Buckeye council approves $34,500 Catalyst grant for Snap Fitness mural and facade work

The Buckeye City Council on an unanimous vote approved $34,500 from the Economic Development Catalyst Program to help fund stucco work and a mural on a trash enclosure at the Snap Fitness location at 9th and Monroe.

The Catalyst Program approved the request during the meeting after an Economic Development staff presentation that outlined the program—s goals and recent updates. Susie Boyles, the city—s economic development director, told the council the program was established more than 10 years ago to promote exterior rehabilitation and facade improvements of commercial properties and has offered grants up to $50,000 per qualifying project.

"Over the years, we have had great success on a return on investment through this program," Boyles said, noting the city has invested just under $950,000 through the program and that private businesses have followed with more than $1.7 million in private investment. Boyles said the project before council has a total estimated cost of $46,100, of which Snap Fitness is requesting $34,500 from the Catalyst program and will provide the remainder.

The Snap Fitness application requests stucco to create a smooth surface on the trash enclosure to allow an artist to paint a mural; the business says it is partnering with Arizona Tattoo to provide the art. Miranda Gomez, the city—s community services director, said the mural would be reviewed through the city—s forthcoming public art program; colors or details could change during that review, but the concept would remain the same.

"In the next budget cycle, my department will be requesting funding to complete an art and culture master plan," Gomez said, and staff expect that master plan to produce recommendations for public-art requirements and citywide capital improvements.

City staff told council the Catalyst Program remains funded by a $250,000 annual allocation, awards remain capped at $50,000 per qualifying project, and the city added an administrative limit that no single parcel may receive more than $50,000 in Catalyst awards within any three-year period. Staff also said projects approved by council must be completed within one year; applicants may request a single six-month extension with written justification.

Council discussion included a question from Councilman Goodman on whether the program should require a public-art contribution for Catalyst-funded projects; Boyles said the program has not required that but welcomed input from community services as the public art program is finalized. Staff said this application would act as a pilot for that public-art process.

Samuel (last name not specified), a city economic development staff member, was identified as continuing outreach to downtown businesses to encourage applications; staff said the first application window opens in February and will close March 31.

A motion to approve agenda item 6a carried unanimously. The council did not record roll-call votes by name during the final tally.

The approved award will now proceed through the city—s public-art review and the project permit process before physical work begins.