TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Suggestions from the Coalition of Business Associations to Help Local Businesses with Post COVID-19 Reopening Efforts.
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible action regarding suggestions from the Coalition of Business Associations (COBA).
Background Information
The COBA is comprised of various economic development, business and industry organizations from Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee, and North Port representing over 7,000 local businesses and employers in the Sarasota region.
On May 1st, North Port City Commissioners received an email with attached letter from COBA outlining suggestions to help local businesses with post-COVID-19 reopening efforts. Suggestions for consideration in the letter include:
• Waivers of permitting and costs for improvements made as a result of any new state or federal health guidelines, or to improve health and safety for business reopening or operations.
• Temporarily suspending code enforcements on temporary signs and window signs, for all businesses, to allow businesses to communicate to the public the services they provide.
• Waiver of permitting and permitting costs, or if permitting is absolutely needed - expediting permitting for outdoor dining or retail activity on sidewalks, right-of-ways, and parking lots (to include parking requirement relaxation).
• Waivers of permitting and any necessary inspections for tents for dining and the sale of products.
• Waiving business tax license fees due in August/September for a year.
• Expedited approvals, permitting, and fee waivers for construction projects that will get started in the next six months with an option to renew the program for another six months.
Mayor McDowell has requested that this be added to the Commission agenda for discussion.
Strategic Plan
Efficient and Effective Government
Financial Impact
Unknown
Procurement
N/A
Attachments: 1. COBA Letter to City of North Port
Prepared by: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, for Mayor Debbie McDowell
Department Director: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA