HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-01 I01K Facade Improvement Program Grant_Applegate TaxAGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: April 1, 2024
AGENDA ITEM:Consideration of approval of a resolution awarding grant funding to Waukee
Ice Cream Shop Trust, d/b/a Applegate Tax & Accounting, LLC, as part of the
City of Façade Improvement Program
FORMAT:Resolution
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: Staff received an application for a Façade Improvement
Grant from Applegate Tax & Accounting located at 520 Walnut Street. The applicant plans to refresh
the exterior of the building with repairs to the brick, trim and new paint. Additionally, the applicant
intends to renovate the detached garage. The total cost of the project is estimated at $21,249.
Although the applicant plans to improve the entire property, only the façade improvements at 520
Walnut Street are eligible for grant funds. The total cost is estimated at $9,259.
This project achieves the goal of the Façade Improvement Program which is to encourage businesses
and property owners located in downtown Waukee to preserve, maintain, and improve the physical
appearance of their properties.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS: This will be the fourth Façade
Improvement and second Property Improvement in two years. The investment in downtown is
increasing property values and revitalizing the downtown.
The maximum grant award permitted with this program is $7,500, the maximum grant award cannot
exceed 50% of the total cost. The grant is reimbursable and will not be paid until project is completed.
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT:
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT: The applicant struggled securing three bids, as required by
the Façade Improvement Program. However, a busy market has meant busy contractors. The applicant
contacted Jeremy Marean with Marean Construction and Josh Hargin with Complete Construction but
received no follow up. Eventually, the project was awarded Josh of All Trades. Staff is requesting that
Council consider approval without full bids from two other contractors.
The applicant plans to invest nearly $22,000 to improve 520 Walnut Street. Staff recommends
Applegate Tax & Accounting be considered for the maximum grant award of $4,360.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the grant award and Resolution
ATTACHMENTS: I. Resolution
II. Façade Improvement Program Application
PREPARED BY: Jennifer Brown, Director of Economic Development
I1K
REVIEWED BY:
PUBLIC NOTICE INFORMATION –
NAME OF PUBLICATION:
DATE OF PUBLICATION:
THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
RESOLUTION 2024-
APPROVAL OF A GRANT AWARD TO APPLEGATE TAX & ACCOUNTING, LLC
AS PART OF THE DOWNTOWN FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
WHEREAS, the City of Waukee, Dallas County, State of Iowa, is a duly organized
Municipal Organization; AND,
WHEREAS, on March 5, 2012, the Waukee City Council approved a Downtown Façade
Improvement Program (Resolution #12-50) to make financial assistance available to
businesses, organizations, and property owners within Downtown Waukee for the
preservation, maintanence, and general improvement of the physical appearances of their
properties thereby creating an environment that is aesthetically pleasing and facilitates an
increase in pedestrian traffic; AND,
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2011 the Waukee City Council approved the Downtown Design
Guidelines (Resolution #11-202) that provide guidance for the exterior appearance of
properties within specified areas of the Downtown; AND,
WHEREAS, on July 18, 2022 the Waukee City Council approved the Downtown Design
Guidelines (Resolution #11-202) that provide guidance for the exterior appearance of
properties within specified areas of the Downtown; AND,
WHEREAS, Applegate Tax & Accounting, LLC at 520 Walnut Street, has submitted a
Façade Improvement Program Application requesting grant funding in the amount equal to
half of the total project costs associated with restoring and repairing the brick and trim as well
as painting the exterior walls of the business; AND,
WHEREAS, the Façade Improvement Program Application submitted for the exterior
revitalization at Applegate Tax & Accounting, LLC is in conformance with the guidelines,
terms, and conditions set forth in the Downtown Façade Improvement Program; AND,
WHEREAS, Façade Improvement Program Grants are awarded as a reimbursement for the
actual costs incurred by the applicant after the project has been completed; AND,
WHEREAS, the City staff reviewed the Façade Improvement Program Application and
recommended approval of the Downtown Façade Improvement Program Applegate Tax &
Accounting, LLC; AND,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Waukee City Council in session
this 1st day of April, 2024 that a Grant Award in the amount of $4,360.00 is approved for
exterior improvements at 520 Walnut Street pending successful completion of the project.
____________________________
Courtney Clarke, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________________
Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk
RESULTS OF VOTE: AYE NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN
R. Charles Bottenberg
Chris Crone
Rob Grove
Anna Bergman Pierce
Ben Sinclair