HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019.02.19 Economic Development Meeting Agenda Packet
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 – 5:15 PM
City of Dublin Civic Center
City Manager’s Conference Room (2nd floor)
100 Civic Plaza, Dublin
1.Call to Order
2.Public Comment
3.Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 17, 2018
The Committee will consider the approval of the minutes of the Economic Development Committee
Special meeting of July 17, 2018.
4.Downtown Work Plan Update
Staff will provide an update on the progress of the Downtown Work Plan, which was adopted by
the City Council on September 18, 2018.
5.Requests to Participate in the Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program
Staff will present two requests to participate in the Program. The requests are from: 1) the property
owner of Dublin Plaza retail center (Athens Burgers building); and 2) the business owner of
Amakara restaurant.
6.Consideration of Amendments to Business Incentive Programs
Staff will present and seek feedback on proposals to amend the Sewer Capacity Assistance and
the Small Business Assistance business incentive programs.
7.Key Development Projects and Proposals Update
Staff will provide an update on recent development projects and business openings and closures.
8.Economic Development Program and Events Update
Staff will provide an update on planning for the Yelp 101 Workshop, 2019 Business Anniversary
Recognition Program, Business Visitation Program, other programs and events.
9.Update on Regional Organizations
Staff will provide an update on the City’s participation and collaboration with regional organizations.
10.Request for Future Agenda Items
The Committee and/or Staff can make requests for future agenda items as an informational item
only. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2019 at 5:15 p.m.
11.Adjournment
MINUTES OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING - July 17, 2018
A special meeting of the Economic Development Committee was held on July 17, 2018, in the City
Manager’s Conference Room of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 5:17 p.m.
by Mayor Haubert.
1.Call to Order
PRESENT:Mayor Haubert and Councilmember Gupta
ABSENT:None
2.Public Comment
None.
3.Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meetings of April 3, 2018 and April 18, 2018
ACTION: By consensus, the Committee approved the minutes of the Special meeting on April 3,
2018 and the Special meeting on April 18, 2018.
4.Request to Participate in the Small Business Assistance Program
Staff presented the application from World of Beer to participate in the City’s incentive program.
ACTION: By consensus, the Committee approved a grant not to exceed $21,000 for accessibility
improvements.
5.Urban Land Institute Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) Report Update
Staff provided an update on the status of the report from the Urban Land Institute’s Technical
Advisory Panel. The report will be included as part of a presentation to the City Council on
Downtown Dublin in the coming months.
6.Update on Business Anniversary Recognition Program
Staff provided an update on the Business Anniversary Recognition Program which will be held at
7:30 AM on Tuesday, August 28.
7.Key Projects Update
Staff provided an update on recent development activities including:
•Amalfi Mediterranean Fusion restaurant recently opened adjacent to Rahma Mediterranean
Market located on Village Parkway.
•Sourdough & Co., a fast-casual restaurant, located at Fallon Gateway shopping center
recently opened.
Item 3
• Inc. 82, located on San Ramon Rd., opened a new taproom where patrons can do tastings.
The taproom will be a nice addition to the existing brewery and restaurant.
• Ashley Furniture, located along Dublin Blvd. in the former Sports Authority site, has signed
a lease and plans to be opened by Labor Day.
• KoJa Kitchen, a fast-casual restaurant located at the Persimmon Place shopping center,
has plans to be open by the end of July.
• CB Fit, a fitness center located at the Persimmon Place shopping center, has signed a
lease.
• Lucille’s Smokehouse & Bar-B-Que, located at the Dublin Place shopping center, has plans
to be opened in August.
• Holy Basil, a fast-casual restaurant located at Fallon Gateway, has signed a lease and is in
the building permit process.
• 88 Bao Boa, a fast-casual restaurant located at Fallon Gateway, has signed a lease and is
in the building permit process.
• Patelco’s Credit Union has purchased the 3 Park Place building located on the corner of
Dublin Blvd. and Hacienda Drive.
Staff also updated the committee on The Corrie Center and the status of re-development of the
buildings on the corner of Amador Valley Blvd. and Amador Plaza Rd., and Dublin Blvd. and
Amador Plaza Rd.
ACTION: The Committee received the update.
8. Update on Regional Organizations
Staff provided an update on the City’s participation in regional organizations:
• StartUp Grind event (Google User Tech Group) - July 18
• Tri-Valley Rising Report Rollout event (Innovation Tri-Valley) - July 18
• State of the Tri-Valley (San Francisco Business Times) - August 2
• Tri-Valley Mayors' Summit in San Ramon - August 15
• Tri-Valley Manufacturing Day (tours & luncheon) - October 5
ACTION: The Committee received the update.
9. Consideration of Changing Regular Meeting Schedule
ACTION: By consensus, the Committee approved changing the regular Committee meeting schedule
to 5:15 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every other month.
The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 5:15 p.m.
10. Request for Future Agenda Items
Staff requested to bring a future agenda item on proposed changes to the economic development
incentive programs for the Committee to consider.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at
6:11 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Suzanne Iarla, Management Analyst II.
___________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST: ________________________________
Assistant to the City Manager
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 19, 2019
TO: Economic Development Committee Members
FROM: Suzanne Iarla, Management Analyst II
CC:
SUBJECT:
Christopher L. Foss, City Manager
Linda Smith, Assistant City Manager
Hazel Wetherford, Economic Development Director
Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program Applications
Background
The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program (Program) is an endeavor of the City of Dublin to leverage
public funds and private investment to enhance the physical appearance and economic vitality of commercial
businesses in the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan (DDSP) area and the segment of Dublin Boulevard between
Village Parkway and Dougherty Road. The long-term objective is to upgrade the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan
area and the segment of Dublin Boulevard between Village Parkway and Dougherty Road by improving the
physical appearance of the area, encouraging the retention of existing businesses, increasing property values,
tenant stability, and lease rates for the property.
The Program offers two façade improvement grants for labor and materials directly related to the façade
construction, as well as up to a maximum of five hours of architectural fees to help cover design costs. The
Program has a “Mini-Grant” of up to Five Thousand dollars ($5,000) with no match requirement, and a “Matching
Grant” of up to Seventy Thousand dollars ($70,000) with at least a one-third match of the total cost of the façade
improvement. Please refer to Attachment 1 for a list of grants provided to date, and Attachment 2 for eligible
improvements.
The City Council has budgeted $70,000 for the Program in Fiscal Year 2018-2019; however, the Program has
additional funds that were unspent in previous years that have been carried forward. The Program currently has
a balance of $304,157.
Applicants
1.Dublin Plaza
In July 2018, Staff received an application for a matching grant from the owner of Dublin Plaza, the three-
building retail center located at 6999 Dublin Blvd. The proposed façade improvements will primarily focus on
the Athens Burgers building, but also include painting of the additional buildings on the parcel.
The applicant is requesting a $70,000 grant to help offset improvements including, but not limited to the
following:
•Replace the old wooden siding
•Replace old awnings with modern, metal awning
•Replace signs to conform to City requirements
•Addressing the public sidewalk that does not meet the Americans with Disabilities standards
Item 5
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
• Painting the building exterior for all three buildings
The applicant has submitted preliminary plans and is working with the Community Development Department
through a Site Development Review process.
The applicant estimates the façade improvements will cost more than $125,000.
2. Amakara Restaurant
In February 2019, Staff received an application for a matching grant from the owner of Amakara restaurant, to
help offset the costs of the construction of an outdoor dining patio at their new home at the Aster project.
The cost of the tenant improvements has exceeded their original estimates, so the applicant is requesting a
$70,000 grant to help offset the cost of the outdoor dining patio and signage. The construction of the outdoor
dining patio includes, but is not limited to:
• Awnings
• Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing for
Outdoor Heaters
• Lights (hardwired)
• Speakers
• Bench Seating and service counters
• Wall and guardrail
• Concrete paving
• Relocating landscaping irrigation
• Installing a new window
• Signage
The applicant estimates the façade improvements listed above will cost more than $170,000.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends the Economic Development Committee review the applications and consider approving grants
for the facade improvements, not to exceed $70,000 for eligible improvements. If the Committee is in support,
Staff will present the recommendation of funding to the full City Council for their consideration.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
Attachment 1
Grants Awarded to Date
Business Name Address Year Amount
Requested
Amount
Awarded Status
SF Rents 7114 Village Parkway 2013 $70,000 $70,000 Completed
Rahma Mediterranean
Market 7111 Village Parkway 2013 $70,000 $70,000 Completed
B&B Borden LLC 7032 Village Parkway 2014 $70,000 $70,000 Completed
B&B Borden LLC 7032 Village Parkway 2014 $28,000 $27,843 Completed
Mirchi Café 7083 Village Parkway 2014 $18,000 $18,000 Completed
Amador Valley Medical
Center
7667 Amador Valley
Blvd. 2014 $22,000 ($22,000) Applicant
withdrew
Athens Burgers (tenant) 6999 Dublin Blvd. 2015 $70,000 ($70,000) Applicant
withdrew
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
ATTACHMENT 2
Commercial Façade Improvement Eligible Improvements
Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to:
• Removal of old signs, awnings and other exterior clutter
• Exterior cleaning and painting
• Repair or replacement of exterior siding (including the construction of new façade elements and
architectural details)
• Installation of new entry doors that meet ADA accessibility requirements
• Installation of display windows
• Installation of new canvas awnings over windows and entries
• Installation of new signs
• Installation of new exterior lighting
• Installation of permanent landscaping
• Exterior mandatory Title 24 upgrades
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 19, 2019
TO: City Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Suzanne Iarla, Management Analyst II
CC:
SUBJECT:
Christopher L. Foss, City Manager
Linda Smith, Assistant City Manager
Hazel Wetherford, Economic Development Director
Proposal to Amend the Sewer Capacity Assistance Program
On September 18, 2018, the City Council received a presentation on Staff’s Downtown Dublin work plan, which
identified a number of actions for the City to undertake to achieve the City Council’s vision for Downtown
Dublin as a vibrant and dynamic commercial and mixed-use center. One of the actions identified by Staff in the
Downtown Dublin work plan is to bring forth changes to the Sewer Capacity Assistance Program (Program) for
the City Council’s consideration.
Staff is requesting the Committee consider supporting the following changes to the Program in order to realign
the focus of the Program on the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan (DDSP) area:
•Allocate additional dwelling unit equivalents (DUEs) to the Program
•Set-aside DUEs for the DDSP or a specific district within the Plan
The proposed amendments will provide more timely assistance to businesses who apply to the Program. If the
Committee is in support of Staff’s proposal, it would be presented to the full City Council for their
consideration.
Background
In 2009, the City requested that Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) allow the City to transfer unused
sewer capacity at City-owned properties to other private properties to encourage the recruitment, renovation
or re-use of properties in Dublin. The Program allows the City to market its excess sewer capacity as an
economic development incentive program to help stimulate economic growth in the community. DSRSD
agreed and in May 2010, the City established a Sewer Capacity Assistance Program with 66.2 DUEs.
In 2013, the City Council amended the Program by establishing criteria for the allocation of a higher
percentage based on user type and location, and specifically set-aside 30 DUEs for the DDSP area.
In 2014, the City Council removed the set-aside allocation of DUEs for the DDSP area and expanded the
Program to allow projects in all Priority Development Areas to be eligible to receive a higher percentage of
sewer capacity allocation based on user type and location. However, in September 2014, the City Council
simplified the Program by removing the different percentages for specific geographic areas and adopted
citywide rates.
Item 6
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
In 2016, the City and DSRSD agreed to extend the Program through December 31, 2020.
Available DUEs
Currently, there are only 3.5 DUEs remaining in the Program.
In 2014, Staff reviewed water usage at City facilities including parks and buildings and found an overage (63
DUE) of sewer capacity. DSRSD agreed to maintain these DUE “credits” in an account for future City facility
use. Some of these credits were allocated towards development of The Wave (40 DUE) and Fallon Sports Park
Phase 2 (4.55 DUE). After the transfers to City facilities, approximately 18.69 DUE remain unallocated.
Proposed Changes
In an effort to incentivize the recruitment, renovation or re-use of properties downtown, Staff proposes to
recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution revising the Program to allocate and set-aside
approximately 18.69 additional DUEs for either the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan area, the Retail District
within the DDSP, or Citywide.
By transferring the credit of approximately 18.69 unallocated DUEs into the Program and setting it aside for
the DDSP area, the credits would become a valuable economic development tool to incentivize private
commercial development of restaurants in Downtown Dublin.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends amending the Program to include approximately 18.69 additional DUEs and to set aside the
DUEs for the Retail District within the DDSP.
Staff is seeking input from the Economic Development Committee regarding the proposed changes; if the
Committee is in support, Staff will present the changes to the full City Council for their consideration.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
ATTACHMENT 1
CURRENT SEWER CAPACITY CREDIT ELIGIBILITY BY USER TYPE AND SQUARE FOOTAGE
Use Type* Greater than
5,000 sf
Between
3,500 and 5,000 sf
Less than
3,500 sf
Casual Dining
(excluding fast food) Up to 25% Up to 50% Up to 75%
Fine Dining
Specialty Food
(Coffee, Deli, Bakery, etc.)
Entertainment/Nightlife
(Wine Bars/Taprooms, etc.)
Up to 50% Up to 75% Up to 100%
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
The Sewer Capacity Assistance Program provides assistance ranging from 25% to 100% of the DSRSD local and
regional sewer connection fees by user type and square footage. To date, 62.6 DUE credits have been used to
support 16 businesses:
Applicant DUEs Received Year
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse 6 2011
Habit Burger & Free Birds 4.26 2012
Fresh Millions 0.75 2013
Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot 2.174 2013
Mayflower Restaurant 3.495 2013
Persimmon Place Shopping Center 15.02 2014
Tous Les Jours Bakery 0.56 2014
Three Sheets Craft Beer 2.86 2014
Patxi’s Pizza 4.18 2014
Great Harvest Bread Company1 1.87 2014
Urban Plates 5.095 2014
Pacific Catch Restaurant 8.4375 2014
Chaat Café 3.75 2014
GoGoong Korean BBQ Restaurant 2.06 2015
Firehouse Subs1 0.83 2015
Inc. 82 Brewing 4 2016
1Firehouse Subs and Great Harvest Bread Company have closed their
businesses. Per the terms of the Program, the City has revoked the DUE credits
and returned them to the Program’s pool.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
Most of the businesses in the Program are located outside of the Downtown, with only 22% in the DDSP area. The
following chart shows the location of current Program participants:
Downtown Dublin
22%
Fallon Gateway
16%
Grafton Station
9%
Persimmon Place
52%
Tralee
1%
Location Distribution
of Allocated DUE Credits
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 19, 2019
TO: Economic Development Committee Members
FROM: Suzanne Iarla, Management Analyst II
CC:
SUBJECT:
Christopher L. Foss, City Manager
Linda Smith, Assistant City Manager
Hazel Wetherford, Economic Deveopment Director
Proposal to Amend the Small Business Assistance Program
Background
In 2013, the City created the Small Business Assistance Program (Program). The Program is funded by an
annual $100,000 contribution from Amador Valley Industries (AVI) with no General Fund contribution. The
Program supports local businesses in two ways:
1. Provides grants to assist Dublin-based businesses cost of complying with federal, state and local laws
relating to disability access requirements, trash enclosures, sewer connections, and other such
obligations imposed on small businesses.
2. Provides one-on-one business advising and support for special events.
Currently, all applications are reviewed and considered by the Economic Development Committee. If the
Committee recommends awarding a grant, Staff presents the grant request to the City Council for their
consideration.
In 2013, when the Program was created, the City partnered with the Alameda County Small Business
Development Center (ACSBDC) to administer the funds which were held in a trust account. Effective November
3, 2017, the City terminated the MOU and requested that the remaining funds be transferred to the City for
ease of managing the Program.
City Manager’s Spending Authority
The City Manager’s spending authority is up to $45,000 for general services, supplies, equipment,
and professional or consulting services and up to $99,999 for public projects. These amounts are set by the
City Council.
Since the Small Business Assistance Program was established, 10 grants have been award and accepted. Two
grants were awarded but the applicant later declined the award. Of the 10 grants, 9 grants fall within the City
Manager’s spending authority of up to $45,000 (see Attachment 1 for a list of recipients).
Proposed Changes
With the Program now being run by the City, Staff has evaluated the administration of the Program. Staff
believes the Program would be more responsive and efficient if the Economic Development Committee
approved Program grants and allowed the City Manager to enter into agreements for up to $45,000 because it
would reduce the processing time. Currently, Program grants need to be considered by the Economic
Development Committee, and then approved by the City Council. The new process would eliminate the need
to go to the City Council for approval.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends amending the Program to give the Economic Development Committee the authority to
approve grants and enter into agreements for up to $45,000. The proposed amendments will provide more
timely assistance to businesses who apply to the Program.
Staff is seeking input from the Economic Development Committee regarding the proposed changes; if the
Committee is in support, Staff will present the changes to the full City Council for their consideration.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
ATTACHMENT 1
Small Business Assistance Program
Grants Awarded and Accepted
Company Application
Received Project Grant
Request
Amount
Approved Status
Dublin Station Partners 2013 To be used for the construction of a
new, larger trash enclosure. $100,000 $40,000 completed
Parkway Investors 2013
To be used for outdoor
improvements listed on the
application
$72,000 $10,000 completed
Karpenko Family Partners 2014 To be used for the construction of a
trash enclosure. $20,000 $20,000 completed
Pastime Brew LLC
(Three Sheets Craft Beer
Bar)
2014 To be used for Title 24 and
accessibility upgrades. $37,643.83 $37,643.83 completed
7410 Amador Valley Blvd.,
LLC 2015 To be used for larger gates for the
existing trash enclosure. $4,350 $4,350 completed
Chiu Family Trust
(Lamps Plus Plaza) 2015 To be used for the construction of a
trash enclosure. $28,000 $14,000 completed
Mirchi Café 2015 To be used for ADA bathrooms. $15,000 $7,500 completed
CAMP 2015
To be used to add a bathroom,
upgrade fire alarm system, and
upgrade/replace doors and panic
hardware; awaiting request for the
balance of awarded funds ($6,175).
$69,577 $69,575 completed
Stanforth Holding
Company
(Grafton Station)
2017 To be used to build a larger trash
enclosure. $75,000 $37,500 completed
ASHG Capital, Inc (dba
World of Beer) & BIT
Holdings Sixty-Three, Inc.
2018
Grant to be used for improving the
accessibility of the main entrance,
rear door and restrooms as well as
install permanently-affixed
accessible doors to the walk-in
cooler/freezer.
$75,000 $21,000 reimbursement
in process