IV. 4. Resolution Approving CARES Act Economic Assistance for Stages Theatre Company; BishopSeptember 15, 2020 Council Report 2020-060
RESOLUTION APPROVING ECONOMIC SUPPORT
TO STAGES THEATRE COMPANY
Proposed Action.
Staff recommends that the Council approve the following motion: Motion to Approve Resolution
2020-047 Approving Economic Support to Stages Theatre Company.
Overview:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota Governor Walz has issued needed executive orders
that have impacted businesses and individuals. In recognition of these impacts staff is proposing
a plan to provide economic support to Hopkins’ businesses and residents. The City has also
received $1.485 million of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
funding. The CARES funding must be used for eligible expenditures, including providing
economic support to businesses and individuals.
Stages Theatre Company provides live children’s theatre at the Center for the Arts. Performing
Art businesses have been hit particularly hard by revenue losses associated with COVID 19 and
emergency shutdowns. Live theatre poses significant additional challenges for audience size and
the performers making social distancing very challenging to impossible to provide in a cost
effective manner.
Staff recommends authorizing the City Manager to create programs or enter into agreements for
the following purpose:
1. The City will establish an Emergency Forgivable Loan Program directed to assist Stages
Theatre Company. The City authorizes a total of up to $30,000 to be used for the loan
program.
Primary Issues to Consider:
• CARES Act
• Financial Impacts
Supporting Information:
• Resolution 2020-047
_________________________
Nick Bishop, Finance Director
CARES Act
The City has received a $1.485 million distribution of CARES act funding. A broad range of
uses are permissible, which include medical expenses, public health expenses, payroll expenses,
compliance with public health measures and economic support. Any expenses in these
categories that are considered necessary due to COVID-19, not included in the City’s most
recent budget and spent between March 1 and November 15 are eligible. Any unexpended funds
will be transferred to Hennepin County Medical Center.
Financial Impacts
The resolution authorizes expenditures of $30,000 for economic support to Stages Theatre
Company purposes within Hopkins. Staff believes that all expenditures are eligible for
reimbursement.
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLTUION 2020-047
RESOLUTION APPROVING ECONOMIC SUPPORT
TO STAGES THEATRE COMPANY
WHEREAS, Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019, commonly known as “COVID-19,” which is a
respiratory disease that can result in serious injury or death, is spreading globally and has been
identified by the World Health Organization (“WHO”) as a pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared that the COVID-19 outbreak
in the United States constitutes a National Emergency; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, Governor Tim Walz declared a Peacetime State of Emergency
to authorize any and all necessary resources to be used in support of the COVID-19 response;
The Governor has subsequently issued 80 additional Executive Orders to combat the impacts of
COVID-19 within the State of Minnesota, which have created a great deal of uncertainty and
dramatically impacted local businesses and residents.
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the City of Hopkins declared that the COVID-19 pandemic
constitutes a local emergency within the City of Hopkins, effective March 16, 2020, with all the
powers and responsibilities attending thereto as provided in Minn. Stat. Ch. 12, and as otherwise
provided for in the City of Hopkins’ Charter, City Code and Emergency Operations Plan (EOP);
and
WHEREAS, due to these needed actions and the pandemic, performing arts and live theatre has
been greatly impacted by a significant loss of revenue and have caused Stages Theatre Company
to experience financial and other hardships; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hopkins,
Minnesota, that:
1. The City will establish an Emergency Forgivable Loan Program directed to assist Stages
Theatre Company. The City authorizes a total of up to $30,000 to be used for the loan
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 on this 15th day of September, 2020.
__________________________________
Jason Gadd, Mayor
ATTEST
_______________________________
Amy Domeier, City Clerk