The Friday Staff Report to City Council offers weekly insights into staff initiatives and Council inquiries. Key updates include the successful disbursement of $913,700 in Small Business Relief Grants from the American Rescue Plan Act to aid businesses affected by COVID-19, with all beneficiaries remaining operational. The city is also set to launch a new website feature to enhance accessibility for users with disabilities. On the Council side, requests addressed include compiling neighborhood association lists, establishing an online speaker sign-up for meetings, assisting businesses affected by road construction or property condemnation, and evaluating a potential property purchase for city use. These efforts demonstrate the city’s commitment to economic recovery, digital inclusivity, and responsive governance.
General Information
Small Business Relief Grant Program Update – The Small Business Relief Grant program, funded by a $2,000,000 allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), awarded $913,700 to thirty-seven businesses to aid in recovery from COVID-19’s economic impacts. The remaining ARPA funds were redirected to support Negative Economic Impact programs. The program concluded on July 31, 2023, with all participating businesses remaining open. Thirty-five of these businesses reported that the grant enabled them to sustain long-term operations, while two returned to pre-pandemic revenue and staffing levels. Grant funds were used for various business-related expenses, including personnel costs, rent or mortgage payments, professional services fees, equipment purchases, short-term supplies, and health and safety building modifications.
City Website Disability and Accessibility Integration Tool – On February 27, the city’s website will launch a new disability and accessibility feature to enhance digital inclusivity without compromising design or functionality. This feature introduces reading aids, multi-language translations, and customizable screen readers to make online content more accessible. A visible icon on the website will allow visitors to access these features through an optional toolbar.
Council Member Requests
Neighborhood Association List – Mayor Pro Tem Beck requested a list of neighborhood associations and HOAs on January 29. The Community Services Department keeps an updated list and a GIS map of neighborhood organizations, which is refreshed annually or with new information.
Online Speaker Sign-Up System – Following a resident’s suggestion, Mayor Pro Tem Beck and Council Member Meltzer proposed the idea of an online system for public meeting speaker requests on February 12. The city staff is assessing the project’s viability.
Business Interruption Coverage – In response to a request from Mayor Hudspeth on February 15, city staff engaged with a business owner affected by road construction to facilitate better access to the business during the work.
Property Sale Opportunity – Mayor Pro Tem Beck relayed an inquiry on February 16 about the city’s interest in purchasing a family-owned property for city use, which was then forwarded to the appropriate department for consideration.
Business Property Condemnation – Council Member Meltzer sought help on February 20 for a business owner dealing with property condemnation by Atmos. The city contacted both the owner and Atmos to understand the situation but noted the city’s limited role in eminent domain matters.
Contract Rates – At the City Council Meeting on February 20, Council Member Watts inquired about the contract rate structure with HR Green. The requested details were provided, outlining the agreement’s financial terms.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osage Ln | Huron Cir | Cul V Sac | 03/18/24 | 04/26/24 | Concrete Panel and Sidewalk Repair |
| Spyglass Hill Ln | Cliffside Dr | Oceanview Dr | 03/04/24 | 04/12/24 | Concrete Panel and Sidewalk Repair |
