Reso 2021-025 COVID19 Appropriation to business and community needs

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WHEREAS, due to restrictions on business operations enacted by the State, County, and City in order to promote public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, local small businesses are struggling financially; and WHEREAS, on November 10, 2020, the County of Alameda authorized the use of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in Federal CARES Act funds for the County of Alameda CARES Act Grant Program, as well as up to Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) to match contributions made by Alameda County incorporated cities to the program; and WHEREAS, on December 14, 2020, the City of San Leandro authorized the transfer of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) in budgeted business incentive funds for the Alameda County CARES Grant Program, which were matched by Alameda County, for a total of $300,000 in grants to 60 San Leandro businesses; and WHEREAS, City of San Leandro businesses were also a part of the general selection pool for the Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) allocated by the County of Alameda for grants; and WHEREAS, small businesses located in an incorporated city in the County of Alameda that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and that have twenty-five (25) or fewer employees and are not part of a chain are eligible, subject to the restrictions and limitations outlined in the program; and WHEREAS, approximately 660 small businesses in San Leandro applied for the county grant, showing that there is a great need for business assistance; and WHEREAS, at their meeting of December 14, 2020, the City Council directed staff to evaluate the amount of City reserve funds to provide grants to additional businesses in need who were not able to be funded under the County program; and WHEREAS, the City Council also directed staff to evaluate whether there are additional unmet community needs that are not otherwise being addressed by the City and may need immediate assistance from reserve funds. NOW, THEREFORE THE CITY OF SAN LEANDRO CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES that the above recitals are true and correct and made a part of this resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council that the City of San Leandro will direct a total of $400,000 from the General Fund Reserves to provide grants to businesses that have applied to the Alameda County CARES Small Business Grant program, and who have not previously received a grant from the San Leandro Small Business Continuity Grant Program. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council that: 1. Grant awardees will be selected in keeping with the parameters of the County of Alameda CARES Act Grant Program, and not all who apply will receive a grant. 2. Full program details for allocation of City funds will be developed by City staff in accordance with the County program, as applicable. 3. During the existence of the declared local emergency, the powers, functions, and duties of the City Manager, acting as Director of Emergency Services, and the emergency organization RESOLUTION NO. 2021-025 2