Rochester City Council approves measures aimed at easing impact of COVID-19
The Rochester City Council approved a sweeping set of measures on Monday in response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Among the most significant steps the city is taking:
Authorizing up to $250,000 in 2020 approved contingency funds to support the activities of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Team; and to leverage funds from other community partners and public agencies.
Providing up to $100,000 in 2020 approved contingency funds to support the activities of the Local Economic Stability Team; and to leverage funds from other community partners and public agencies.
Working with Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. to prioritize and manage $250,000 in existing Economic Development Revolving Loan Funds for low interest loans to impacted businesses; and to leverage funds from other community partners and public agencies.
The motion, which received unanimous support from the council, does not authorize any specific spending. Rather, it puts the programs and resources in place so city staff can act proactively as the situation develops.
“We have to try and help, and this is a start,” said Council Member Mark Bilderback. “This is going to be an interesting time for all of us.”
When it comes to supporting businesses, Council Member Nick Campion emphasized the importance of helping the “smallest of the small businesses,” which he said may have the biggest short-term need.
“I just want to make sure that we are casting a broad net… that we’re doing our best to make sure that we can deploy methods and solutions that scale to address the smaller business challenges,” said Campion.
In addition to the financial support, the council also authorized:
The City Clerk to allow for up to four installment payments for all City issued business related licenses.
The City Administrator, or designee, to temporarily suspend parking restrictions as necessary.
The City Administrator, or designee, to temporarily suspend online or by telephone payment convenience fees.
Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.
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