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Councilmember Kepple discussed and explained her vision for such an event at Madison Park. <br /> Councilmember Bullock added that such an event would need the support of the Mayor's office to <br /> pull together the various city departments and constituency groups to make this successful. <br /> Anti-Racism Task Force Support <br /> Councilmember Kepple discussed her proposal for professional support to the Anti-Racism Task <br /> Force, which was proposed last year and did not come to fruition. Councilmember Kepple stated <br /> that while Task Force members bring valuable lived experience to their work, that a consultant <br /> can help them to navigate the bureaucracy and understand the existing structure of city <br /> government. <br /> Councilmember Bullock expressed support for a consultant as well as for support from the mayor's <br /> office and directors. He spoke of the value of training in general for city personnel. <br /> Councilmember Neff expressed support for the proposal. She spoke from her professional <br /> experience with diversity and inclusion initiatives stating that it was unproductive and potentially <br /> harmful to throw untrained people into a room together to discuss sensitive subjects. She remarked <br /> that conversations about race can be difficult and need to be thoughtfully planned. <br /> Small Business Digital Development <br /> Councilmember Kepple discussed her proposal for an online marketplace for Lakewood <br /> restaurants and businesses to help support them through pandemic-related challenges and the <br /> shift toward online retail. She explained that this solution could help small businesses to survive <br /> and grow and to keep money in the community. She compared her idea to apps like UberEats, <br /> which take large cut from restaurants. She compared characterized the project as a type of virtual <br /> economic development. <br /> In response to questions, Councilmember Kepple explained that she has been discussing this idea <br /> with businesses and there is a lot of enthusiasm. Her plan is for the city to provide the start-up <br /> costs and for the businesses to then take ownership of it. She suggested that ARPA funds could be <br /> used since this is a proposal to support small businesses. <br /> Several councilmembers expressed interest and support. <br /> Councilmember Bullock initiated a discussion regarding next steps, noting that on October 4 I <br /> the committee will vote on each priority and agree on a final list. He noted that the committee <br /> has not yet heard from the administration regarding the affordability of these proposals and that <br /> he would like to meet with the Finance team this week to better understand what is affordable. <br /> Director Rancatore suggested that the administration will do its best to fund as many council <br /> budget priorities as possible but that it is possible that some may need additional refinement, and <br /> some may be postponed. He stated that the 2022 budget is a fluid process until November 15th <br /> when it is officially introduced to Council. <br /> Without objection, Finance Committee adjourned at 7:57 p.m. <br /> 4 <br />