Laguna Beach City Council Special Meeting - December 22, 2020

December 22, 2020

Executive Summary

- Laguna Beach City Council held a special meeting on December 22, 2020, conducted entirely via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions - The meeting focused on establishing an economic relief grant program to support local businesses impacted by the pandemic - Council reviewed the LB CARES Grant Program specifically targeting restaurants, bars, and retailers - Council was asked to appropriate $1 million from the General Fund Reserve for the relief programs - Funding would support both the LB CARES program and an expedited Community Assistance and Cultural Arts Grant program in 2021 - The $1 million allocation from reserves reflected the severity of the economic crisis facing local businesses - Remote meeting format included detailed instructions for public participation via phone and computer

Key Decisions

- Consideration of approval for LB CARES Grant Program for restaurants, bars, and retailers - Consideration of $1,000,000 appropriation from General Fund Reserve for grant programs - Direction to staff to expedite Community Assistance and Cultural Arts Grant program in 2021 - Authorization for staff to distribute grant funds according to established criteria (pending approval)