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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9.1 Motion to approve the planned spending of the American Rescue Plan Grant as proposed.Mr�GauC �'d'+rt;�iect Item Cover Page plannedSubject Motion to approve the .- of the American Rescue Plan Grant as proposed. Meeting March 1, 2022 - REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT VILLAGE BOARD - Fiscal Impact true Dollar Amount $7,027,870 Budget Source American Rescue Plan Grant Category. Type Action Item Information The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into an Act on March 11, 2021, and the Village was awarded $7 Million in the ARP Funding. The Village received $3.5 million (50 percent) from the U.S. Treasury in May 2021 and the remaining amount will be received in May 2022. The awarded sum can be used for the following qualified uses: • To respond to the coronavirus health impacts or economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, nonprofits, and impacted industries including hospitality, travel, and tourism. • To provide premium pay for essential workers up to $13 an hour with an annual cap of $25,000. • To cover for lost revenue in providing services. The final rule offers a standard allowance for revenue loss of $10 million, allowing recipients to select between a standard amount of revenue loss or complete a full revenue loss calculation. Recipients that select the standard allowance may use that amount for government services. • To make investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. • Funds cannot be used to cover lost revenues if the losses were due to a tax cut. In addition, funds cannot be used to cover pension shortfalls. • The awarded grant amount will have to be spent by December 2024. 1 The Village Board and the Finance Commission discussed the preliminary spending plan proposed by the staff in 2021. The Plan is now revised and presented herewith based on the new information and circumstances. In the previous Plan, a $5.0 million investment in the new Community Connection Center was proposed. The Village and its broker tried to engage the owner of certain real estate, but did not receive any response. The location was crucial and would allow the development of the new Community Connection Center within the budget. To develop the new Community Connection Center anywhere else is cost -prohibitive. Also, the Village needs to use the American Rescue Plan by December 31, 2024. Since the Village could not obtain the proposed location, the Village is eliminating the investment in the Community Connection Center from the American Rescue Plan at this time. The Village is still researching the idea of a new Community Connection Center in southern Mount Prospect and is hoping to fund the same from the TIF and other revenue sources in the near future. At the same time, certain key projects proposed in the Community Investment Plan do not have established funding at this time. One such project is an interconnect with the Northwest Water Commission. The proposed project costs around $5.5 million and would provide an alternative water supply for the Village of Mount Prospect. A memo describing the interconnect project from Sean Dorsey, Director of Public Works, is attached herewith. Staff is proposing the American Rescue Plan programming as indicated below: 2 2022 2023 2024 Total American Rescue Plan Human Services Police Social Worker 82,600 84,252 85,937 252,789 Behavioral Health Subsidy 35,000 38,500 42,350 Program 1151850 Emergency Assistance 75,000 75,000 25,000 Program 175,000 Dial -a -Bus Program 100,000 100,000 100,000 300,000 Other Programs 50,000 119,616 169,616 339,231 Housing Stabilization 20,000 50,000 50,000 Program 120,000 Total Human Services 362,600 467,368 472,903 Department 1,302,870 2 Public Works Interconnect with Northwest 5,300,000 Water Commission5,300,000 Total Public Works 5,300,000 - - 5,300,000 Community & Economic Development Job Recruitment & Retention 100,000 100,000 Program 200,000 Green Building Grant 100,000 50,000 Program 150,000 Website Improvement 50,000 25,000 - Program 75,000 Total Community & 250,000 175,000 - 425,000 Economic Development Grant Total 1 5,912,6001 64 472,903 7,027,87 Recently, the Human Services Department conducted a needs assessment for the Human Service programing. Based on feedback received from the Community, Human Services staff proposed the above -listed programs. All of these programs are reflected in a memo provided by Julie Kane, Director of Human Services, herewith. The remaining funds from the American Rescue Plan will be used for the Community and Economic Development Programs as listed above. The program details are also attached herewith in the memo provided by Bill Cooney, Director of Community & Economic Development. Staff will be presenting the American Rescue Plan items to the Finance Commission on February 24, 2022. Staff will provide the feedback from the Finance Commission on the proposed plan at the meeting. Upon approval of the plan, staff will initiate the implementation of the plan. Alternatives 1. Approve the proposed spending of the American Rescue Plan Grant 2. Action at the discretion of the Village Board Staff Recommendation Staff recommends the Village Board approve the proposed spending plan of the KJ American Rescue Plan Grant. ATTACHMENTS: American Rescue Plan - Memo - 2022-02-17 AT.pdf Village of Mount Prospect Mount Prospect, Illinois 11►���:Z�l��[y�►/1�► [�1:�e1►1�1�1►/1 TO: MICHAEL CASSADY — VILLAGE MANAGER, NELLIE BECKNER — ASST. VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: AMIT THAKKAR, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE DATE: FEBRUARY 17, 2022 SUBJECT: AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN Concerning the subject mentioned above, I hereby submit the following: a) The American Rescue Plan was signed into an Acton March 11, 2021, and the Village was awarded $7 Million in the ARP Funding. The Village received $3.5 million (50 percent) from the U.S. Treasury in May 2021 and the remaining amount will be received in May 2022. The awarded sum can be used for the following qualified uses: • To respond to the coronavirus health impacts or economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, nonprofits, and impacted industries including hospitality, travel, and tourism. • To provide premium pay for essential workers up to $13 an hour with an annual cap of $25,000. • To cover for lost revenue in providing services. The final rule offers a standard allowance for revenue loss of $10 million, allowing recipients to select between a standard amount of revenue loss or complete a full revenue loss calculation. Recipients that select the standard allowance may use that amount for government services. • To make investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. • Funds could not be used to cover lost revenues if the losses were due to a tax cut. In addition, funds cannot be used to cover pension shortfalls. • The awarded grant amount will have to be spent by December 2024. b) The Village Board and the Finance Commission discussed the preliminary Plan proposed by the staff in 2021. The Plan is now revised and presented herewith based on the new information and circumstances. In the previous Plan, a $5.0 million investment in the new Community Connection Center was proposed. The Village and its broker tried to engage the owner of certain real estate but did not receive any response. The location was crucial and would allow the development of the new Community Connection Center within the 5 budget. To develop the new Community Connection Center anywhere else is cost - prohibitive. Also, the Village needs to use the American Rescue Plan by December 31, 2024. Since the Village could not obtain the proposed location, the Village is eliminating the investment in the Community Connection Center from the American Rescue Plan at this time. The Village is still researching the idea of a new Community Connection Center in southern Mount Prospect and is hoping to fund the same from the TIF and other revenue sources in the near future. At the same time, certain key projects proposed in the Community Investment Plan do not have established funding at this time. One such project is an Interconnect with the Northwest Water Commission. The proposed project costs around $5.5 million and would provide an alternative water supply for the Village of Mount Prospect. A memo describing the Interconnect project from Sean Dorsey, Director of Public Works, is attached herewith. c) The Staff is proposing the American Rescue Plan programming as indicated below: Revised - Ani erica rn Re�s,cue P'larn Human services Police Social Worker ,32,600 94,252 85,,937 2521789 Behavioral Health Subsidy Program 35,000 38,500 42,,35,0 115�„aso Emergency Assistance IlPro,gram 75,000 75,000 25,000 1751000 Dial -a -Bus llProgram 100,000 100,000 1,00 000 3000000 Other Programs 50,,000 119,615 159,616, 3391231 Housing Sita bIiIization (Program 20,000 50,,WG 50,000 1201000 T tal Humrmarm Services Depraitmient 362,600 467,3 472,903 1,302,87 Northwest Water Commission Interconnect 5,30011000 - - 5,,3001000 Total Puiblic'Worl s 5,300,OW 5,300,0W Community & Economic Develonrnmernt Job Retention and Recruitment IlProgram 100,000 1100"000 _ 200,000 Green Building Grant IlPro,gram 100,000 50µ000 - 350,000 Website (Improvement IProgram 50,,000 25,000 - 75,000 T tail Comimfunity& Ecaiurmo mlcDevelcpment 250,OW 175,000 425, ,GrarntT tal 55,912,6W 642,369 472,903 7,027,970 2 6 d) Recently, the Human Services Department conducted a needs assessment for the Human Service programing. Based on feedback received from the Community, the Human Services Staff has proposed the above -listed programs. All of these programs are reflected in a Memo provided by Julie Kane, Director of Human Services, herewith. e) The remaining funds from the American Rescue Plan will be used for the Community and Economic Development Programs as listed above. The program details are also attached herewith in the memo provided by Bill Cooney, Director of Community & Economic Development. f) Staff will be presenting the American Rescue Plan items to the Finance Commission on February 24, 2022. The American Rescue Plan items will be presented to the Village Board in March 2022, and upon approval, staff will take appropriate actions to initiate the proposed programs. Respectfully Submitted, Amit Thakkar Director of Finance 3 7 Village of Mount Prospect Mount Prospect, Illinois 11►���:Z�l��[y�►/1�► [�1:�e1►1�1�1►/1 TO: MICHAEL CASSADY — VILLAGE MANAGER, NELLIE BECKNER — ASST. VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: SEAN DORSEY, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS DATE: FEBRUARY 17, 2022 SUBJECT: NORTHWEST WATER COMMISSION INTERCONNECT The Village owns and operates a water distribution system that provides potable water to approximately 42,000 residents at an average rate of 3.2 million gallons per day (MGD). Illinois American Water Company, a privately -owned utility regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission, provides water to the remainder of the community. The Village's primary source of drinking water is Lake Michigan. The Village is at the precipice of a reinvestment cycle necessary to retain the functionality and reliability of its emergency back-up (secondary) groundwater well system. All of the Village's five (5) wells will soon require large cash infusions to keep them operable. In addition, it is relevant to note that the chemistry of groundwater differs substantially from surface (Lake Michigan) water. Notably, groundwater is harder than surface water (has more dissolved minerals) and has different taste characteristics. When the Village relied on groundwater as its primary source of drinking water, many customers maintained water softeners in their homes and businesses to ameliorate these problems. Today, most softeners have been removed and customers are not prepared to treat hard drinking water. Also, monthly raw water sample results indicate that iron concentrations exceeding the maximum contaminant levels (MCL) are present at Wells #4 and #11. Groundwater from Well #5 should be pumped to waste for at least several hours before it can be put into the distribution system due to positive E. coli results. Lastly, if the Village anticipates utilizing the wells as a water source for an extended period, treatment for iron, radium and gross alpha should be implemented to assure compliance with regulatory MCLs. (NOTE: An extended period is approximately 30 days). This type of treatment equipment could cost $78 million. The Northwest Water Commission (NWC) is a joint action water agency similar in purpose and organization to the Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency (NSMJAWA). It distributes potable water drawn from Lake Michigan by the City of Evanston to the Villages of Palatine, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Wheeling. It also provides water to a portion of the City of Des Plaines. Its main pumping station is located just outside Mount Prospect 4 corporate boundaries near the intersection of Wolf Road and Kensington Road. Its primary distribution main dissects the Village, from east to west, along the Kensington Road right-of-way. This proximity to the Village of Mount Prospect water distribution system offers a unique opportunity to access a separate, distinct, ample source of fully treated, finished Lake Michigan drinking water. In essence, a second "straw" into Lake Michigan. On November 16 of last year, the Village Board awarded a contract to Burns & McDonnell consulting engineers to provide preliminary (Phase 1) and design engineering (Phase 2) for an interconnection. At the same meeting, the Village Board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Northwest Water Commission to share equally in the cost of this work. Burns & McDonnell's initial evaluation included four (4) alternative locations where NWC and Village transmission mains have proximity. The solution set has subsequently been refined to a preferred alternative that sites the new connection at the intersection of Elmhurst Avenue and Kensington Road. The preliminary engineer's opinion of probable cost (EOPC) for the interconnect alternatives is $5.3 million. Plans, specifications, and permits necessary to construct the interconnection are expected to be completed this fall, with winter or early spring 2023 construction likely. Staff expects to present the necessary intergovernmental agreements necessary to construct and operate the emergency interconnection to the Village Board this summer. Respectfully Submitted, Sean Dorsey Director of Public Works 5 9 MAYOR VILLAGE MANAGER Paul Wm. Hoefert Michael J. Cassady Mourn Prospect TRUSTEES DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES Agostino S. Filippone Julie Kane Terri Gens John J. Matuszak Peggy Pissarreck Phone: 847/870-5680 Richard F. Rogers Fax: 847/818-5321 Colleen E. Saccotelli www.mountprospect.org Village of Mountw M Human Services 50 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 TO: MICHAEL CASSADY, VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: JULIE KANE, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES ESTHER SALUTILLO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES DATE: FEBRUARY 14, 2022 SUBJECT: AMERICAN RESCUE ACT FUNDS- PROPOSED PROGRAMS The Human Services Department has played a key role in assisting residents affected by the COVID- 19 pandemic from March of 2020 to present. Throughout the pandemic, residents have received assistance and services to address a variety of needs. Funds from The American Rescue Act will allow for enhancement and support to existing services and the creation of new programs. A newly funded position and programs are proposed below to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations. Police Social Worker (Additional Position) The Police Social Work position provides support to both law enforcement and the community. Over the last ten years, this position has evolved from an offsite position that was dependent on case referrals from officers, to an onsite position at the Police Department. Having a Police Social Worker stationed at the Police Department has increased the utilization of this resource tremendously, allowing officers and other Police Department staff immediate access to assistance. Assistance from the Police Social Worker is often requested during crisis situations. Examples include providing support to victims of crime or their family members while they are at the police department, assisting the front desk with walk in inquiries of a social service nature, responding to calls involving mental health issues and consulting with officers on cases regarding social service/mental health issues. The Police Social Worker attends roll call on a regular basis and provides trainings on social service topics to department personnel as needed VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT Biujuse Phe Hoolth and Weliba q of our CarmmuRdIV Manor, 6 10 The Police Social Worker now has direct access to the police report writing system and can review reports daily in order to provide follow up for those incidents with a social service need. This has resulted in an approximate 400% increase in the number of social service -related cases, over the last ten years, which are handled by the Police Social Worker and other department social workers. Examples of the types of reports and cases that receive follow up include, but are not limited to, mental health issues, domestic violence, juvenile issues, child abuse/neglect, abuse and neglect of seniors, and incidents that may cause trauma for those experiencing or witnessing the incident. Most of the cases that come through Police contact are complex and require a significant amount of time. Various services such as crisis response, court advocacy, case management, and counseling support are often provided. There has been much discussion regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community well- being. One area of concern is the impact of COVID-19 on community mental health. Law Enforcement is increasingly finding themselves responding to calls for assistance that are mental health related. The addition of a second Police Social Work position will provide social service coverage for an extended period each day. A second shift social worker will be able to provide the same type of support to both officers and the community and allow for a more immediate response to both mental health calls and domestic violence situations, when needed, on the second shift. It will also provide residents greater access to services, including both crisis and counseling support. An additional position will allow for greater support and assistance to both law enforcement and the community. Behavioral Health Subsidy Program Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income residents who relied on Medicaid to access behavioral health services or who were uninsured/underinsured, experienced barriers and service gaps which prevented them from accessing services in a timely manner. These barriers and service gaps have been exacerbated as the overall need for behavioral services has increased, while these types of services remain underfunded. Residents covered under Medicaid, or who are uninsured/underinsured, are limited to accessing these behavioral health services at community mental health agencies such as Kenneth Young Center (Elk Grove Village) and Alexian Center for Mental Health (Arlington Heights). The increased need is evident in the current wait times to access mental health and psychiatry services, which is described below. Kenneth Young Center • Counseling for English speaking residents ages 3-24: six to seven month waitlist • Counseling for English speaking residents ages 25 and older: two to three month waitlist • Psychiatry: Clients must engage with a counselor at KYC before seeing a psychiatrist • Counseling for Spanish speaking clients: Waitlist is closed due lack of bilingual staff. It is unknown when they will begin to accept any new Spanish-speaking clients. Alexian Center for Mental Health 11 • Counseling for English speaking of all ages: six month waitlist • Counseling for Spanish speaking of all ages: One + year waitlist • Psychiatry for adults only: six month waitlist • Psychiatry not offered for children It is anticipated that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact wait times for the already limited behavioral health resources available for low -income and Medicaid insured residents. The lack of resources, appropriate treatment options and long wait times result in an increase in mental health crises in the community, prompting more calls to 911 for assistance. A Behavioral Health Subsidy program, modeled after an existing program at the Village of Arlington Heights, would provide more immediate access to care for those in need who meet eligibility criteria. Both a psychosocial and a financial assessment would be required to determine eligibility for the program. The Human Services Department will explore opportunities for negotiated rates with area behavioral health providers and develop program guidelines if this program is funded. Additionally, this program will fund transportation needs through a taxi voucher for residents who experience transportation as a barrier to access behavioral health services. Transportation barriers were identified in the Human Services Department survey and the Aging in Community survey as an issue some Mount Prospect residents face. This barrier was also reported by school social workers who addressed this need for students in the most recent Community Issues meeting hosted by the Human Services Department. As points of reference, PACE does not have public transportation routes from Village Hall or the Community Connections Center to Kenneth Young Center. Taking public transportation to Alexian Center for Mental Health from Mount Prospect would require two buses with a route that is an hour long. Emergency Assistance Program The Emergency Assistance program has been in existence for many years and has always functioned as a donation based program. The generosity of community members and civic organizations has been the backbone and strength of this program, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program guidelines were adjusted during the pandemic to allow for increased assistance for rent and food pantry distributions. We know that the impact of the pandemic will likely be felt by some residents for months to come. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the amount of assistance per resident was limited to ensure that funding remained available throughout the year. This often resulted in a resident who was experiencing a financial crisis having to apply to two or three different agencies for assistance in order to secure funding for a month's rent. Additional barriers such as transportation and taking time off from work, make it very difficult for residents to navigate multiple applications for assistance at different agencies. A secure funding mechanism for this program, in addition to community donations, would allow for an increase in the amount of assistance available per resident in need and would provide increased stability in managing the program. 12 Dial -a -Bus Program The Village of Mount Prospect has recently conducted two surveys; a Human Services Department Needs Assessment survey and an Aging in Community survey. Transportation was identified as a need and a barrier by residents of Mount Prospect in both of these surveys. The Human Services Department survey included a question about residents experiencing barriers to accessing services and a question requesting respondents to list any services that we do not currently provide that they thought the community could benefit from. Transportation was identified for those that indicated a barrier to accessing services. It was also identified as a service that the community could benefit from. Specifically, respondents included suggestions for a Mount Prospect shuttle, a need for more bus shelters and a need for PACE services to increase frequency. Transportation is a livability domain identified in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities. The Aging in Community survey targeted residents of Mount Prospect fifty five years of age and older and included a question on transportation which asked respondents to rate the transportation in Mount Prospect with regard to being accessible, convenient, affordable and timely. Percentage of responses falling into the Fair and Poor category are as follows: • Accessible rated as Fair or Poor by 40% of respondents • Convenient rated as Fair or Poor by 46% of respondents • Affordable rated as Fair of Poor by 31% of respondents • Timely rated as Fair or Poor by 42% of respondents Some of the transportation barriers include long and often unrealistic commute times on public transportation due indirect routes requiring multiple buses. More time efficient modes of transportation such as taxi cabs or Uber/Lyft rides are more costly and often unaffordable for lower income residents and seniors on a fixed income. Transportation programs currently in existence may have specific eligibility criteria, service areas, and types of service which do not meet the needs of all residents. Both Townships provide transportation programs for seniors and persons with disabilities. There are also programs for transportation to medical appointments. These programs serve a specific population and include geographic boundaries. The township Dial -A -Ride programs operate within their township boundaries. These programs do meet the needs of specific populations but limit the ability of seniors and persons with disabilities to access all of Mount Prospect, given that the community resides in two townships. A survey will be conducted to learn more about similar programs other communities have in place. A Dial -a -Bus pilot program, modeled after other successful programs, is proposed in order to provide transportation to Mount Prospect residents who experience transportation barriers. This program will promote equity and increase accessibility for all Mount Prospect residents and allow them to take advantage of all that Mount Prospect has to offer including services, programs, dining, entertainment and Village events which take place in different areas in Mount Prospect. Housing Stabilization Program 13 COVID-19 has continued to affect already fragile homeless prevention and housing stabilization programs. For families who experience sudden homelessness, shelters have become increasingly difficult to access due closures or limited capacity as a result of the pandemic. JOURNEYS The Road Home, the only emergency shelter program in this area, is currently operating on a limited basis with shelters available three days of the week due to COVID-19. Additionally, homeless prevention agencies often have limited funding, waitlists for temporary housing programs and lengthy application processes that increase the likelihood of a family experiencing eviction. An eviction will limit the ability to rent in the future and can perpetuate homelessness issues. The Housing Stabilization Program will be a collaboration with local homeless prevention agencies, including but not limited to Northwest Compass, Journey's the Road Home and Mount Prospect School District McKinney-Vento Homeless Act liaisons. These funds would assist with rent, security deposits and basic household needs in order to stabilize housing for local families that are at risk or have become homeless. Other Programs The funds set aside for Other Programs would be used to address any future services and programs that are identified as a community need by our department. Thank you for your consideration in utilizing funds from the American Rescue Act to support the Human Services Department and addressing the needs of Mount Prospect residents who were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 10 14 Village of Mount Prospect Community Development Department MEMORANDUM TO: MICHAEL J. CASSADY, VILLAGE MANAGER NELLIE BECKNER, ASSISTANT VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: WILLIAM J. COONEY, AICP, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DATE: FEBRUARY 14, 2022 SUBJECT: AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING ALLOCATIONS- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Background The Village was awarded 5.7 million dollars in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. The purpose of the funding is for public sector modernization, to alleviate some of the short-term financial trauma for residents and businesses in the community, and to rebuild for a stronger and more sustainable future. The Village has tentatively allocated $425,000_of these funds for economic development related initiatives. The funding must be utilized by the 2024 calendar year. This memo outlines staff recommendations to distribute funds to best serve the business community. Information Financial Summary of the Proposed Programs: Program 2022 Funding ($) 2023 Funding ($) New Construction Job Recruitment and Retention Program 100,000 100,000 Green Building Grant Program 100,000 50,000 Website Improvement Program 50,000 25,000 New Retail Construction Job Recruitment and Retention Program: The Coronavirus outbreak has had a significant impact on local businesses ability to hire workers as many prospective employees have remained out of the labor market. Small businesses have had particular difficulty recruiting and retaining their labor force, especially new businesses. This labor shortage has contributed to the delayed opening of several new businesses in the downtown district including the Caputo's grocery in the Maple Street Lofts project and the Egg Jam Cafe in the 20 West project. Given the importance of both of these retail locations to the overall downtown commercial district, staff is proposing to create an incentive program to attract and retain workers to support these businesses. A downtown grocer is a top priority item per the Village's Strategic Plan. To help Caputo's open the store location without delay, the Village would sponsor a pilot program to incentivize the hiring of Mount Prospect residents and others to ensure adequate staffing. The Village believes this program could bridge the gap of finding full 11 15 and part time employees for Caputo's and potentially other new retail businesses opening up in the future in the downtown district.. Program guidelines could include the following: a) The program would be funded from the American Rescue Plan. An initial amount of $200,000 would be allocated for the pilot program. b) The amount allocated needs to be utilized by June of 2024. Any unutilized amount will be used to fund an appropriate capital project between June 2024 and December 2024. c) The Village would pay a recruitment and retention bonus up to $1,000 for each hired employee at the qualifying business subject to following terms and conditions: a. The business would be eligible to be reimbursed for the recruitment and retention bonuses upon hiring of an employee. Mount Prospect residents will have priority hiring for the first 30 days of the recruitment.. b. The reimbursement amount would be paid in two installments. The first installment ($500 per employee) would be paid upon successful hiring and initiation of work at the business. Preferably, the business would pay first installment to the eligible employee on their first pay check. c. The second installment (remaining $500) would be paid by the Village after 6 months (if the employee is still employed at the business). The business would pay the second installment to the eligible employees on their first paycheck after completion of six months. d. The business would have to submit the proof of payment for each installment and would be reimbursed by the Village. e. The business would be responsible for any tax consequences and payroll tax liabilities arising out of sign -on bonuses payable to the employees. f. The Village retains the right to edit the program as needed. Green Building Grant Program: Due to the gradual shift of existing business operations to sustainable sourced products and materials, the Village proposes to offer a matching grant for existing businesses or commercial and industrial property owners that improve, buildout, or remodel a property or interior tenant space with sustainable materials or features. The applicants will be required to demonstrate a reduction in net energy usage, or the utilization of renewable energy. The amount or matching percentage is currently being evaluated at this time, but the intention of the grant is to incentivize property owners and businesses to `think green' and begin implementing sustainable practices and features into business operations. Examples of qualifying materials or features include: - EV charging stations - Green roofs - Rooftop or ground mounted solar panels - Recycled and sustainable insulation - Mycoform technology - Electrochromic glass - Rainwater harvesting - Water efficient fittings - Geothermal heating and cooling - Micro wind turbines Ineligible costs would include: - Payroll - Day -day operational costs (non-renewable operations) - Utility tax payments - Refuse management - Rent/mortgage payments 12 16 The applicant would schedule a pre -application meeting, submit a complete application (to be provided at a later date), and obtain approval from the Village Board. The business would be reimbursed for the qualifying work once a certificate of completion is granted by the Village. Website Develoament Proaram: According to Hubspot, which is a leading marketing, sales, and service software company, 88% of online consumers are not likely to return to a website after a bad experience. A website acts as a 24/7 salesman, and is one of the most powerful assets of a businesses' marketing efforts. Whether a business is looking to improve website appearance, conversion rates, or overall site traffic, improving a businesses' website can have a huge impact overall. The Village proposes to offer a matching in-kind grant to qualifying businesses for a third party consultant to design and implement a new or improved business website. The business would provide a cost estimate detailing the project and overview of the improvements. The Village would reimburse costs up to a matched amount, based on payments to the third party. The business will have to publish the improvements on their website prior to reimbursement. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to: - Web design - Web development - Search engine optimization - Content/marketing creation (infographics, marketing items, social media) - Consulting Ineligible costs include, but are not limited to: - Payroll - Day-to-day operations - Rent Next Steps: If the Village Board is supportive of these programs, staff would work with the Economic Development Commission to fine tune each program's guidelines to ensure that they are beneficial to the business community and are practical to implement. 13 17