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Groves EDC approves small-business grant reimbursements, reviews finances and property-code notices
Summary
At an October meeting, the Groves Economic Development Corporation approved multiple grant reimbursements for local businesses, reviewed sales-tax trends and an EDC transfer to cover debt service for a new fire station, and discussed forthcoming property-code notices for dilapidated structures.
Groves Economic Development Corporation members approved several small-business grant reimbursements, reviewed fiscal-year financials through December and discussed upcoming property-code enforcement at their most recent meeting.
The board voted to reimburse multiple businesses under the EDC grant program, including a $4,669.75 reimbursement to Lot of This and That at 3700 Main Avenue for advertising, exterior remodeling and signage; a $2,500 reimbursement to Super's Paradise for advertising and event promotion; a $500 reimbursement to a business at 4343 Lincoln Avenue for advertising; and a $508.89 reimbursement to G Villa Insurance for promotional items. All reimbursement motions recorded at the meeting were approved.
The financial report covered sales-tax receipts for October through December and a projected, unaudited fund balance for the EDC’s October–September fiscal year. Staff noted the current year is roughly $4,500 behind the same point last year but described the overall trend as “very strong” compared with historical receipts. The board heard that the EDC transfers funds to the city to cover debt service on a 20-year note issued for a new fire station; this year’s payment total was stated as $579,950.
Board members also discussed the city’s property-code process for addressing dangerous or hazardous structures. Staff said certified notices have been sent to some owners and that the city expects the enforcement process to move forward within about a month. Separately, members described turnover and new openings in the downtown strip center on Main Avenue, noting several incoming businesses and a nearby Goodwill project.
Victor Garcia, introduced at the meeting as the manager of Lot of This and That, addressed the board about his store’s planned improvements and said the grant funds would go toward repairs and remodeling. “I appreciate all the money that y’all have helped me before and hopefully this time. I'm hoping to purchase 3720 Main. It's been needing a lot of repairs for a while,” Garcia said.
Members discussed program rules for advertising vs. sponsorships. Staff reiterated written guidelines limit what the EDC will reimburse: standard advertising and promotional materials may qualify but outright event sponsorships and some giveaway items have been restricted in past decisions. Board members said they plan workshops for incoming permanent members to explain EDC authority, eligible uses of funds and administrative procedures.
The board approved the minutes from the Sept. 23 and Oct. 21 meetings and scheduled the regular EDC meeting to follow the city council’s fourth-week meeting each month; special meetings or workshops may be added as needed. A proposal to provide board materials electronically (for example, tablets or laptops) was offered and staff said they would gather proposals for the board to review.
The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
