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Authorizing and awarding a business subsidy under the 27th Cycle Neighborhood STAR Program to West Indies Soul Food Inc. at Model Cities Brownstone located at 839 University Avenue West.
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WHEREAS, on May 21, 2021, the Neighborhood STAR Board reviewed a proposal from WEST INDIES SOUL FOOD INC. (WISF) for a $132,000 loan and a $132,000 grant through the 2021 (Cycle 27) Neighborhood STAR Program for WISF’s restaurant/curbside/catering business and development and operation of a new program for youth project located at 839 University Ave W, Saint Paul, Minnesota (the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, on August 25, 2021, the Saint Paul City Council adopted RES 21-1194 approving a $100,000 grant and a $100,000 loan to WISF for the Project as recommended by the Mayor; and
WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing regarding proposed award of a business subsidy to WISF was published in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger on February 3, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, having held a public hearing on the proposed business subsidy and after consideration of the Project, finds a public purpose because the Project will complete leasehold improvements to a vacant commercial and retail space in order to provide an excellent food establishment to the community, institute and operate a program to develop skills and provide opportunities to marginalized youth, and create a minimum of five (5) new jobs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Saint Paul:
1. that the City Council authorizes and approves a business subsidy award to WISF for the Project, which includes a $100,000 grant and a $100,000 loan of Neighborhood STAR Program funds,
2. that the City Council authorizes and approves the execution of a business subsidy agreement by the appropriate City officials with WISF and the execution of all documents and instruments necessary and ancillary thereto to effectuate the activities to be undertaken by this Resolution and RES 21-1194 with respect to WISF, subject to approval by the City Attorney’s Office; and
3. that the City Council authorizes and approves staff to take all actions necessary to carry out the activities authorized by this Resolution, subject to approval by the City Attorney’s Office; and
4. that this Resolution does not constitute a binding legal agreement; rather, the business subsidy consisting of a $100,000 grant and a $100,000 loan of Neighborhood STAR Program funds shall not be effective until a business subsidy agreement is executed by the appropriate official(s) of the City.