Discussion and possible action regarding approval of an application for the Visual Improvement Program (VIP by Stretch Zone Forum for the approval authorizing a reimbursement payment directly to the o

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

C. Discussion and possible action regarding approval of an application for the Visual Improvement Program (VIP by Stretch Zone Forum for the approval authorizing a reimbursement payment directly to the owner in accordance with the VIP requirements – D. Lowder James and Christine Tanner, owners of Stretch Zone located at 8222 Agora Parkway, Ste. 108 inside the Forum Shopping Center has applied for the VIP assistance grant for signage. During the 2023 luncheon, the Tanners learned of the grant assistance and have decided to ask for reimbursement for signage installed before their grand opening held in July 2022. The signage was manufactured and installed by the selected sign contractor Aetna Sign Group. The building signage included a new set of channel letters with a logo measuring 1’ x 2 3/4” and a yellow 5’-8” logo with applied yellow vinyl. The length of the sign is 13’1/2” internally illuminated with white LED’s. Three bids were received back in 2022 (Aetna Sign Group) and received approval from the Forum Management team. The total amount of the signage was $6,991.86 and they are requesting the maximum reimbursement of $5000.00. If approved, it would be under Resolution 2023-14. Staff have no objection to this request. Q&A Council Director Tullgren asked for clarification on the program timeline within the VIP guidelines to request reimbursement; Ms. Lowder mentioned there is not a timeline provided and staff provided business names in which were granted the grant in the past. Council Director Cimics agreed with the timeline concerns of Council Director Tullgren. Board President Dennis reminded the Board of the precedence set on prior businesses.  She continued by recommending a review by the Board of the guidelines in the near future for the VIP program. Board Vice President and Citizen Director Kuhlmann asked staff for the longest timeline between the opening and request for reimbursement; Ms. Lowder stated research resulted in a six-month period was the longest.

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 6.7/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.