Adopt Resolution #21-026 Approving Restaurant Assistance Plan: WAC (Water Availability Charge) Program and Approving Loan for Pleasant Valley Sunrise Group LLC dba (doing business as) Aurelio's Pizza

Purpose / Background:
The purpose of this case is to review the proposed the request for assistance and to consider extending or amending the current Restaurant Subsidy Program. Feedback from residents, businesses, visitors, and elected/appointed officials states that attracting more restaurants is a priority for Ramsey. On July 24, 2018 the City of Ramsey adopted a WAC (Water Availability Charge)  Assistance program that is set to sunset on July 31, 2021. This Restaurant Subsidy Program is only for "new for-profit restaurants" but does have the ability to consider exceptions for existing businesses that are relocating or expanding. The city has received an application from Pleasant Valley Sunrise Group LLC dba Aurelio's Pizza for financial assistance relating to SAC (Sewer Availability Charge)  and WAC Fees for an expansion.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has been very hard on Ramsey restaurant businesses. The fact that we have an existing business willing to take the risk to expand its footprint during these times is unexpected. The proposed expansion would add a banquet space and more efficiency to its existing restaurant concept. The SAC Charge (from Metropolitan Council) is estimated to be $14,910 and the WAC Charge (from City of Ramsey) is estimated to be $8,190. These fees total $23,100. Pleasant Valley Sunrise Group LLC dba Aurelio's Pizza is requesting as much assistance as possible to help mitigate these fees. The EDA supports the application and consideration for financial assistance.

N/A

Observations:
Project costs for this expansion are $75,000. The owner is applying $50,000 in SBA (Small Business Administration) Financing, private cash equity and a City of Ramsey SAC and WAC Loan.  Staff supports approval of a 70%, 0% interest loan, forgivable loan for both the SAC an WAC Fees in the amount of $16,170; subject to satisfactory underwriting. The applicant would also be required to pay $6,930 (30%) for the SAC and WAC charges upfront and closing costs estimated to be $500-$750. The financing of this deal would include a loan agreement, and a subordinated UCC filing against collateral owned by the applicant.  The applicant leases the space and a real estate mortgage would not be obtainable in this circumstance. Staff will work with the applicant to gather necessary financial information necessary to complete underwriting of the loan.

The current Restaurant Subsidy Program would require an amendment or a City Council exception to allow for both the SAC and WAC forgivable loan. The program has been extended and/or modified multiple times in the past to address current economic conditions and City retail/restaurant goals. The current Restaurant Subsidy Program sunsets on 7/31/21. 

The EDA reviewed this item on January 14th and the draft minutes are attached for review.

Alternatives:

Loan Approval

1. City Council approval of a $16,170 SAC and WAC Loan to Pleasant Valley Sunrise Group LLC dba Aurelio's Pizza (would also need to amend the Restaurant Subsidy Program, or request action to allow for SAC and WAC to be eligible for the loan)
2. Something Else

Restaurant Subsidy Program Changes and or Extensions

1. City Council to amend the Restaurant Subsidy Program to allow for both SAC and WAC charges to be eligible for loans and to Sunset on July 31, 2024 (3 year extension)
2. City Council to amend the current Restaurant Subsidy Program to Sunset on July 31, 2024 (3 year extension)
3. City Council to to amend the Restaurant Subsidy Program to allow for both SAC and WAC charges to be eligible for loans and to allow for expansions to existing full service restaurants that result in additional SAC and WAC Charges be permitted.

Funding for financial assistance would come from the City's EDA Cash Balance. The EDA Cash Balance is estimated to be $1.137M but the year has not been closed out by Finance.  

The EDA recommends that the City Council amend the Restaurant Subsidy Program to allow for both SAC and WAC charges to be eligible for loan and to allow for expansion to existing restaurants to be permitted. The Draft policy is attached.

and;

The EDA recommends approval of 70%, 0% interest loan, forgivable loan for both the SAC and WAC Charges in the amount of $16,170 for Pleasant Valley Sunrise Group LLC dba Aurelio's Pizza; subject to satisfactory underwriting.

Motion to Adopt Resolution #21-026 approving modification to the Restaurant Subsidy Policy: WAC Program and approving loan for Pleasant Valley Sunrise Group LLC dba Aurelio's Pizza; subject to City Attorney review and satisfactory underwriting.