The Terrell Paddock on an affirmative voice vote approved a downtown lease-assistance payment for Simply Massage, to be paid quarterly for calendar year 2025.

The payment request was presented by Raelynn (city staff), who described the Downtown Lease Assistance Program and noted the board packet included a staff recommendation for quarterly payments for the remaining year. Alfredo Apria, who represents Simply Massage and leases space at 208 Eastmore from Houston Smith, described his business and community activities: “we're sponsoring 30 minute free massages for seniors, veterans,” he said, explaining part of his outreach and how the business participates in downtown events.

Raelynn told the board that the program reimburses tenants after they receive a certificate of occupancy and submit invoices; she added the bakery related to a separate application has scheduled a grand opening next Saturday and that Lulu Mae’s certificate of occupancy is anticipated within about 30 days. The applicant told the board his reported annual taxable sales so far were low because he had only recently completed his first year in the business.

Board discussion focused on the payout schedule and on details in the packet about quarterly disbursements. A motion “to approve the presented and pay quarterly for the year” was made and seconded; the chair called for the voice vote and the ayes carried.

The board did not attach special conditions to the approval during the public discussion. Staff clarified that reimbursements will begin the quarter after the applicant submits a certificate of occupancy and the required invoice documentation.

What happens next: staff will process reimbursements after the applicant submits required documentation for the certificate of occupancy and invoices; the board did not set additional reporting requirements at the meeting.