Santa Fe EDC approves BEAR grants for two businesses, including multi-tenant sign with electronic message center

The Santa Fe Economic Development Corporation voted March 31 to award BEAR grant funding to two local businesses: AMRSI Properties Lehi for a multi-tenant sign with an electronic message center and Relaxation Remedy LLC (doing business as DVA Santa Fe Soap Factory) for a storefront sign.

The board approved AMRSI Properties’ application during discussion of agenda item 6(a). Board members said the proposed multi-tenant sign would include signage for four businesses and a 3-foot-by-8-foot electronic message center intended for community messages such as festival and parade notices. In roll call on that item, Johnny Helvinstel voted yes; Matt Crabill abstained, saying, “My employer has a business relationship with the applicant”; Gary O’Connell, Pam Schwartner, Gary Somerville and Bob Wiley voted yes. The motion carried.

Board members discussed financial safeguards and return-on-investment (ROI) expectations during the AMRSI review. One board member said the combined sales tax from the four businesses would return the EDC’s investment within about two years. Another speaker noted the property employs about 15 people and that the BEAR agreement contains a clawback provision: if the property is sold during the two-year payback period, the EDC’s award would be repaid “right off the top.”

For Relaxation Remedy LLC (DVA Santa Fe Soap Factory), the board approved the lower bid of $3,262.46 and added a permit-fee allowance not to exceed $350. The board’s motion specified the award amount and the permit cap; members discussed seeking a waiver from the city manager but ultimately moved to include the permit allowance in the award and directed staff to follow up with City Hall about a possible waiver. Roll call on that item was recorded as unanimous yes votes by the members present; the motion carried.

Board discussion on the permit issue noted two points: permit fees are assessed by City Hall and can vary by project cost, and the EDC can either include the permit in the award or request a waiver from the city manager. The board agreed staff would contact the city manager’s office to explore a waiver and otherwise handle permit coordination so approved applicants could proceed without delay.

Terry O’Connell, who reviewed the applicant’s materials and a photo supplied before the meeting, described the proposed electronic message center’s availability for community posts: “baseball, heritage festival, parades, whatever is community,” she said, indicating the applicant told her the marquee would be available for community messaging. Pam Schwartner told the board the Soap Factory owner and employees have “strong roots in the Santa Fe community” and called the award “a win-win.”

Actions taken were limited to the two BEAR grant awards and associated conditions; no city ordinance or external approvals were adopted at the meeting. Board members flagged the permit-fee process as a potential future policy question for the EDC to handle on a case-by-case basis.

Votes at a glance: AMRSI Properties Lehi — approved (roll call: Helvinstel yes; Crabill abstain; O’Connell yes; Schwartner yes; Somerville yes; Wiley yes). Relaxation Remedy LLC / DVA Santa Fe Soap Factory — approved (award $3,262.46; permit allowance up to $350; roll call: unanimous yes among members present).

The board moved on after approving item 6(b) and returned to announcements and adjournment.