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2020-04-21 MINUTES1 Mayor Crystal Wagar Vice Mayor Alice Burch Vice Mayor Sean Brady Councilman Stephen Loffredo Councilman Jonathan Meltz Tom Benton, Village Manager Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney Ysabely Rodriguez, Village Clerk VIRTUAL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 21, 2020 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wagar called the meeting to order at 6:38 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Wagar read a brief virtual meeting preamble into the record regarding Executive Order 20-69 issued by Governor DeSantis and explained the means by which the Village has provided reasonable public access and participation. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, the Village Council and Village Administrative Officers convened the April 21, 2020 Village Council Meeting via communications media technology means, specifically by integrating the Zoom and Granicus Peak platforms to host the live remote meeting via live stream. A dedicated telephone line was provided to the public to listen to the meeting as well. With respect to public participation, the public was afforded the opportunity to provide written public comments via the Granicus eComments portal. Such comments were emailed to the Village Council and Village Administration prior to the start of the meeting and were read into the record by the Village Clerk during the virtual meeting. 3) ROLL CALL PRESENT: (5) Councilman Sean Brady Councilman Stephen Loffredo, Councilman Jonathan Meltz, Vice Mayor Alice Burch, Crystal Wagar, Mayor ALSO PRESENT: Tom Benton, Village Manager Ysabely Rodriguez, Village Clerk Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney 2 4) e-PUBLIC COMMENTS The Village Clerk read the eComments into record, which have been attached, hereto, as Exhibit A. 5) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 5. A APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 17, 2020 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES A motion was moved by Councilman Loffredo and seconded by Vice Mayor Burch to approve the March 17, 2020 Village Council Meeting Minutes. The motion passed unanimously. 6) ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING 6.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE CODE, CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE II, BY REVISING VILLAGE CODE SECTION 15-13 PROVIDING FOR DEFINITION, BY REVISING VILLAGE CODE SECTION 15-14 PROVIDING FOR THE PROHIBITION OF SING-USE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES IN ANY VILLAGE FACILITY OR ON VILLAGE PROPERTY, BY REVISING THE VILLAGE CODE SECTION 15-15 PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES, BY REVISING SECTION 15-16 PROVIDING FOR RIGHTS OF VIOLATORS; PAYMENT OF FINES; RIGHT TO APPEAL; FAILURE TO PAY CIVIL FINE OR TO APPEAL, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN JONATHAN MELTZ. The Village Clerk read the caption of the proposed ordinance into the record. Councilman Meltz provided opening remarks and turned the item over to Mr. Sarafan who provided a brief overview of the proposed amendments: - specification regarding single-use water bottles as opposed to bottled water; - clarification as to the restrictions concerning prohibition of single-use water bottles on Village property which are not intended to apply to Village Streets and sidewalks, except to the extent sidewalks are adjacent to a Village park or a Village Facility; - recognition in the fourth “whereas clause” that single use bottles made of Plastic #1 (PET) and Plastic #2 (HDPE) are recyclable, and the Village encourages such recycling and provides bins for such recycling, many such bottles, for whatever reason, are not recycled. Councilman Meltz stated the intent of the item is to reduce global pollution by showing commitment to the environment and reducing single-use plastic water bottles in the Village. A motion was moved by Councilman Meltz to approve the ordinance on first reading and the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Burch. The motion carried a 5-0 roll call vote. 7) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 7.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING EMERGENCY LOAN FUND FOR NE 2ND AVENUE BUSINESSES (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN STEPHEN LOFFREDO) Mr. Loffredo introduced the item by reading his memorandum to the Village Manager into the record. Mr Loffredo further expanded on the limited funding offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other agencies. Individual Councilmembers offered their respective position regarding the item. Discussion ensued with emphasis on the need for more information regarding: the expansion of the proposed emergency loan fund to include all local businesses, the various small business funding programs that are expected to become available in the upcoming days; the administration, eligibility criteria, available Village funding sources, and alternative funding mechanisms. 3 Vice Mayor Burch proposed the Village look into establishing a Rent Forgiveness Rebate Program for any property owner within the Special Taxing Area who pays special assessments. Vice Mayor Burch explained eligible Landlords, who pay such Assessments, may obtain from the Village, rebates up to the full amount of such assessments paid in each tax year, equal to the full amount(s) of rent abated and forgiven for commercial tenants at the property for which such Assessments were paid. Responding to Vice Mayor Burch’s proposal, Mr. Sarafan stated he would have to look into the feasibility of the proposed program relative to any legal implications. A motion was moved by Mayor Wagar and seconded by Councilman Loffredo to postpone the discussion item and call a May 5 Council Workshop to be held at 5:30 PM, immediately followed by the regularly scheduled Council Meeting, to further discuss the establishment of an emergency loan fund for businesses in MSV with specificity on: - the various small business funding programs that are expected to become available in the upcoming days, - the administration, eligibility criteria, and available Village funding source(s) researched by Village Manager, - Alternative funding mechanisms offered by individual Councilmembers There being no further discussion, Mayor Wagar called for the vote, which carried a 5-0 roll call vote. No further action was taken on this item. . 7.B DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ABOUT HAVING THE VILLAGE (OR THE VILLAGE COUNCIL) HOST A FARM SHARE EVENT (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR BURCH). Vice Mayor Burch introduced the item and asked the Village Manager to provide an update regarding his discussions with the FarmShare representative. Mr. Benton reported the Village is currently on a waiting list. Based on his discussions with FarmShare, he further clarified the event must be open to the public at large and the Village would be responsible for organizing the public. Thus, he recommended working with Barry University to host the proposed event at their large parking lot across from Doctors Charter School. By way of consensus, the Village Council directed the Village Manager to coordinate a Miami Shores Farm Share event for the public at large in the near future. No further action was taken on this item. 8) ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Manager provided an update on the Covid-19 pandemic. 9) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilman Brady Councilman Brady thanked Village staff for their commitment and hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Councilman Brady further encouraged residents to adhere to the health expert recommendations. He thanked Councilman Loffredo for proposing a program to assist the small business community in Miami Shores during times of financial hardship. 4 Councilman Loffredo Councilman Loffredo thanked Public Works and urged everyone to adhere to social distancing requirements. Councilman Meltz Councilman Meltz echoed Mr. Benton’s praises regarding staff’s dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic. He thanked the Council for their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Councilman Meltz thanked Mr. Sarafan and his staff for their hard work in researching and drafting the single-use plastic water bottles ordinance amendment. He further thanked the contributions of the Florida Beverage Association with respect to their assistance in improving the regulation of single-use plastic water bottles in Village facilities and on Village-owned property. Vice Mayor Burch Vice Mayor Burch thanked Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez and Assistant to the Manager/IT Manager Elizabeth Keeley for coordinating the virtual Council Meeting via Zoom. Vice Mayor Burch also praised Public Works and the street sweeper equipment. Vice Mayor Burch proposed for the Communications Specialist and the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce to work together with respect to ensuring rescheduled events are accessible to the public. Mayor Wagar Mayor Wagar thanked Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez and Assistant to the Manager/IT Manager Elizabeth Keeley for coordinating the virtual Council Meeting via Zoom. Mayor Wagar reported Miami Shores is currently ranked #3 on the 2020 Census list of municipality responsiveness and thus reminded residents to complete the 2020 Census if they have not done so. Mayor Wagar encouraged everyone to act with kindness and understanding during these uncertain times. She further empathized with the small business community and encouraged everyone to support them. Lastly, she thanked Mr. Sarafan for his judicious counsel. 10) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM. eComments Report Meetings Meeting Time Agenda Items CommentsSupportOpposeNeutral Virtual Village Council Meeting04-21-20 18:30 1412703 Sentiments for All Meetings The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown. Overall Sentiment Exhibit A Virtual Village Council Meeting 04-21-20 18:30 Agenda Name CommentsSupportOpposeNeutral 4)PUBLIC COMMENTS 4101 6.A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE CODE, CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE II, BY REVISING VILLAGE CODE SECTION 15- 13 PROVIDING FOR DEFINITION, BY REVISING VILLAGE CODE SECTION 15-14 PROVIDING FOR THE PROHIBITION OF SING-USE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES IN ANY VILLAGE FACILITY OR ON VILLAGE PROPERTY, BY REVISING THE VILLAGE CODE SECTION 15-15 PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES, BY REVISING SECTION 15-16 PROVIDING FOR RIGHTS OF VIOLATORS; PAYMENT OF FINES; RIGHT TO APPEAL; FAILURE TO PAY CIVIL FINE OR TO APPEAL, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN JONATHAN MELTZ. 1001 7.A) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING EMERGENCY LOAN FUND FOR NE 2ND AVENUE BUSINESSES (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN STEPHEN LOFFREDO) 7601 Sentiments for All Agenda Items The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown. Overall Sentiment Agenda Item: eComments for 4) PUBLIC COMMENTS Overall Sentiment Patrizia Bonaduce Location: Submitted At: 6:06pm 04-21-20 Good evening Council members, Hope you all are in good health, and thank you for your efforts working for the Village even during quarantine and lockdown. My name is Patrizia Bonaduce, I own a Real Estate company on 2nd. Ave., and as you know, I'm also a member of the Historic Preservation Board. My commitment with the Village can not be fuller as I live...work... and volunteer here. . Due to COVID19 world pandemic, Federal Government mandated the closure of almost all businesses, and we have no knowledge about when we can reopen and continue with our commercial activities. Even though my Business applied to SBA loans as a Disaster Relief, Federal Government ran out of funds and millions were left out of this benefit. My investment on 2nd. Ave. was determined by the attractive of all the commercial boom I witnessed during 2019, and I keep bidding to this great Downtown area. But we need help to maintain our businesses while being closed and unproductive, otherwise we will witness a lot of out-of-business signs and our Downtown might have a set back slow to be recovered again. Landlords shouldn't suffer financially during these troubled times either. With all these facts briefly explained, I respectfully appeal to Council members to approve the loans for Businesses on 2nd. Ave., as an emergency resource to preserve the Business District at Miami Shores VIllage. Thank you so much. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 2:45pm 04-21-20 I've made about 3 calls and sent this email to several people in MS Village but haven't received any kind of answer at the moment. Please address. To whom it may concern: I live in Miami Shores along with my family on the east side of our beautiful Village. Over the last days as a result of the Stay At Home measures, I happened to notice several people around our neighborhood running, walking, cycling and even driving around. Clearly some of them are neighbors but we can tell several are not. We even had a couple ask us for the code to exit through the gate on 104th and Biscayne. And then again two women asking us for the same code. Mind you, we do not live on that street. We've seen a family of 4 having an improvised picnic in front of a vacant home. And I'm sure many others I see around are not from our area. I've reached out to the local police since the increased traffic during a pandemic is opposed to what's being recommended and it adds to the already worrisome issue of security and crime. I do not know what the solution is but I'm sure there are things that can be done to minimize access to those who do not live or do not need to deliver or provide services in the area. The continuity of our safety is in your hands and if there's anything I could do to help with this matter, please let me know. thank you for your time Guest User Location: Submitted At: 2:21pm 04-21-20 Patrick Huber, 1150 ne 100 st The east side of biscayne is having a problem with people who are not from the area driving in and walking our streets. We are also having a problem specficially around Bayfront park with people congregrating in the closed park and the street and yards adjacent. No one is monitoring the cameras at the park and the whole neighborhood lacks routine patrols. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:40pm 04-20-20 Hello my name is Amina and I am the Chef Co Owner with my husband of Côté Gourmet . I would like to know if you have a plan beside a loan, with our landlord ? I can’t personally survive this crisis , paying full rent and loosing money everyday I open m’y door. I love to serve the community, I love my job , but I cannot afford to pay the rent without operating at 100% . I am doing delivery and takeout but that can’t pay my bills. Thank you Agenda Item: eComments for 6.A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL, OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE CODE, CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE II, BY REVISING VILLAGE CODE SECTION 15-13 PROVIDING FOR DEFINITION, BY REVISING VILLAGE CODE SECTION 15-14 PROVIDING FOR THE PROHIBITION OF SING-USE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES IN ANY VILLAGE FACILITY OR ON VILLAGE PROPERTY, BY REVISING THE VILLAGE CODE SECTION 15-15 PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES, BY REVISING SECTION 15-16 PROVIDING FOR RIGHTS OF VIOLATORS; PAYMENT OF FINES; RIGHT TO APPEAL; FAILURE TO PAY CIVIL FINE OR TO APPEAL, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN JONATHAN MELTZ. Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:34pm 04-21-20 Mayor, Vice Mayor, Councilmembers, Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on item 6.A., the proposed revised ordinance on single-use plastic water bottles. Thank you to Village Administration for making themselves available for discussion on this item and for their willingness to work with the beverage industry on our suggested drafting edits that are contained within the revised item before you. We look forward to working with Village as this policy moves forward. On behalf of the Florida Beverage Association and the American Beverage Association, we have sent amendment language (as well as supportive documentation) to the Village Council, and Village Administration. Our hope is that the ordinance will be amended to: 1. Differentiate between "Single Serving Plastic Water Bottles" made from low/no value plastics and those which are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET products are a highly valuable commodity that can be collected and reused or re-purposed into new products – a similar differentiation is outlined in the City of Orlando's policies. Please see the attached documentation highlighting the substantial production and recycling benefits of PET. 2. Limit the ordinance to prohibit the sale and distribution of Single Serving Plastic Water Bottles, rather than also prohibiting the use, where the enforcement would fall upon the end consumer. 3. Restart the 120-day period of providing written warnings (found in Sec. 15-15(2)) upon adoption of the revised ordinance. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, public education efforts prescribed in the original ordinance have understandably been impaired. These are challenging and uncertain times, we understand there are more pressing matters in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on this item which affects our industry and customers. We look forward to working with you fur ther and offer ourselves as a resource on this item and anything else the Village may need. Sincerely, Joseph R. Salzverg GrayRobinson, P.A. 333 SE 2nd Avenue, Suite 3200 Miami, FL 33131 Agenda Item: eComments for 7.A) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING EMERGENCY LOAN FUND FOR NE 2ND AVENUE BUSINESSES (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN STEPHEN LOFFREDO) Overall Sentiment Elizabeth YELIN Location: Submitted At: 7:15pm 04-21-20 As a business owner, I am grateful for this initiative. I strongly encourage city to perform a survey to determine the needs of business in the shores. 1) 300k or 400k is not enough, such amount should be increased. 2) I disagreed with loan proposal availabilities base on the business category see reference Lines 2,3,4 for Mrs. Lofredo Memorandun. In order to help must of the business, the cap should be the same up to 25k. per borrower. 3) Emergency funds should prioritize help small businesses with no more than 6 employees since this type of business had fewer opportunities to get a traditional loan. 4) A mandatory denied letter from a bank or SBA should be a requirement. 5) Disagree with # 5 of Memorandum, instead of upon approval funds should be granted in one sum lump. 6) Agree with # 6 & 7 of Memorandum. no further comments. 7) Partial Disagree with # 8, about this regard, I suggest considering a full picture of such particular business, it will depend if the business belongs to corporate, is a franchise or it is just a dealer. In my humble opinion, emergency funds should really available for any business that operate in Miami shores, taking into consideration that each business in the shores brings a particular service to this community and other surrounding areas and behind each of then are families that depend on such income. This pandemic arrives suddenly hitting our economy so drastically and changing our life, because of that the city should help keep those businesses alive, this is a time to be present for us. Patrice Smith Location: Submitted At: 5:37pm 04-21-20 Mayor Wagar and Members of the Miami Shores Village Council: At our April 20, 2020 Board Meeting, the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors passed the following resolution, urging you to consider the following recommendations to assist our Community’s small businesses during this challenging time. Resolution 01/2020 1) Dedicate a staff person at Village Hall to assist our local businesses in navigating all available loans, and grants both at the Village, City, State and Federal Level. Barry University has indicated it will help the Village identify resources, should staff need assistance. 2) Support Councilman Loffredo’s proposed loan program, provided the target geographic area is expanded to include businesses throughout Miami Shores. 3) Develop a tax abatement program for the owners of commercial properties, provided that any property owner who receives an abatement must pass on those savings to their small business tenants in the form of a minimum of a significant (a minimum of 50%) rent reduction. We heard from numerous small businesses who have requested breaks from their property owners without receiving any concessions. 4) Pursue the creation of a micro-grant program ranging from $1,000-$2,500 to help businesses adapt to the new format of conducting businesses virtually and online. These grants could help offset the cost of technology, training and any other necessary adaptations. The Chamber feels strongly that investing in our small businesses now is a way to mitigate Village losses in the future. In our discussions with our more than 200 members, they indicated that securing funds from the Small Business Administration or any kind of rent reduction from their landlord has proven to be challenging or impossible. We trust that the Village Council and Administration will devote the resources necessary to ensure the long-term livelihood of these businesses who invested so faithfully in Miami Shores. On behalf of the Greater Miami Shores, I thank you for your consideration and want you to know that we stand at the ready to partner with the Village in the execution of these recommendations. Sincerely, Patrice Gillespie Smith President, Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce Toni Lockhart Location: Submitted At: 3:07pm 04-21-20 Dear Council Members: As the owner Salon Dahlia, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the consideration you are showing the small businesses of the Shores. I read Mr. Loffredo's proposal and am extremely grateful for his efforts on behalf the merchants located on NE 2nd Avenue. I truly hope that you will be able to offer aid as he has thoughtfully suggested. Local help is truly essential- without it, many of us will struggle to reopen and sustain our businesses. With regards to the amounts Mr. Loffredo suggested, I respectfully submit that all businesses need to be funded equally. Salon Dahlia has a dozen employees and and over a thousand local residents depending on us. Due to Covid-19 we have been forced to fully close. We have zero income. When we are able to reopen, it will be months before we can be fully operational. Social distancing in a beauty salon will certainly be a challenge, but with some help, we can survive this. I have been running my shop in the Shores for a decade now. I have invested my heart and soul into my Shores business and never had to ask for any help before now. I am now humbly asking and I hope that you will find a way to help us. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Toni Lockhart Salon Dahlia 9472 NE 2nd Ave Todd Headley Location: Submitted At: 2:39pm 04-21-20 As a RESIDENT and a SMALL BUSINESS OWNER in the Shores (key word being AND), I am very curious why the favoritism on NE 2nd Ave, especially to restaurants? Do the owners of the restaurants also live in the Shores like my business partner and I do? Why do they need the most money, when in fact, they (restaurants) are the only businesses able to stay open by serving take out, so giving them an opportunity at more money in comparison to other businesses that were forced to completely shut down is very insensitive. Our business was not able to use uber eats, postmates or our own delivery service for the last 6 plus weeks. If loans are given, it should be for all businesses in the shores that had NO CHANCE at earning revenue during the Covid19 shutdown AND if it does in fact take place, those owners who LIVE and WORK within Miami Shores, should get priority. That being said, I understand where Mr Yiannikakis from Amaranthine is coming from and I feel for every small business that is struggling at this time! In fact, my wife and I currently own and operate three small businesses, none of which made it in the first round of SBA funding, through our current bank Chase. If the restaurants are able to get upwards of a $50,000 loan , I want my Miami Shores business to have the same opportunity as we are owned by TWO MIAMI SHORES RESIDENTS. Then, I want the same promotion and favoritism shown to us from the Village Council once things re-open. We also would be willing to agree to similar terms as Mr Yiannikakis proposed should any funding arrive from the next round of SBA stimulus loans for our business. While I can appreciate the gesture proposed by Mr Loffredo, you should look at the entirety of Miami Shores businesses and give the priority to the ones that have residents as owners and not just a few blocks of NE 2nd Avenue. Sincerely - Todd Headley/Ralph Jacob of CykleJab (who reside at NW 93rd & NE 108th streets, actual residents in the shores). Sarah Vahan Location: Submitted At: 7:12pm 04-20-20 I would like to thank Mr. Loffredo, and the council for making Miami Shores small businesses a priority at this time. It would be a tragedy if we lost the momentum of what has been happening over the last few years in the downtown area. The support of locals and council is necessary for Pebble & Vine to continue to move forward, and we would be grateful for the assistance. We have been unable to get Relief from other programs, or our landlord. Hernan Palizas Location: Submitted At: 6:34pm 04-20-20 Glad this proposal comes for consideration. All businesses in Miami shores with less than 6 employees must be taken care of in the first place. The business should be allocated along 2nd Ave in order to apply. the fund should have a cap up to 25000 max. Fund really should help small businesses meaning they are small in size and revenue because a traditional loan or grant is not available for then. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:55pm 04-20-20 I support the village giving loans or grants in order to sustain the downtown area- the plan of how best to support businesses must be a collaborative effort with the business owners. MTC has entirely been left out-the success of our downtown depends on the success of the theater and we also need access to assistance asap. this is a critical moment for MS and I encourage you to call an emergency meeting with all council members and TMC members. From:Giselle Kovac To:Ysabely Rodriguez Subject:Re: ePublic Comments Date:Tuesday, April 21, 2020 5:29:06 PM Attachments:image001.png image002.png image003.png Giselle Kovac 290 NE 98th st and Executive Director of Miami Theater Center on NE 2nd ave. I fully support the village giving loans or grants in order to sustain the downtown area- it is essential that a viable plan to do so is created. The plan of how best to support businesses must be a collaborative effort with the business owners. This is a critical moment for MS and I encourage the Village administration to work together with the merchants to come up with innovative solutions based on need. Communication is key. I also encourage the Village to offer incentives to landlords to adjust or defer rents at this time. Rent is currently the biggest financial burden for many of our businesses. Finally, in Councilman Loffredo’s plan MTC has entirely been left out as it is not a for profit business. I must stress what I am sure you already know- the success of our downtown depends on the success of the theater. We also need access to assistance asap. I would like to suggest that MTC receive a grant from the Village and a council member join our Board of Directors in a permanent, on-going position using this moment to create an innovative new relationship between MTC and the Village. This will then remove MTC from the loan scenario and help us move forward together. My deepest gratitude for the service of this council’s members during this difficult time. It is greatly appreciated. Stay well. Get Outlook for iOS Original Comments: I support the village giving loans or grants in order to sustain the downtown area- the plan of how best to support businesses must be a collaborative effort with the business owners. MTC has entirely been left out-the success of our downtown depends on the success of the theater and we also need access to assistance asap. this is a critical moment for MS and I encourage you to call an emergency meeting with all council members and TMC members.