Morton creates code-compliance grant program, approves ordinance and awards grant for new Jimmy John’s site

The Village of Morton approved a resolution to create a code-compliance grant program, passed an ordinance assigning administration responsibilities, and awarded a grant connected to the relocation of a Jimmy John’s restaurant to a new development site. Village staff said the changes are intended to speed up code-required upgrades such as grease traps and fire-prevention systems for businesses renovating existing buildings. "Basically, this is a kind of a separation out of the business district building improvement grant," the village administrator said, explaining staff would review code-related grant applications and make recommendations to the board. The board approved Resolution 16-26 creating the program and Ordinance 26-09 amending Morton Municipal Code section 2-8-5 to clarify the role of the business district in administering the code-compliance grants. Following passage of the resolution and ordinance, the board approved an award of a code-compliance grant to Oregon Clark JJ Development Company, doing business as Jimmy John’s, which is moving to the new development area identified in staff materials. Village staff said the program aims to provide upfront funding for costly, code-required items — particularly grease traps and fire-prevention equipment — so that renovations move forward more quickly and avoid downstream plumbing and drainage problems. "The biggest thing is you do have to have a prior appointment," staff said when explaining related procedures for a separate county program; regarding the grant program staff noted that "you'd be shocked what $10,000 even on a million dollars is to somebody" as an example of the typical grant scale. Staff also cited federal EPA regulatory requirements for fats, oils and grease as part of the rationale for earlier, engineered grease-trap installations. Board members called for early coordination with the fire chief and building contractors so installations are durable and do not create problems for neighboring units. The award to the Jimmy John’s operator was passed by roll call; the motion carried. The ordinance establishing the code and the resolution creating the grant program also passed by roll call votes. The board directed that staff continue to bring individual grant requests and rationale to the board for approval and that staff work with the business district commission and fire chief on review and implementation.