The Scappoose Economic Development Committee recommended that the Urban Renewal Agency approve a grant for Columbia Feed and Supply’s exterior rehabilitation project, but tabled a second application from Winston Sandino for façade and awning work at 52555 Columbia River Highway until the applicant supplies more bids and materials details.

Committee members pressed both applicants for clearer bids, local contractor outreach and final aesthetic plans before the Agency makes a funding decision. The committee noted the urban renewal grant program’s reimbursement rules — grants fund up to 50% of eligible project costs and are paid on reimbursement — and that the grant fund balance available now is smaller than the combined requests.

The committee’s recommendation on Columbia Feed and Supply is contingent on the applicant obtaining additional contractor quotes for doors, asphalt and other work and documenting attempts to secure three bids where required. Staff said the program reimburses up to 50% of eligible project costs and that if an approved project later submits a lower qualifying bid the reimbursement will be limited to the lower bid amount. Committee members discussed the account balance: the two applications totaled $82,902.50 and the grant fund held $75,889, pending an upcoming July 1 deposit to the fund.

Jonathan Mask, owner of Columbia Feed and Supply, told the committee he plans exterior siding upgrades, new windows and doors, an awning feature at the main entrance, gutter and painting work and limited asphalt repairs; he provided two bids and asked the committee to consider reimbursement for up to half the project. “This will be very inviting, welcoming, kinda like a front porch sort of display,” Mask said of the storefront improvements. Mask said he had two bids for the main construction work, and one last-minute bid for asphalt, and that the grant program reimburses on a reimbursement basis.

Winston Sandino, owner of the building at 52555 Columbia River Highway, proposed replacing and adding awnings, new gooseneck lighting, double‑pane windows, new exterior doors and planters, and modifying tiles at the building top to reflect a historic look. Sandino described the building as roughly 5,000 square feet with four upstairs apartments and two retail spaces; he said he had two contractor bids and was still seeking a third. “If we make these improvements to this block of commercial, hopefully other buildings can do the same and improve that block,” Sandino said.

Committee members asked applicants to seek at least three bids where practicable and to prefer local contractors when possible. Members also asked for clearer renderings, color/material samples and confirmation that ineligible items (for example, signage or mailboxes flagged in the discussion) be removed from the grant ask. The committee moved to recommend Columbia Feed and Supply’s application to the Urban Renewal Agency, contingent on additional documented quotes and compliance with the grant’s reimbursement rules; the committee then voted to table Sandino’s application pending additional bids, local outreach and more detailed materials and aesthetic information.

The committee discussed timing: staff said the Urban Renewal Agency will consider allocations in August and that the grant fund has one additional deposit on July 1. Staff also advised applicants that the committee is making recommendations only; the Urban Renewal Agency makes final funding decisions.

Next steps: staff will inform applicants of the committee’s conditions; Columbia Feed and Supply may supply additional quotes and documentation to finalize reimbursement amounts, and Sandino was asked to return with more bids and clearer material/visual plans. The committee scheduled a follow-up meeting in July and asked staff to include updated bid packages in the packet for the Urban Renewal Agency review.