Adopt Resolution #20-129 Extension of COVID-19 Assistance Plan Phase 1

Purpose: 
To extend 1/8 page Ad Reimbursement to September/October Ramsey Resident

Background:
On May 26, 2020 the City Council Approved Resolution #20-098 approving the implementation of Covid-19 Assistance Phase 1 Business authorizing the following types of assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic:

• Reimbursement  of 2020 On Sale Liquor License Renewal Fee (City Fees Only)
• Reimbursement of  Advertising Fees for Ramsey Resident for Ramsey Businesses
• Waive Late Fees for Lease Payments on City owned properties (also a waiver of payment of 60 day Lease at 6701 Highway 10 NW)

Staff has been working on implementation for these programs.  Unfortunately, the timing of the approval of the 2020 Reimbursement of the 1/8 Page Ad in the Ramsey Resident assistance program did not fit well with the publication of the July-August Ramsey Resident.  The publication went to press on June 1 and there was not enough time to market the new program effectively to businesses so they could fully take advantage of it. Three businesses qualified for the reimbursement in this edition and staff believes that more will take advantage of this if properly marketed for the September/October edition.  Staff was able to work with businesses to get a four page insert into this edition that highlighted many Ramsey businesses and their operations.  

Notification is not required.

Ramsey Resident Advertising Reimbursement
The City Council adopted criteria for participation at the May 26, 2020 City Council meeting.  Three business that met the criteria advertised in the July/August Ramsey Resident and the reimbursements are being processed ($897.00).  The program called for up to 25 qualifying businesses to be reimbursed for the 1/8 ad.  In light of the small window for participation, Staff is asking the City Council to consider extending the program to the September/October Ramsey Resident and to open it up for the next 25 qualifying businesses.   The potential additional cost to extend the ad reimbursement program would be $7,475 which would total $8,372.  An additional $2,000 has already been budgeted to account for a larger publication (20 pages) if it is needed.   The approved funding source for this program is the EDA's Marketing and Promotions Account. The budgeted amount for this account is $30,000 for 2020. Staff would recommend supplementing this account, if necessary, with EDA Fund Balance due to this unforeseen expense.

The proposed funding source for this program is the EDA's Marketing and Promotions Account. The Marketing and Promotions line item is proposed to fund the Ramsey Resident Advertising Program (up to $10,372).   Staff is recommending that the EDA Cash balance be used to offset some of these costs and future Marketing Costs. 
 

Initiative	Cost	Funding Source	Available Budget
Ramsey Resident Ad Reimbursement	$10,372	EDA Marketing and Promotions	$30,000

* Note - any budget deficit is recommended to be funded by the EDA Fund Balance.

Staff recommends adoption of Resolution #20-129 Extension of COVID-19 Assistance Plan Phase 1.

Based on broad policy direction, Staff will finalize implementation administratively.

Motion to approve Resolution #20-129 Implementation of COVID-19 Assistance Plan Phase 1