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Florence City staff: selection committee does not recommend downtown UPFIT grant; council takes no action
Summary
City staff reported the selection committee reviewed a single UPFIT grant application for a smartphone-repair business at West Evans and Irby Street and did not recommend approval; the resolution introduced for the grant did not proceed to a recorded approval and was not acted on at the meeting.
Mayor (unnamed) introduced Resolution 2025-45, described as approving a downtown development/redevelopment grant for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, but the council took no formal action after staff reported the selection committee’s recommendation.
Clint, a city staff member, told the council that the selection committee met to review one application for an UPFIT grant for a proposed smartphone-repair business at the corner of West Evans and Irby Street and that “the committee does not recommend the approval of this UPFIT grant.” He said staff would continue to work with interested businesses on other available incentives.
Council members sought clarity on the procedural status of the resolution after the report. One council member noted that without a valid motion and second an item “just simply dies,” and the mayor later stated on the record that the item died for lack of a second. No vote to approve Resolution 2025-45 was recorded.
City staff outlined alternative downtown incentives available to prospective business owners, including design grants to assist with floor plans and layouts, a sign grant for exterior signage, a first-year business-license discount and free trash service for five years. Clint encouraged prospective applicants to review the Downtown Florence packet and meet with staff for help with business plans and a SWOT analysis.
The meeting moved on to other business and ultimately adjourned without a council vote on Resolution 2025-45.
The council adjourned later in the meeting; staff said they would assist interested entrepreneurs seeking downtown support.
