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The motion passed. The communication was received and filed and referred to the Housing, <br /> Planning, & Development Committee. <br /> 10. Communication from Mayor George regarding amended FY2019 approved annual plan. <br /> (pg- 8) <br /> President O'Malley made a motion, seconded by Vice President Litten to receive and file the <br /> communication. <br /> Discussion: President O'Malley sought clarification on whether the Council was merely <br /> amending the exhibit in the annual plan to say approximately $1.7 million will be used for <br /> the COVID-19 pandemic response. He added that he would like Council to be a part of the <br /> conversation on how that money would be spent. Mayor George noted that his statement was <br /> correct and that the city has not received guidance from the federal government on how the <br /> funds could be spent. Dan Wyman of the Planning Department added that the city will have <br /> to amend the Citizen Participation Plan in the future. He noted that there is urgency to pass <br /> the amended legislation because it will allow the city to be more immediately reactive when <br /> the federal guidelines come out. <br /> Mr. Wyman recommended that CDBG funds be allocated to assist Lakewood Community <br /> Service Center's Food Pantry, which is in dire straights. They rely heavily on volunteers, <br /> which have not been available, and demand for their services has increased threefold. The <br /> suggested allocation would be about $50,000. He also suggested setting aside $50,000- <br /> $100,000 to plan and administer programs to be enabled through CARES Act money. He <br /> envisioned that the remainder of the funds would be divided between the small business <br /> assistance program, which would require a $500,000 - $550,000 investment. The reminder <br /> could potentially be used to provide rent/utility assistance for residents below 80% of the <br /> area median income. <br /> Councilmember Bullock expressed his understanding that the administration hoped to pass <br /> Resolution 9042-18A that evening along with amendments to a procedural ordinance <br /> regarding our public comment process regarding our CDBG plan. He added that it sounds <br /> like that intention was pushed back a week. Mr. Wyman stated he is fast tracking HUD <br /> processes, but there is going to be time needed over the next month to assess needs, develop <br /> programs, review applications, and distributing funds. Passing the legislation on May 4 I <br /> would not set the city back. <br /> Mr. Wyman and Councilmembers discussed the timeline on various submissions to HUD and <br /> when dollars will be released to program recipients. It was noted that the city is acting <br /> expediently, however the distribution of dollars relies largely on HUD responding to the <br /> city's plans. <br />