CC 2014-01-14_08.j. Amend Facade Improvement Program GuidelinesMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: !¥ STEVEN ADAMS, CITY MANAGER ~1
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO FA~ADE IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
DATE: JANUARY 14, 2014
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council authorize staff to increase the maximum amount for
fa9ade improvement grants up to $10,000 if the request involves removal of non-
conforming pole signs.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The fa9ade improvement grant program is funded from Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funds. There is currently a balance of $20,000 available for the program.
The recommended action will not increase demands on staffing.
BACKGROUND: ·
The City implemented a Fa9ade Improvement Grant Program several years ago, which
provides grants to businesses up to $5,000 to improve facades and landscaping. The
program has been successful in assisting local businesses, as well as improving the
appearance of the City's commercial areas. Most of the grants are used for signage
improvements due to Federal prevailing wage requirements that are triggered for any
construction related activities. The program has served as a particularly useful tool to
bring outdated signs into compliance with current regulations by combining incentives
with enforcement activities.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Staff has identified the removal of remaining pole signs on East Grand Avenue as the
top priority for sign improvements within the City. There are only a few remaining, two
of which are most visible. However, it has been difficult to obtain property owners'
cooperation in removal since they are normally able to legally continue use of the signs
if new businesses do not involve a change in use and only need to change the text on
the signs.
Item 8.j. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
GUIDELINES
JANUARY 14, 2014
PAGE2
As a result of staff's efforts in working with business and property owners associated
with the two properties with the most visible pole signs, progress has been made in
obtaining their willingness to pursue replacement with new monument signs utilizing
CDBG fac;ade enhancement grants. However, these projects are more involved than
other businesses who simply replace their building signs. Removal of the pole signs
and combining monument with building signs increases the costs associated with the
projects. Therefore, it is recommended the City Council authorize staff to increase the
grant amounts for these types of projects in order to ensure the City's success in
achieving the results desired.
ADVANTAGES:
Staff believes approval of the recommended action will result in removal of the two most
visible remaining pole signs on East Grand Avenue, which will be a meaningful
improvement to the appearance of the East Grand Avenue corridor.
DISADVANTAGES:
Increasing the grant amounts will reduce the number of grants available.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration:
1. Approve staff's recommendation;
2. Modify the increase in the amount and approve the change;
3. Do not approve the change; or
4. Provide staff other direction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, January 9, 2014 and on the
City's website on Friday, January 10, 2014.
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Item 8.j. - Page 2