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President O'Malley asked Councilmember Bullock whether he intended to pass this legislation tonight or refer it to a committee. Councilmember Bullock stated he intended to pass it tonight to avoid delays and make the cost-benefit analysis worthwhile. President O'Malley expressed concerns regarding the fairness of this piece of assistance that only helps out businesses expanding into the street, as restaurants and bars have incurred numerous expenses in expanding operations into their own parking lots or sidewalks. He noted that Lakewood has asked to borrow jersey barriers from Cleveland, as it only possesses 5 or 6 that are often in use for construction projects. Mayor George stated that using public dollars for private parklets are not a good use of taxpayer dollars. She confirmed that the city has reached out to Cleveland to use extra barriers that it has from the RNC. She highlighted various efforts the city has made to support local businesses. She noted that the city is experiencing a deficit of$2.6 million. Councilmember Kepple stated her view that likened the legislation to that of a pilot project, not a direct investment in one private business. She noted that this is a small investment that could better inform city efforts in the future. Councilmember Shachner noted the unique circumstances of LBM that make it not analogous to the situations of other bars and restaurants, highlighting the business' layout and timing of previous parklet legislation. He stated his belief that the investment proposed would provide a public benefit. He noted that Mr. Ho, the owner of LBM, conducted an analysis where he could bring back his entire staff if the expansion was approved. President O'Malley noted his opposition to funding was based more on principle, not the in regard to the business, to which he paid compliments. Vice President Litten stated he that can support piloting parklets in Lakewood as long as safety forces believe it can be done safely. He added that it could be done in the spring and does not support public spending on the item. Mr. Eric Ho of LBM reviewed his analysis of the project,noting that the barrier cost could be around $3,200 for the barriers alone. He supported borrowing barriers from Cleveland. He noted the rush for getting the project done this fall would be to better inform his business' efforts in the spring. Businesses need to hoard cash now to get them through the winter due to the remaining threat of the coronavirus and reduced outdoor dining during unseasonable weather. Director Leininger highlighted efforts to promote equity when using city funds. He expressed concerns about other businesses being able to access the proposed program. Councilmember Rader questioned about the use of city resources to place and store jersey barriers. Director Ducu noted that they would need to be moved by crane and that there would not be indoor storage space available for them.