1 TO: City Council
FROM: Joe Hoefgen, Interim City Manager
PREPARED BY: Janpier Adamzadeh, Management Assistant
MEETING DATE: February 6, 2024
SUBJECT: ARPA Façade Improvement Program Application for Ageless Geeks
RECOMMENDATION
1) Approve one (1) application under the City’s ARPA Business Assistance Programs; 2) Authorize the Interim City Manager to make minor amendments as may be necessary with approval of the City Attorney; and 3) Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute agreements with approved applicants for funding.
SUMMARY
On September 6, 2022, the City Council approved amendments to the City’s Business Assistance Programs that provide relief related to fiscal impacts incurred by small businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and assist local businesses in the recovery process. The City Council approved and allocated ARPA funds to the following programs:
Program Original
Allocation
Revised
Budget
Remaining Funding (Pending
Application Approval)
Job Creation & Business
Incentive $500,000 $50,000 $40,000
Façade Improvement $250,000 $200,000 $50,000
Workforce Development $100,000 $100,000 $0
Total $850,000 $350,000 $75,000
The Façade Improvement program awards up to $25,000 for the renovations and upgrades to a business’ façade. Staff recommends approving the Façade Improvement application for Ageless Geeks, which has been deemed to be eligible and complete.
Ageless Geeks was founded in 2015 and provides a place for collectors to unite in Lomita’s downtown district. Ageless Geeks is a unique collectors store that sells collectibles such as toys, action figures, and trading cards. Ageless Geeks experienced hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic such as temporary store closure and reduced sales.
Item No. 7f
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
2 The proposed improvements to the exterior will provide the opportunity to elevate the visual appeal and enhance the Downtown area.
Staff guided the applicant through the application process in compliance with the City’s approved codes, guidelines, and procedures related to the Façade Improvement program. The business is prepared to sign the agreement for funding under the program.
Upon approval and authorization from the Council, City staff will work with the applicant to execute the agreements allowing the project to proceed.
OPTIONS:
1. Approve the application and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement.
2. Do not authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
The funds received from the American Rescue Plan will be utilized to complete these approved programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ageless Geeks Façade Application
Reviewed by: Approved by:
_________________ ______________________
Gary Y. Sugano Joe Hoefgen
Assistant City Manager Interim City Manager
Prepared by:
Janpier Adamzadeh
Management Assistant
Attachment No. 1