Meetings
 


City of Helena, Montana
 
May 22, 2020
To: Melinda Reed, Interim City Manager
From: Sharon Haugen, Community Development Director
Subject: Consider a resolution granting Downtown Urban Renewal Tax Increment Financing funds to provide for public safety and sanitation expenses in the district.
Present Situation:

The Downtown URD TIF Advisory Board recommended adoption of the Annual Work Plan for FY 20 and FY 21 at their May 19th meeting. The City Commission will consider its adoption at their June 8th meeting. The project priorities considered in the proposed plan are intended to address the concerns that have arisen from the directives given by the Governor, the Lewis and Clark County Public Health Department, and the City of Helena’s State of Local Disaster Emergency Declaration related to the Covid-19 emergency. The three (3) project areas are: the development of branding and marketing plans focused on the Downtown URD businesses; a Health and Safety Improvement Program; and a Public Spaces Utilization Program.

 

 

The City of Helena is proposing a project to purchase hand sanitizers and related sanitation facilities for the public places and businesses within the boundaries of the Downtown URD District. The project cost for the City will be $10,000. The project is consistent with the intent of the declaration of a local emergency. It also conforms to the goals and the priorities stated in the Downtown URD Plan and the recommended Work Plan.

 
On May 28th, 2020, the Downtown TIF Advisory Board heard the City staff’s proposal. The Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend using Downtown URD TIF funds to purchase the hand sanitizers and related sanitation facilities for locations and businesses in the Downtown URD District.  They recommended an allocation of $10,000 for this purpose.
Background Information:

The purpose of the request is to obtain Downtown URD TIF funding for the installation of sanitation facilities to address public health and safety in the Downtown URD. 
Proposal/Objective:

The purpose of the request is to obtain Downtown URD TIF funding for the installation of sanitation facilities to address public health and safety in the Downtown URD. 
Advantage: The use of tax increment financing funds for this purpose will address some of the serious health and safety concerns in the Downtown’s public places and within the buildings located in the District.  The project will not only address the health and safety concerns but will also promote the Downtown area as a safer environment for both visitors and residents.
Notable Energy Impact: None noted
Disadvantage: None identified
Notice of Public Hearing: N/A
Staff Recommendation:
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution