The following establishes the procedure for application, review and consideration of grant requests.
(A) Grant certification.
(1) An eligible business may qualify for a grant established in this chapter by submitting a completed written application packet to the city with all the information required therein, which shall include, without limitation:
(a) Proof of property ownership/occupational license;
(b) City of Fort Thomas's Certificate of Appropriateness (if applicable);
(c) Fort Thomas building permit (if applicable);
(d) Copy of inspection completed by Building Inspector;
(e) Copy of plans submitted by a licensed contractor;
(f) Business tenant conditional lease agreement (if applicable);
(g) Description of property and history of the business/company;
(h) Completed W-9 form;
(i) Yearly payroll reconciliation (documentation of payroll less than $750,000 annually;
(j) An explanation for how the improvements of the business meets any of the following factors:
1. Improve property aesthetics within the City of Fort Thomas; and
2. The businesses' aesthetic and structural improvements will increase the property tax value;
(k) The anticipated cost of the proposed improvements and the amount requested by the business.
(2) Applications that are received with missing documentation will be denied the grant opportunity. The collection of documentation is the responsibility of the business or property owner.
(3) All improvements must meet Design Review Board, zoning, or other standards within the City of Fort Thomas, if applicable.
(4) An application for the grow grant established in this subchapter shall be reviewed by the Economic Development Director for completeness and that it meets the qualifications of the grant. The Economic Development Director will present each qualifying grant to the Mayor and City Administrator for approval. The Grow Grant is only approved after the business or property owner has received a signed approval from the City of Fort Thomas.
(B) Permitted use of grant funds.
(1) Accessibility improvements (walkways, ADA compliance, etc).
(2) Storefront improvements (including exterior painting, awning, fencing, permanent benches, permanent planters, bike racks, long lasting landscaping and repairs).
(3) Decorative lighting. Installation, repair or replacement of fixtures on exterior of facade.
(4) Renovation or restoration to improve architectural and historic details.
(5) Masonry work (cleaning, repair, brick work, tuck pointing) to improve the structural or appearance of a building/space.
(6) Energy efficiency items. Replacement or repair (windows, doors).
(7) Exterior signage. Installation, improvement or replacement of permanent signage fixtures.
(8) Mechanical, electrical, utility, and/or plumbing improvements.
(9) HVAC, fire suppression, improvement costs of bringing the building up to code.
(10) Permanent flooring, lighting, and fixtures.
(11) Improved customer restrooms.
(12) Construction of new walls/demolition of unnecessary existing walls.
(13) Support mechanisms (foundation, support beams, columns, trusses, etc.) This excludes roof repairs/replacement.
(C) Non-permitted use of grant funds.
(1) Home based business.
(2) Design fees related to websites branding or marketing.
(3) Professional fees unrelated to the project.
(4) Point of sale items.
(5) Payroll or salaries unrelated to the project.
(6) Projects or programs that have started prior to written approval of the grant.
(7) The purchase for resale, ingredients or items otherwise related to daily sales.
(8) Replacement or new purchase of items that will directly affect the output of services (new oven, freezer, printing stations, CPU, copiers, etc.).
(9) Branded signage.
(10) Delinquency in the payment of any taxes, assessments, fees, or other debts owed to the city.
(11) Additions to the commercial property.
(D) Reimbursement of expenses pursuant to the grant. The approved business shall submit documentation satisfying the City of Fort Thomas Economic Development Director, showing proof of the approved aesthetic and structural improvements. The City of Fort Thomas shall reimburse the business or property owner in an amount up to 50% of said improvements, but in no circumstances shall the city's contribution exceed $20,000.
(Ord. O-11-2022, passed 11-21- 22)