minfin 01-11-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Director Leininger stated that there are no specific line items for items 1-3, however they are included in the capital improvement plan, which begins to start a program for traffic calming/pedestrian measures. Chairman Bullock stated that residents on Mars Ave. have complained about speed and a recent hit and run on the street, and inquired whether the city has financial capacity to do address that. Mayor George noted that there some funds set aside to address traffic calming in the capital improvement plan. Members of the committee and the administration discussed whether funding was available for the anti-racism taskforce. The mayor noted that the administration will be moving forward in hiring a consultant for the taskforce, however a funding source has not yet been identified. Councilmember Kepple noted the timing of funding being important to getting this item moving and stated she would follow up with Director Gelsomino on the consultants being considered. The mayor estimated the consultant would cost about$25,000 - $35,000 and that the expense would have to be taken through an RFP process. Chairman Bullock and Councilmember Kepple spoke to Council prioritizing the funding and planting of trees to expand the city's tree canopy. Mayor George stated that due to the significant amount of trees being planted by the city, it has become more difficult to staff for their trimming, maintenance, and upkeep. Councilmembers raised the policy that it set in place for the city to plant 400 trees a year, with the overarching goal of increasing the tree canopy percentage by 2035. Both parties recognized that planted trees need 5-7 years of maintenance after planting. Chairman Bullock raised the goal and purpose of the Zero Emissions Lakewood study proposed in the budget priorities. Director Leininger stated $100,000 would be set aside from the Lakewood Hospital fund for a climate change action plan. He added that there are grant opportunity to offset the cost of a study/plan. Councilmember O'Malley expressed thanks to the administration for good planning for the Clifton-Prado pocket park improvements. These upgrades will likely be done in the spring of 2021. Councilmembers and Director Leininger discussed the logistics around the city's bicycle master plan. It was completed in 2012 and is due for an update. The plan may not be able to be completed this year, however a consultant may be hired to assist with bicycle signage. Chairman Bullock noted that Council asked for an $100,000 allotment for public art and noted that planned upgrades to the Detroit& Sloane intersection, along with the city's parks, make great places for improvments. Chairman Bullock highlighted the expansion of clean power use and the city's opportunity to do so as its power supply contract is up in April or May of this year. Mayor George noted her administration is reviewing rates and costs of a clean power supplier and that she is onboard with finding ways to make city operations greener. Councilmember and the administration discussed the Shop Lakewood Marketplace proposal. The administration stated that funds could be pulled from the economic development fund to back the