Chamber seeds $100,000 downtown improvement program; application details adjusted

The Joint Beautification/Lake, Parks, and Recreation Committee discussed a Chamber-funded Downtown Business Improvement Program May 19, including eligibility rules, application formatting, and timing for awards. The Chamber is providing $100,000 to start the program.

John Rassel, the Chamber representative, asked whether roof repair or replacement would qualify as a façade improvement. Co-Chairman Rachel Fuller said a roof that faces the street would qualify, but a flat roof would not. Committee members asked that the program title be added to the application and requested a total-project-cost line.

Member Chuck Mueller suggested removing a strict Building Permit Approval requirement; the committee agreed to instead require Plan Commission approval if applicable. Jeff Schultz (25 Hickory Dr.) asked whether there is a timeframe for applications and whether approved projects can be changed after approval. Fuller said the application mimics the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) application process: there are limited application windows and approved funds must be spent within a required timeframe, and any post-approval changes would require additional approval.

The committee did not take a final funding action at the meeting; the application language will be updated to reflect the requested changes and brought forward for subsequent review.