Internal projects: 

• Permanent Outdoor Covered Structures grant program:  The status of the first round of this program is reviewed semi-monthly at the City of Sandy Ec Dev Advisory Board meeting – here is the status of the program as of the beginning of April 2022:
  
  • Tollgate Inn – Keystone Architecture continues to refine the design with input from the building owner.  The holdup lately has been due to the opaque roof the owner has requested – the Sandy Fire Marshal and Building Official agree that if the roof is made from acrylic plastic, a dry sprinkler system would be required for this project.  Unfortunately, the only other option available for the roof is tempered glass, and the building owner will not consider this option.  Our architect is currently attempting to estimate the cost of a dry sprinkler system for this structure – timeline unknown.
  • All other projects are now complete, structurally and financially.
    
• Covered Structures Round 2:  Designs for the second round of the City of Sandy Covered Structures grant program were reviewed at the SURA and City Council meetings on January 3^rd.  Designs for the following businesses were approved outright:
  
  • La Bamba Mexican Restaurant – Contracts are signed.  Work to begin in May. 
  • Thai Home – Currently at the engineer’s office – due in May.
  • Mt Hood Athletic Club – Cost estimates for wooden decking vs. concrete pad for this project completed by contractor and forwarded to applicant.  He is currently crunching numbers to determine if he wants to proceed with this project.
  • Wippersnappers Kid’s Play Place – Currently at the engineer’s office; due in May.
  • The Smoky Hearth – Contracts are signed.  Work to begin in May.

The two projects currently at the engineer’s office will be returned to city staff sometime in May.  Although both of these projects will require some additional work (Thai Home = deck reinforcement prior to construction; Wippersnappers = Type I design review (review parking & landscaping minimums)) to complete, staff does not anticipate that this will delay either project more than a couple of weeks.

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

• Sandy Community Action Center covered structure:  We received an application from the executive director of the Action Center for a façade grant for a covered structure at her building on Pioneer Blvd. on March 30^th.  Applicant is currently acquiring plans for this structure.
• Façade project – Fun Time RV fencing:  Contractor is currently completing the stone wrapping on the concrete fence posts.  Pedestrian right-of-way and street work is complete – bulb-out improved, new sidewalk and curb added.  This project has run into some delays due to availability of the stone wrap product at this time – contractor standing by until product arrives.  April update: There are now six (6) posts remaining – the remainder are complete.  A 2nd reminder was sent to the applicant on 5/3 stating that the project must be completed by July 20^th or no reimbursement will be forthcoming.
• Façade project – Clackamas County’s Sandy Health Clinic:  Construction continues on this new County health care clinic next to the Sandy PD.  Roofing and siding now completed.  Project completion date now estimated to be in June of this year, per Clackamas County Project Manager Steve Kelly.
• Façade project – Mt. Hood Cigar:  Construction at the entry has started as of the final week in April.  Applicant still needs to check in with the accordion door contractors – no quotes have been forwarded to him as of this date.  Anticipating project completion in June or July.

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• AF Downtown Maintenance:  We had nothing of substance for the DT Maintenance crew in April.  Staff executed a new flower basket watering contract for 2022 with the AFYS Executive Director – this contract included a small price increase above and beyond inflation to keep the current watering staffer, who has been an exceptionally reliable employee and a great staff trainer.

Econ Devl – Economic Development Advisory Board:

The recommendation made by the EDAB was presented to the Sandy Urban Renewal Board at their regular meeting on May 2^nd.   The advisory board’s recommendation to sign a contract with Community Attributes, Inc. at $50,600 was accepted unanimously by the SURA Board. 

Next steps:  Staff has informed all RFP respondents of the final decision by the SURA Board and is currently scheduling a project kickoff meeting with Elliot Weiss of CAI for some time later in May.  Mr. Weiss is already on the EDAB agenda for May 18^th to introduce himself and his company and to set expectations with the advisory board membership, as this will be the primary stakeholders group working with CAI to develop the economic development strategic plan.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

There were no training opportunities for Economic Development in the month of April.