City Council Meeting Date: September 1, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution Approving CARES Act Funding for Business and Non-Profit Assistance.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council is asked to approve the attached Resolution - Approving CARES Act Funding for Business and Non-Profit Assistance.
Summary Report:
The Act provides for payments to State, Local and Tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The State of MN distributed $853M to Minnesota communities, and the City of Northfield, MN received $1,538,900 through the Federal CARES Act distribution.
The CARES Act, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, "provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers and families, small businesses, and preserves jobs for American Industries".
The City Council will need to approve programming and use of the $1,538,900 CARES Act allocation to the City. These funds can be used to recover City expenditures and to assist with other local needs.
On August 18, 2020 the City Council approved an initial award of CARES Act relief to support local food infrastructure and food stock, as well as procurement of educational support technology, to assist households in need. The Council also approved expenditures related to providing outdoor seating and furnishings to address increased need for such spaces.
At this time, the City Council is asked to consider two additional community based programs for CARES Act relief. Additional recommendations for use of CARES Act relief funds are forthcoming and may be forwarded via supplemental memo or presented at a future meeting.
Business Assistance
The City Council is requested to consider approval of $300,000 for a Small Business Relief Program as part of the CARES allocation.
The purpose of the Northfield Small Business Relief Grant Program ("Program") is to provide temporary financial ...
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