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Chief Dunphy noted that EMS revenues helped to build the reserves in the Lakewood Hospital Fund and that using that fund for this project was always out in the open. President O'Malley stated that while he does not object to the use of the Lakewood Hospital Fund for the project that it should be acknowledged that doing so will deplete the fund by one- third and therefore the committee should discuss the fund's overall big picture and how to dedicate the remainder of the fund. Councilmember Bullock stated that more time next week can be dedicated to this discussion. Police Department Chief Kevin Kaucheck stated that the department's biggest challenges this year have been COVID and a manpower shortage and that the department has been profoundly impacted by both. The manpower shortage is caused by unanticipated retirements, long-term sick leave, COVID leave and quarantines and is anticipated to last until the end of 2021. He noted that COVID does not create ideal conditions for interacting with the public. He briefly discussed the Neighborhood officer program and how it will be temporarily staffed. Chief Kaucheck discussed the department's plans for 2021 which involve a redesign of the jail and a focus on mental health training to serve the City's diverse population. He noted that the age and the layout of the City's jail will prevent it from meeting all standards. The department will be doing everything possible to hire and train new officers in 2021. He explained some of the challenges including police academies being cancelled due to COVID. In 2020 Overtime has increased due to the manpower shortage. Chief Kaucheck stated that this was unavoidable. In response to a councilmember's inquiry, Chief Kaucheck discussed in detail the timeline for hiring a new officer. He stated that even if officers were hired tomorrow that they would not be able to fully assist the department for over six months. He noted that police work has become less attractive to young people. One hundred thirty applicants took the recent civil service exam, whereas, decades ago, 600 or more used to apply. He clarified that the patrol division is experiencing the largest shortfall. There is one vacancy in dispatch. To further illustrate the length of the police hiring process, Mayor George added that one of four new hires starts today. That individual was interviewed on October 15'h and took the Civil Service test in July. Councilmember Bullock asked if there is less or more of a need for community policing during COVID. Chief Kaucheck replied that one-on-one engagement is more difficult as everyone is trying to stay safe. Councilmember Bullock spoke of the value of community policing and how well appreciated it is by residents. 5