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Home My WebLink About5.a. COVID-19 Update E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y Port Authority Meeting: May 19, 2020 AGENDA ITEM: COVID-19 Update AGENDA SECTION: New Business PREPARED BY: Eric Van Oss, Economic Development Coordinator AGENDA NO. 5.a. ATTACHMENTS: Restaurant Survey Link APPROVED BY: LJM RECOMMENDED ACTION: Information Item SUMMARY As the COVID-19 pandemic began in late February staff began to prepare resources for residents and businesses. Since this is an unknown frontier and information updates are almost daily, staff has devoted significant time to creating outward facing resources for the business community and residents. Since May, much of the information provided has transitioned to looking forward to reopening by implementing guidelines and policies. Some of the major City initiatives from April and May are outlined below. The COVID-19 Resources website for Rosemount is continuing to be used as a go-to resource for businesses and residents. The site is updated regularly as new information from the state and federal government is received. As of the second week of May, the mapping site has had 4,449 unique visits and the COVID-19 website has had 3,668 unique visits. Additionally, the school lunch mapping tool has had 13,042 visits. The website helps to compile resources and programs from a wide array of government agencies into a single location. Staff will publish a second Rosemount Business Bulletin in May which will include new COVID updates. Staff has been engaging with the State, County, and Dakota County Regional Chamber on a near weekly basis as new information and programs are unveiled. In May, calls with the Department of Employment and Economic Development are regularly scheduled every Thursday morning. Topics have shifted from relief or loan programs to changes in the Stay at Home Executive Order and guidelines for eventual reopenings. The information is disseminated through an email blast to the City’s business distribution list to keep businesses aware of recent changes. Responses from Rosemount businesses have indicated these communications have been helpful as they navigate beginning to open during the pandemic. Staff has fielded calls, emails and social media messages from local businesses regarding a number of COVID related issues, such as information on DEED’s shared work program, unemployment benefits for independent contractors, and questions interpreting the Critical Business exemption in the Stay at Home Executive Order. The vast majority of contacts with business owners since the April 23rd Port meeting have been related to changes and interpretation of the Executive Order updates, as well as suggestions for reopening. Inquiries into the SBA Paycheck Protection Act loans have declined. Most businesses have told staff they either already secured funds or have made the decision to not apply at all. Rosemount Takeout BINGO concluded on May 4th. Twelve winners were selected and mailed $20-dollar gift cards to an establishment of their choice. Staff asked winners to email selfies of their takeout to add on social media. During the month of April, the cumulative social media posts (both ads boosted and regular) had over 6,000 direct engagements from residents. Anecdotally, restaurants told staff they had a number of people coming in related to the BINGO takeout and many restaurants provided BINGO boards to patrons. Additionally, staff compiled a video highlighting local restaurants and new COVID-19 operating procedures that was released on May 6th. you can see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1NaspOCFZA Staff conducted a survey of local restaurants the week of May 4th. Almost all restaurants are currently operating; some notable exceptions include Morning Glory’s and Rudy’s Redeye Grill, although both of these establishments had some extenuating circumstances outside of COVID-19. Eighty percent of the responding restaurants indicated business is operating at 50% capacity or greater, while 20% said they were operating less than half capacity. All the restaurants who had applied for SBA loans have been approved and no local establishments are utilizing the Shared Work program through DEED. In the comments section and staff’s subsequent conversations with owners, it was indicated that the City’s marketing efforts have been helpful and should continue. Most business are starting to prepare for an eventual reopening, but many are worried about sales with significantly reduced seating capacity.