Res 2019-012/amending the Business Improvement and Growth (BIG) Grant Program guidelines to prohibit City employees and officials from benefiting from BIG Grant Program Funds and to clarify program eligibility and intent

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EXHIBIT A How does the BIG Program work? The City will provide a fifty percent matching grant to reimburse up to $20,000 for well- designed property improvements, and an additional fifty percent matching grant to reimburse up to $5,000 for construction of monument -type signage or the removal and replacement of non -conforming signs. Grant funding for signage may only be requested in conjunction with a grant application for real property improvements. Applications for signage only will not be considered. The applicant's match may be in the form of other financial aid (grant or loan) received from other agencies or financial institutions, but may not be "in-kind." The BIG Grant Program will only reimburse applicants after the project is determined to have been completed in accordance with the contract and the applicant has paid his/her architect, contractor and vendor(s) in full. Improvements funded by the program must be compatible with the character and architecture of the individual property, and must meet current City standards with regard to occupant safety. Historical or architecturally significant features shall be restored and maintained. Improvements to properties without such features should be seen as an opportunity to substantially enhance the appearance of the properties and adjacent streetscapes. Properties should be oriented to the pedestrian and provide visual interest both day and night. Effort should be made to promote accessibility and to create a property identity unique to San Marcos or the respective neighborhood. Initial consultation with City staff is necessary in order to help avoid misunderstanding as to the eligibility of proposals. City staff may provide guidance regarding improvements specific to individual storefronts. The applicant may hire his/her own licensed design professional(s) to work on the project from start to completion, or request that City staff assist first with the conceptual design of the project. If the latter option is chosen, the applicant may be required to hire his/her own licensed design professional(s) to carry forth the conceptual design to completion of construction.