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projects that have gone out to bond will continue as planned. However,projects that rely on state <br /> capital budget funds may be deferred, as the state government has yet to pass a capital budget for <br /> this year. <br /> Councilmember Shachner asked whether there were plans to postpone or delay projects. Mayor <br /> George indicated that the sidewalk replacement program will be delayed at least a month. The <br /> Belle Ave. sewer project and the Clifton-Prado project may also be delayed from this year as <br /> well. Mayor George indicated that a roofing contract was delayed at Board of Control earlier in <br /> the day and that she was also considering delaying the mulching of the parks if they were not <br /> going to be used this year. <br /> The committee discussed the layoffs of Cleveland Heights' Parks and Recreation Department <br /> staff and if similar ones could be expected in Lakewood. It was clarified that Lakewood's <br /> Recreation Department falls under the school system's budget. The city's Parks staff's is <br /> comprised of fewer seasonal employees than other municipalities, so layoffs would be less <br /> effective for budget purposes. <br /> Councilmember Neff asked for an updated list of projects that the city has prioritized and will <br /> use to determine which projects would be delayed. She also as asked if there is a hypothetical <br /> plan for furloughs and what that might look like if necessary. Mayor George indicated that there <br /> is a list that can be provided. While she referred to furloughs as a last resort, she added that she <br /> has formed a small internal team to forecast what that might look like if needed. Considering <br /> there was a$7 million carryover from last year's budget, Mayor George stated that she believes <br /> that the city will be able to weather the crisis without furloughs. <br /> Chairman Bullock requested that Council be consulted on any large financial decisions that <br /> affect the city's budget. <br /> Councilmember Litten inquired as to whether there were any grants from other levels of <br /> government for which the city was applying. Mayor George stated that the city has reached out <br /> to the county. The last round of federal stimulus money only applied to city's over 500,000 in <br /> population and counties over 500,000. The only city in Ohio with more than 500,000 people is <br /> Columbus. Cuyahoga county received some direct funds as well. Letters have been sent to <br /> Senators Brown and Portman and Representative Kaptur. Various mayors associations have been <br /> lobbying representatives on the federal level to provide direct stimulus to municipalities. <br /> Councilmember Rader asked if furlough decisions require Council approval. Mayor George <br /> stated she does not believe any Council approval is required to reduce budgetary spending, <br /> however she stressed the importance of being mindful of the city's contracts with it unions. <br /> Chairman Bullock requested a set of written principles to guide any potential furlough <br /> procedures. Mayor George indicated that he could draft them and the administration and Council <br /> could discuss them. <br /> Chairman Bullock made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Litten to adjourn the meeting. <br />