Adopt a Resolution establishing a Business Support Program in response to  COVID-19 impacts.

A number of Rocklin’s businesses have been closed or otherwise negatively impacted since the initial effects of the COVID-19 virus were recognized in early March of this year.  While no community remains immune from the ongoing impacts of the virus, some have fared better than others from a public health perspective.  Many of those communities are now anticipating some degree of reduction in stay at home orders to allow select businesses to reopen as a means to stimulate economic activity, including in Placer County.

In order to prepare for the reopening of businesses several local partner agencies are working to implement business support strategies.  For example, Placer County is focusing its efforts on encouraging tourism to the north Lake Tahoe area.  The Greater Sacramento Economic Development Council (GSEC) has launched a business survey to gather information on the impacts that have occurred by industry sector to better understand what assistance may be needed.

City staff will continue to coordinate with those agencies. Staff also recommends the City initiate its own Business Support Program to include the following:

Effective Immediately until August 31, 2020:

• Suspension of enforcement of the City sign ordinance pertaining to temporary promotional signage (Rocklin Municipal Code Sections 17.75.60.H Windows Signs requirements set forth in subsections 1-3, and the requirement in Section 17.75.70.F. to obtain a special advertising permit for temporary on-site signs.  Businesses are expressly authorized to display temporary on-site signs to announce their re-opening, and other business promotion efforts.  The signs must otherwise comply with the requirements of the Rocklin Municipal Code, including but not limited to the requirement the sign must be located on the parcel upon which the business is located, there must be a clear line of sight from the exterior of the building to the cash register/checkout area, and the location of the sign cannot impede the public right of way or otherwise create a traffic or safety hazard.

• Flexibility regarding late payment of business license taxes within allowed limits set forth in the City’s business license ordinance.

• Waiver of Fire Safety Inspection Fees.

In addition, when appropriate, initiating a City sponsored “Shop Local” campaign through website and social media platforms including a unique sign for business display.

Assuming City Council support, staff will reach out to the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce to seek their input and assistance will bring back to Council any additional resolutions or declarations that may be necessary to implement the Business Support Program.  In addition, staff will continue to post regular updates to the City’s COVID-19 response page:  https://www.rocklin.ca.us/post/updates-coronavirus.

The exact cost of such efforts has not been determined since all of the potential business challenges are not known at this time but staff does not anticipate expenditures exceeding $25,000 against the Economic Improvement Fund, with an estimated 50% expended in the current fiscal year, and the remaining amount expended during FY 2020/21.

The funding needed for FY 2020/21 will be built into the proposed budget and staff is requesting an appropriation of $12,500 in  The Economic Development Funds for the current fiscal year, to be allocated as follows:

The fiscal impact associated with waiving Fire Inspection Service Fees through August 31, 2020, is estimated to reduce service fee revenues by up to $2,000 during the current fiscal year, and up to $2,000 during FY 2020/21.