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Chairman Bullock indicated he was going to compile his questions in writing and develop a running list with other members to conserve on time. Mayor George was agreeable to the idea. Chairman Bullock stated that the vehicle fleet is a complex and worthy subject on which to focus. He added that electric vehicles are not too expensive and that there is a targeted way to make them affordable. He concluded that a unit of electric fuel is a third of the cost of petroleum and that the infrastructure bill could help with the cost of electric vehicles. Update on federal COVID relief dollars Councilmember O'Malley noted the creation of Fund 286, which is the American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund, and its appropriation of$30 million. He inquired how the administration arrived at that number. Director Rancatore stated that the ARP funds are to be used to impact residents while also following Department of Treasury guidelines. He recapped the 3 payments of $250,000 to Lakewood Community Services Center. The administration is looking to avoid programming appropriations that might cause the money to be paid back to the federal government. The funds have to be obligated by December 2024. Assistant Director Schuster stated that the $30 million figure was arrived at using a 2-phase approach that was needed to come up with a dollar amount for the budget book while the city is still awaiting final guidance from Treasury. $25 million is for water/sewer projects that Council has already expressed a commitment to, and the city wanted to be prepared with that full amount in the event it goes to bid on projects next year. The extra$5 million is to help cover the city for additional projects that might come up next year, as the city awaits final determination. Councilmember O'Malley questioned whether the administration would have to come back to Council for these expenditures since it would be giving contracting authority. He indicated his preference to not bake this funding into the budget, while also expressing a commitment to sewer infrastructure. Council discussion on budget topics Councilmember O'Malley advocated that the city should consider a twice monthly payment to its employees and that it's something to which they can adapt. He indicated that this would help the city plan ahead and that it should be brought in discussion with the unions. He also expressed hope that the administration would discuss interfund transactions to support the hospitalization fund, in an effort to understand from which funds were being pulled. Councilmember Rader thanked the administration for the long-range planning section of the budget. He also asked that the city consider investing in technology other than generators. He expressed hope that cities could get a refundable technology credit through congressional action. Chairman Bullock asked the administration leave time for councilmember Q&A during future hearings. The meeting was adjourned without objection at 6:34 p.m.