Council Acts On Business Grants

The regular February Kimball City Council meeting included discussion on Business Facade Grants and Business Infrastructure Grants.

Former Flower Haven owner Kay McBride asked for an explanation for denying her infrastructure grant reimbursement on the roof at the business. After a lengthy discussion, the council returned McBride's reimbursement request to the Loan Advisory Board.

The council appointed Keith Jones as the latest member of the Loan Advisory Board.

Receiving infrastructure or facade grants were A & L Holding LLC, Days Inn and the Farm Bureau. The council denied several grants due to late filing of receipts, not following guidelines and previous approval.

The council made changes on facade and infrastructure grants by capping the amount available per year to $25,000 combined facade and infrastructure for each property ID number.

In addition, the council approved the renaming of the Demolition & Reclamation Program to The Kimball Property Improvement Program, which provides "assistance for the demolition of commercial and residential properties." The purpose is to "create jobs, retain existing jobs, contribute to sales tax base, contribute to the property tax base, and to provide essential products or services."

Sophomores students from Potter-Dix Post Prom requested Keno funds from the council. The group received $300 in Keno grants and must serve 25 hours of community service for the donation. Their application stated that they "will use the money to support a local business for purchasing food and prizes."

Council approved an ordinance to create an office of Deputy Clerk/Treasurer. The position would not require a new hire.

Resident Jamie Bright requested that the City live stream all c meetings, including the Board of Public Works.

According to Economic Director Elyse Schlake, since Oct. 1, $240,000 of an available $450,000 has been spent on grants and loans.