Live Oak EDC approves $5,000 Visual Improvement Program reimbursement for Hampton Inn

The City of Live Oak Economic Development Corporation on Jan. 28 approved a $5,000 reimbursement to Selma 3030 LLC for landscaping and site improvements at the Hampton Inn & Suites under the EDC's Visual Improvement Program.

The reimbursement, proposed under Resolution 2025-02, covers part of a larger $27,000 landscaping project the applicant completed at the hotel's front parking and entry area. Staff said the work removed old shrubs and debris, added decorative rock, planters, metal art, a pet-waste station and a small fire-pit-style feature with benches.

"We have Hampton Inn, and Suites, here tonight asking for some visual improvement assistance on some landscaping," City staff member Ms. Louder said during the meeting. She told directors the applicant solicited three bids and selected N & B Lawn, Home and Garden for the $27,000 contract and was requesting the program maximum of $5,000. The staff presentation included photos described as the "finished product," showing larger river rock, decorative flat rock and a mix of metal and live plants.

Directors who spoke at the meeting endorsed the project and its cost-sharing. "If they've spent $27,000 already into the project and we're only contributing $5,000 out of it, I'm all for it," Director Rohrer said. Director Streets and Director Simmons also called the improvements "marvelous" and "a nice improvement." Brandon Rumfield, identified as the Hampton Inn manager, was present for questions.

A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded; the board approved the reimbursement (motion carried 4-0). The resolution authorizes a reimbursement payment directly to the owner, Selma 3030 LLC, in the amount of $5,000 in connection with the Visual Improvement Program. No effective date beyond the meeting record was specified in the staff presentation.

The EDC's Visual Improvement Program provides partial reimbursements for eligible façade and landscaping projects; in this instance staff confirmed the project contractor and the total project price but did not supply before photos at the meeting. Staff excused an accounts director from participation in that item's proceedings; the meeting record shows the presenter recused that staff member before discussion began.

The EDC moved on to another item after the vote; no further conditions, contingencies or implementation deadlines for this reimbursement were recorded in the meeting transcript.

The board's action is limited to issuing the reimbursement under the local program; any additional permits or approvals required by other city departments were not discussed during the EDC agenda item.