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I don't believe I have made a report on the April 21"Housing Committee meeting, so I will <br /> just combine the two. The purpose of the April 21s; 2020 meeting was to discuss residential <br /> rent relief options that the city could provide. The committee is looking to figure out how the <br /> city can help those that may have lost their jobs or are having trouble keeping up on rent We <br /> learned from Mary Leigh of the Planning Department that we are looking at a variety of <br /> options, which include the Emergency Shelter Program, HOME funds, etc. Currently, the city <br /> is in somewhat of a holding pattern because it is awaiting guidance from HUD on how to use <br /> those funds specifically. <br /> Rent relief was still on the agenda for the May 4`i' Housing Committee meeting, but there <br /> wasn't much time for that because we were busy discussing Resolution 2020-26, which would <br /> give the city authority to enter into agreement with Infinity Construction Corporation for the <br /> repurposing of Cove Church into an intergenerational community center for an amount not <br /> to exceed$4.15 million. We did prior to that meeting receive a communication from Mayor <br /> George that that project might be put on hold. This meeting was held to determine the <br /> reasoning behind a hold and whether that was a good way to go, the funding sources <br /> involved and whether the current pandemic could impact them. What we did learn was that <br /> we were ready to spend $600,000 on this project this year. $500,000 of this money would <br /> come from the economic development fund and$100,000 would be from CDBG monies. They <br /> would be spent largely on asbestos removal. Mayor George and Director Rancatore <br /> explained the reasoning for potentially putting a pause on the project is that funding for it is <br /> liquid and could potentially be used for emergency purposes if Council approved any <br /> transfer of the funds. We are ahead of schedule on this project. All members of Council and <br /> members of the administration communicated how critical this project is in regard to facility <br /> updates for Human Services and that it shows Lakewood's commitment to promoting Human <br /> Services. That department, from The Family Room to the senior services, is the glue that <br /> holds this community together. That item I ask to be deferred, as I would like to continue <br /> discussion on the matter and ensure that the pause is not permanent. <br /> Outdoor dining options were discussed, as other cities are preparing guidance. Under social <br /> distancing, many folks may not be comfortable going to the many restaurants we have in <br /> Lakewood, so I would like to see us provide some emergency provisions for restaurants that <br /> do not currently have permits for outdoor or seasonal dining to receive them. Those <br /> provisions are currently housed in Section 1161.03T of our Lakewood ordinances and <br /> typically involves a review of the ABR committee, etc., so I would like to see us wave those <br /> processes during the pandemic. I anticipate having a proposal in the next few weeks. I would <br /> ask that to be referred to Committee of the Whole in the future. <br /> Councilmember Shachner made a motion, seconded by President O'Malley to receive and <br /> file the oral report. <br /> A roll call vote was taken as follows: <br /> Yeas —Bullock, Kepple, Litten, Neff, O'Malley, Rader, Shachner <br /> Nays —None <br />