________________________________
Applicant / Business Background
Please provide a brief summary about your background and experience. Please also provide
historical information regarding the building or property at which the business will operation,
including but not limited to the most recent building you use (attach additional page if
necessary).
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Project Description:
Please provide a brief description of the project undertaken for which the city assistance is
being sought (attach additional page if necessary).
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
8
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Business/ Personal References:
Name/ Title: __________________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Phone: _________________
Relationship: ______________________________________
Name/ Title: __________________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Phone: _________________
Relationship: ______________________________________
Name/ Title: __________________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Phone: _________________
Relationship: ______________________________________
Project Source and Use of Funds:
Break out total project costs by use of funds and allocated each used by cost source (attach
additional page if necessary) (total of B+C+D should = A
A. Total Project Costs
$_______________
I.
Soft Costs (Design, Architecture, Engineering $______
II.
Construction Costs
$______
B. Owner equity $__________
C. Private Lending (If Any) $_______
D. Request for City Assistance (Dollars and type): $________
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
9
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
Project Timeline:
Please outline the project timeline. Please include expected completion dates for items including
but not limited to obtaining site control (or lease execution), obtaining financing and
construction.
Estimated Start
Date
Estimated Completion
Date
N/A
Site Control
Financing
Construction
Other
Estimated Project Impact and Employment (N?A for Signage):
Project Concept (N/A for signage):
Use the space below to address the following:
Current
Year
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Annual Sales Revenue
Annual Payroll
Current Employment
Average Pay Per
Employee
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
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How does the proposed project relate to a strategic approach to revitalization of the
surrounding area?
Will the project contribute to a change in the market dynamics, economic status, physical
appearance or perception of the area?
Does the project address specific area need or missing services?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Required Attachments:
The following should be submitted with your application:
1. Three years of historical financial statements
2. Three years of projected financial statements
3. Sources of financing including evidence of private funds and matching funds
4. Third party cost estimates INCLUDING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN RENDERINGS
5. Lease agreement, purchase agreement, proof of ownership/ site control
Attestation of Financial Condition:
Do you or your business have any of the following:
Yes
No
Outstanding collections
Judgement liens
other court judgements
Delinquent taxes
Delinquent grants
Other tax liens
Previous Bankruptcy
If yes to bankruptcy, has it been fully discharged?
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
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Any personal or business real estate that is tax delinquent?
Code Violations
Non-Registered rental units
Real Estate that is in foreclosure
Submission Acknowledgement
The undersigned certifies that he/she is authorized to complete, sign and submit this application
on behalf of the applicant/ owner. Further, the undersigned certifies that the information
contained in this supplication has been reviewed by him/her and that all information, including
exhibits, are, to the best of his/her knowledge, complete and accurate and presents fairly the
condition of the applicant and project accurately. Intentionally falsifying information in this
document constitutes a criminal offense. The undersigned hereby authorizes the City of North
Olmsted to investigate the credit worthiness of the undersigned, and/or applicant. The
undersigned understands that the information submitted to the City of North Olmsted as part of
this application is considered a public record. The undersigned also aggress to display signage
showing City support on their property for up to one (1) year.
The undersigned understands that additional information may be required to finalize the
approval process, and that, if the project is funded, Economic Development funds cannot
pay for projects completed before grant approval and notice of award. The undersigned
also understands that the submission of the application for financial assistance does not
automatically constitute approval.
The undersigned understands that if the business or enterprise receiving grant and or grant
funding moves or relocates to a different location outside of the municipal boundaries of North
Olmsted within three (3) years from the effective date of the grant agreement, that the grant
funding will be rescinded in its entirety and the undersigned waives any right or claim to the
awarded funding. This provision does not include business or enterprises that cease operations
and close or that open up additional locations outside of the municipal boundaries of North
Olmsted while maintaining their funded location within the North Olmsted City limits
By checking this box, I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to the
policies and procedures outlined in this document. I further agree to be interviewed,
photographed and/or have my business photographed for Economic Development
Marketing purposes. If you have questions, please contact the Department of Economic
and Community Development
Company Name: ______________________________________________________________
By: _________________________________________________________________________
(Print or type name and title)
City of North Olmsted
Fix Our Fronts Program Guidelines and Application
12
____________________________________
___________________________________
(Signature)
(Date)
Inter-Office Use Only
State the date, time, and City staff member (s) in receipt of the application:
____________________________________________________________________________
Date of Completed Application Submittal: _________________________
Staff Reviewer: ______________________________________________
Date of Committee Review: ____________________________________
Approve/Deny: ______________________________________________
Amount Awarded and term: ____________________________________
Contact
Max Upton, Director
Department of Economic and Community Development
5200 Dover Center Road
North Olmsted, Ohio 44070
Phone: 440-716-4118
Email: uptonm@north-olmsted.com