Board backs revolving-loan program

A revolving-loan program for small businesses was recommended by Carson City’s Redevelopment Authority Citizens Committee on Monday, but just $1 was put in the pot to make it a placeholder until money becomes available.

The panel voted unanimously to make such a recommendation to the Redevelopment Authority, which consists of the Board of Supervisors acting in that capacity periodically. The citizens panel recommendation was to establish the program in response to Nevada Assembly Bill 417, which was adopted last year and outlined ways in which such a program for small-business seed money would work.

The bill calls on local redevelopment authorities to determine the size of loans, criteria for them, application procedures and other matters. The citizens committee discussed some of those aspects, but decided details could be revisited and ironed out later if funding develops. The amount talked about would be $25,000 for small-business loans, but until redevelopment coffers swell, it is a moot point.

The panel also received a report from Interim City Manager Marena Works and Parks Planner Vern Krahn on progress at Fuji Park and Fairgrounds in preparation for both the July 30-Aug. 3 Nevada Fair, which is part of the Nevada 150 events for the state’s sesquicentennial, and for other events later. They detailed progress on a picnic shelter, electrical improvements, a maintenance structure and plans for a Fuji sign at U.S. 395/South Carson Street.

“These are improvements that were badly needed at Fuji Park,” said Works.

Supervisor Brad Bonkowski asked that staff be sure to give a breakdown on costs and options for the sign, which could go up in three phases. The third and final phase would add an electronic LED sign at the top, which until then would sport banners, and Bonkowski wants full phasing cost information when the idea reaches the board.

Also reported on during the panel meeting was the work of Michael Salogga, business-development manager at the Business Resource Innovation Center. He detailed his work with Carson High School, Western Nevada College, the Carson City Library, downtown business groups, the new downtown Hub business incubator and other regional business-development interests.

The panel’s members asked that Salogga provide details regarding what they are or will be getting for the redevelopment dollars they use in his program during subsequent appearances.