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VII.5 Resolution Approving Hopkins Business Retention Pilot ProgramSeptember 7, 2021 Council Report 2021-081 RESOLUTION APPROVING HOPKINS BUSINESS RETENTION PILOT PROGRAM Proposed Action. Staff recommends that the Council approve the following motion: Approve Resolution 2021-050 Approving Hopkins Business Retention Pilot Program. Overview: City Council has expressed an interest in creating a program to incentivize businesses to stay in Hopkins. Staff created an outline of a program that was discussed at the August 17th City Council meeting. Based on feedback received, a program is being presented tonight for approval. The Hopkins Business Retention Pilot Program (the Program) is intended to support businesses that have been displaced by redevelopment near light rail stations. The Program will provide reimbursements of up to $3,000 for businesses that choose to stay in Hopkins. This is a pilot program to gauge the effectiveness of the reimbursement. The Program budget is limited to $24,000 and will be disbursed on a first come first serve basis. The Program is funded through the City’s Economic Development Fund. Reimbursements will be in the form of a forgivable loan with a 0.0% interest rate. Loan awards must be utilized within 6 months. Funds will be disbursed after recipients have provided documentation showing the loan has been utilized according to program guidelines. After one year of operations the new site, The City of Hopkins will forgive the loan. The City may only use public funds when a public purpose for the expenditure exists. Providing payments to a closed business, a business no longer in Hopkins or a business already operating in a new location would not pass the public purpose test. Supporting Information: • Resolution 2021-050 • Program Guidelines ________________________________________ Nick Bishop Finance Director CITY OF HOPKINS HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION 2021-050 RESOLUTION APRROVING HOPKINS BUSINESS RETENTION PILOT PROGRAM WHEREAS, Hopkins Businesses have been displaced due to redevelopment projects approved by City Council and given limited notices to vacate ; and WHEREAS, due to these occurrences Hopkins Business will be impacted and experience financial or other hardships; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Hopkins, Minnesota, that: 1. The City will establish a Business Retention Pilot Program to encourage Hopkins Businesses to remain in Hopkins by providing a reimbursement of up to $3,000 for capital costs at the business new commercial space. The City authorizes a total of up to $24,000 to be used for the program. 2. The City Manager and staff are hereby authorized and directed to create such program and enter into agreements. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins this 7th day of September, 2021. By:___________________________ Jason Gadd, Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ Amy Domeier, City Clerk City of Hopkins Business Retention Pilot Program Purpose The City of Hopkins is offering a forgivable loan program for businesses that are displaced by redevelopment. The purpose of the program is to encourage Hopkins businesses to stay in Hopkins by providing reimbursement of up to $3,000 for capital costs at the businesses new commercial space. This is a pilot program to gauge the effectiveness of the reimbursement. The funds will be made available beginning September 8, 2021 and end on December 31, 2022. The program budget is limited to $24,000 and will be disbursed to qualifying applicants on a first come first served basis. Eligible Applicants To be eligible to receive a forgivable loan through the program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria: • Demonstrate that its business is being displaced due to a redevelopment project that has been approved by the City and that the business has received less than a 120 day notice to vacate; • The current and new location for the business are within the City of Hopkins and have a physical address that is a brick and mortar facility for commercial use; • The current location is within one-quarter mile radius of a light rail station; • Be a business or non-profit entity that has been in operation one year prior to applying to the program; • Be a legal entity registered and in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State or a sole- proprietorship operating under the owner’s name and not required to register with the Minnesota Secretary of State • Be in compliance with city ordinances, codes, licensing and must not have any delinquent taxes, bills, or other charges due to the City; • The location and use of the new commercial space must be in compliance with 2020 MN State Building Code and the Hopkins Zoning Code, including being a conforming use. • Owner of multiple business may only receive one loan; and • Businesses may only receive one loan for the duration of the program or any similar program. Ineligible Applicants The Retention Incentive Loan is not available to businesses that: • Do not have a physical commercial address located within the City of Hopkins. • Derive income from passive investments without operation ties to operating businesses • Generate income from adult-oriented activities. • Are owned or operated by elected City Officials Eligible Improvements All costs must result in permanent building improvements • Exterior/interior painting or re-siding • Restoration of exterior/interior finishes and materials • ADA Improvements • Masonry repairs and tuck pointing • Repair, replacement of installment of windows and doors • Window and cornice flashing and repair • Canopy or awning installation or repairs • Installation or repair of exterior signage • Removal of barriers to access inside or outside the building for people with disabilities • Exterior/interior lighting • Interior window displays • Window, wall and hanging signage advertising the business name and identity • Installation of walls, doors, outlets, cabinets or shelving • Installation of new carpet or flooring • Building permit fees Ineligible Improvements • Improvements in progress or completed prior to preliminary approval • Improvement paid for by the landlord or through a tenant improvement allowance • Routine maintenance • Billboards • Roofing • Mechanical and HVAC systems • Pylon, temporary, or roof signs • Lease payments Loan Guidelines 1. Amount: A business may apply for a one-time forgivable loan not to exceed $3,000. Each approved business’s maximum loan amount shall be limited to their identified eligible expenses. 2. Interest Rate: All loans shall have an interest rate of 0.0%. 3. Term: All loan awards must be utilized within six months of the date of the loan agreement. 4. Forgiveness: The loan will be forgiven and the loan agreement terminated by the City one year after the date of the loan agreement if the business is still operating in the commercial space that was improved using the retention loan proceeds. 5. Termination: Hopkins retains the right to terminate any agreement for funds and demand repayment of the loan if a loan recipient is found to be in violation of any conditions set forth in the eligibility guidelines or loan agreement. 6. Right to Deny: Hopkins retains the right to deny any application for funding. 7. Funding Availability: The program has limited funds available. Loans will be dispersed on a first come first served basis until the loan funds are exhausted. 8. Indemnification: All loan recipients shall be required to indemnify the City of Hopkins and any officers on their behalf. Loan Process There is no fee to apply for the Hopkins Retention Incentive Program. Applications for the program are required to be submitted online at the City of Hopkins website. A completed online application with all question answered and itemized budget for use of the funds are required to apply. City staff will review the application to ensure eligibility. Upon a successful loan application being awarded, the loan recipient shall enter into a loan agreement with the City of Hopkins. Funds shall be distributed on a reimbursement basis. The loan recipient will provide documentation of how the loan has been utilized and provide evidence in the form of paid invoices, statements, or similar documentation. The City will provide reimbursement within two weeks after receipt of acceptable documentation After a one year of operations at the new site, the City of Hopkins will forgive the loan and terminate the loan agreement.