[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6114907,"mediaKeyId","2741149-72a7b45edf6900279a6f9b223f98bd5b","parentId",2741149,"title","Cibolo EDC debates scope, caps and safeguards for new small-business retention grant","audioSeconds",2285,"startMs",179000,"endMs",2464000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2741149-72a7b45edf6900279a6f9b223f98bd5b&start=179&end=2464","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2741149-72a7b45edf6900279a6f9b223f98bd5b/thumbnail_179000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6114907/Cibolo-City/Guadalupe-County/Texas/Cibolo-EDC-debates-scope-caps-and-safeguards-for-new-small-business-retention-grant","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114907-d0d1220436a98f5ecdcb0bf80d9a7722/orig.mp4?Expires=1776424570&Signature=OxSrrKQrLHBlvGDDqe6hCFYrTslgVys1PWjgqTRncKpCU2Shxbbf3uN1YEBgs35kEwFL8HYTuYkwO-FHCFi222nMHZDIdcesGyaB82EUKELur3zMLdO4fI1SDSY5Q0Ohk~HRUelQk5VXnjsgY2ZWx~sqOSCV2MvsBoKAvebLFIe3l4bObYCUvIxccVojrZTt8HfCcN3dhsXUYAaZBmDU1i6PxbNpqC7k2n7yvg56U87zadaLKIS2kQyZAGBDxsFjwxuXbMeYD1Goq~Qh956da4xKomk-skXoQJR~wydknmIJ7W4In6J-5QN7mPw-X9hJW2JEXEWE3UMYaXoSZVFbJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Cibolo TX","date","2025-03-21T12:44:45Z","article","Cibolo Economic Development Corporation directors reviewed a draft Small Business Development Retention Grant on a proposal from staff to help local brick-and-mortar businesses with improvements, unexpected equipment failures and permitting costs.

The board heard that the draft mirrors the city’s existing “big grant” program in form and process but adds two new grant types and special-circumstance language. Clancy, an EDC staff member who briefed the board, said the document is \"just a draft\" and is intended for review, retooling and return to the full board once a full board is seated.

Board members focused first on eligibility and whether to allow applicants to “double dip” — that is, receive both the new citywide BRE grant and the existing Old Town/ FM 78 Corridor grant. One board member said they personally opposed double dipping; staff recommended clearly defining Old Town and the FM 78 corridor in the grant materials (address ranges and an exhibit map) so applicants know which program applies. Clancy said the map will be included as an exhibit and staff will add a written definition of the boundaries.

Directors discussed the proposed award size. Staff sought direction on whether the program should match the existing big grant’s maximum award. The board instructed staff to change the draft to set the maximum at $15,000 (matching the big grant) rather than the $10,000/50 percent figure in the packet. Board members also asked that language allowing an undefined, unlimited “maximum may be adjusted” be revised so the board would review any higher award and that awards above the board’s approval authority would follow bylaws and city-council review.

The board and legal counsel discussed “special circumstances” language that would permit higher awards for extraordinary, unplanned costs — examples given included a required fire-suppression upgrade, an unexpected vent-hood replacement for a restaurant, or other items that an insurance policy or standard business plan might not cover. Several directors said staff should collect data (permitting and conversion permit counts) before expanding eligibility to allow code-driven conversions in historic structures.

Board members asked for additional applicant safeguards: a contract to be signed by successful applicants (the draft will use the same contract form used by the big grant), proof of contractor insurance and an added requirement for proof of business operational insurance in some cases, and the option to request profit-and-loss statements as part of the application to assess viability.

The board also directed staff to remove the requirement that applicants supply three contractor quotes. Directors said the EDC should not police vendors’ pricing choices for privately procured work but asked staff and legal counsel to add recapture and debarment language to the grant contract so the corporation could seek repayment or bar applicants/vendors if the EDC later finds fraud, material misrepresentation or other violations. Frank, identified as legal counsel, said the EDC can include recapture language and recommended short, direct contract provisions covering fraud or misrepresentation.

Other operational details discussed and to be added in revisions: a 365-day waiting period before an applicant may reapply after an award, submission deadlines (30 days before a board meeting) and the option to defer or cover certain permitting or impact fees at the sole discretion of the EDC. Staff told directors the initial funding for the BRE grant would come from existing budgeted grant funds that are currently underutilized; any further budget amendments would be brought forward as required.

Clancy said staff will revise the draft to (1) define the Old Town and FM 78 areas in writing and attach a map exhibit; (2) change maximum award language to reflect board direction; (3) add proof-of-insurance and recapture/debarment language; (4) remove the three-quote requirement; and (5) return with a full packet (final guidelines, application and draft contract) at a future meeting. The board did not take a formal vote on the grant draft at this meeting.

The discussion concluded with staff saying they would bring a revised packet back to the board in a few months for formal consideration and possible adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Cibolo EDC Meeting - March 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Cibolo Economic Development Corporation directors reviewed draft guidelines for a new small-business retention and expansion grant that would mirror the city’s existing downtown grant but add new types of awards, special-circumstance language and safeguards including recapture clauses and insurance requirements.","taxTitle","Cibolo City, Guadalupe County, Texas","taxId",55596,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6114897,"EDC members sign up for Texas legislation conference; staff to circulate Mega Regional forum details",243,3570000,3813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2741149-72a7b45edf6900279a6f9b223f98bd5b&start=3570&end=3813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2741149-72a7b45edf6900279a6f9b223f98bd5b/thumbnail_3570000.jpg","/articles/6114897/Cibolo-City/Guadalupe-County/Texas/EDC-members-sign-up-for-Texas-legislation-conference-staff-to-circulate-Mega-Regional-forum-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114897-69057aa1b17f73543232b5e563fc2b4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776424570&Signature=fugLjk4J775qZMsLefiKnaBzacwdig0sgyepQUuREuPj7D0QO0CIu3wM-J1ONZobTKONjdnilTwt~8Pi1M5p8Sgk8gXHcILfCugtDhzLeSQB80YorfxWtqvkqiQXXUDI4K~p2RR333ur27df49AP2-i7YGF2-qgCY5H6Dqo6qjtQhg3YBx7~YwsoOdIKEY81ULJXZqtRgGE06JZZzbgnT7tREqoUaVGS9QuF5dE59xIhv9tgjkKHBuvJceNbD2m3zW1XchUlJdB9ZbghMNmbOvujamDhp7z9iCvcJ7XYhJJDPzVGlqahAWs529cKvQJpRScqDObshlplPAqycqixoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board discussed member attendance at two upcoming events: the Texas Legislation Conference (sponsored by a regional organization) and a separate “Mega Regional” forum hosted at Texas State University.

Clancy told directors the EDC has two remaining conference tickets for the March Texas Legislation Conference (evening reception plus a Friday morning session). Director Boyle and another director confirmed they would use available tickets; one director said they would not attend this year. Clancy said he has already submitted one name and will forward badge and logistic details to attendees.

Staff also said the Mega Regional forum — a regional convening of multiple economic-development partners including Opportunity Austin and Greater SATX — is scheduled for April 10 at Texas State University’s Grand Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clancy asked interested board members to email him; he will forward the formal invitation and RSVP information. The board discussed how to handle quorum/attendance so the group could participate without conducting EDC business at the external events.

No formal motions were required beyond scheduling and RSVPs. Staff will send meeting invitations and registration details to board members by email.","Directors accepted two remaining tickets to the Texas Legislation Conference and staff said they will email details about an April Mega Regional forum at Texas State University. Attendance will be handled to avoid violating open-meeting rules.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":46,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6114901,"EDC staff seeks $34,000 in software subscriptions to centralize incentive tracking and business-recruitment tools",1131,3595000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2741149-72a7b45edf6900279a6f9b223f98bd5b&start=2464&end=3595","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2741149-72a7b45edf6900279a6f9b223f98bd5b/thumbnail_2464000.jpg","/articles/6114901/Cibolo-City/Guadalupe-County/Texas/EDC-staff-seeks-34000-in-software-subscriptions-to-centralize-incentive-tracking-and-business-recruitment-tools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114901-2c91eb18c1706e04b2f6728292da352d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776424570&Signature=ZOTZVGiIC3rBMhfkfFUJmVC5IpOeFD51gLNvDc-xhsTeB8C2Y-38e3B4Zkn4jdIZobAenFqAY8uU-6KNCnrCFk5mhAIAKmh9G62Snkehwv3vzpOcIDe4qD4tyb~Vf314ocE7tugmNVrR0ry~sG7OYw7CJSvRYOpTIXnbR9ctIYHQBjREHEZ38lagWf-UyHvCkgCbXGWgj0cOI4ugVUPECYed0Jv-kuNlQQtcufaKsTty5CypTAeJ5oQAEP3ifZ0dlhNkC8HmjgFrloYxnidFVHA1hEvPPMsCguoIfHmdYvzUBiKm846zdrFXDkl3ypIeoF~lNm9FGRB9BKWSevTX7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","EDC staff presented a proposal to buy several software subscriptions intended to centralize incentive- and compliance-tracking, improve business recruitment and retention analytics, and provide a public-facing real-estate listing tool.

Clancy told the board the EDC currently lacks a centralized tool for incentive compliance tracking, business recruitment metrics and return-on-investment modeling. The proposal bundles several modules — incentive/compliance tracking, BRE (business retention and expansion) tools, ROI/incentive modeling and a real-estate listing platform — and staff said one vendor’s combined offering covers much of the department’s needs.

Staff presented a preliminary annual cost estimate of about $34,000 for the full suite and said that letting existing contracts expire would reduce recurring costs by about $10,000, yielding a net increase of roughly $24,000 annually. Staff also reported an approximately $12,000 savings on the foot-traffic tool through vendor consolidation. The proposal would be a multiyear subscription (three years), allowing full implementation and evaluation over time.

Board members asked procurement and technical questions: how much data entry would be required, whether the vendors are cloud based, data ownership on contract termination and whether any modules are sole-source. Staff said existing incentive and BRE databases would be migrated into the new system during onboarding, that the software is web-based and that the EDC would retain administrative access to historic data if a subscription ended. Staff confirmed they are coordinating with the procurement manager and the city’s IT review.

Directors directed staff to continue procurement diligence, seek required quotes and return with an actionable recommendation. The board did not take an immediate procurement vote; instead the board asked staff to proceed with due diligence and return next month with preferred vendors, procurement steps and an implementation timeline.","EDC staff presented a package of software licenses to automate incentive compliance, business retention and recruitment tracking, and real-estate listings. Staff estimated a $34,000 annual subscription cost with about $10,000 in subscription reductions from replaced services; procurement and implementation steps were approved to continue.","actionData","errors"]

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Cibolo EDC debates scope, caps and safeguards for new small-business retention grant

EDC members sign up for Texas legislation conference; staff to circulate Mega Regional forum details

EDC staff seeks $34,000 in software subscriptions to centralize incentive tracking and business-recruitment tools