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Ms. Eddy showed the number of death certificates, birth certificates and burial permits processed in Lakewood in 2019 and 2020. She explained that 2020 figures were higher because Cleveland's department of Vital Statistics was closed and referring customers to Lakewood. The Department has been open to the public since July. Ms. Eddy discussed trends in utility billing and discussed how online payment increased significantly this year. Council President O'Malley raised the issue of our City's different tax rates based on where a resident lives and works. Those who both live and work in Lakewood pay the lowest rate of 1.5%. People who work in Lakewood but live elsewhere will likely pay a higher rate depending on where they live, and those who live in Lakewood but work elsewhere will pay 3.5%. He expressed interest in reforming this pattern in order to make tax rates more equitable. He noted that Cleveland provides its non-resident workers a certain credit and that Lakewood should consider the same. He stated that as it is now, we are shifting resources away from Lakewood and to other cities. Councilmember Litten discussed a program funded by the County called ID Crisis Collaborative that pays for identification of individuals who otherwise can not afford it. Director Rancatore agreed to discuss this program offline. Lakewood Municipal Court Judge Carroll announced that the county jail had that day released all misdemeanor prisoners without any effective notice to the courts, of which he was very concerned. The Court's caseload is down across all categories this year, which the judge noted is an aberration. He noted that there has been a recent increase in evictions and spurts of increased domestic violence/bar fights, crimes that indicate people's frustration during these stressful times. Judge Carroll reviewed COVID precautions taken by the court, which include limiting the number of defendants in the room, spacing staff, mandating masks in city hall, etc. He highlighted the various moratoriums on evictions that were instituted by multiple levels of government and spoke of the Court's efforts to work with landlords on payment plans for tenants. He stated that this past year is his last on the bench and that he will assist the judge-elect to ensure a smooth transition. The judge discussed a transition to new case management software, as the court's current technology is being discontinued. He noted the conversion/training of staff will take up to a year. The cost will be $350,000 between software, computers, and training hours. He spoke to some of its capabilities, such as electronic notification to appear, which will reduce the Court's postage costs. Clerk McCallum has been meeting with the software team on a weekly basis. 2