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organization has also started a new program in concert with the Fire Department to install knox <br /> boxes on the outside of homes, which provide easy access for firefighters to the home in the <br /> event of an emergency. <br /> Chairman Bullock spoke to Lakewood Alive's successful efforts and partnership as the city's <br /> community development corporation. <br /> Councilmember Neff inquired as to much a knox box costs. Ms. Urbanek indicated one costs <br /> $178 and described the process involved with getting one, noting that the organization is <br /> applying to get more through a grant. Ms. Neff also asked how many residents Lakewood Alive <br /> has helped age in place this year. Ms. Urbanek stated that the organization serves about 500 <br /> residents each year, of which 50% of those are seniors. They've done 30 home assessments in <br /> the last year, which led to 15 home improvement projects that have helped seniors stay in their <br /> homes for a long period of time. She also described how cost prohibitive larger projects like stair <br /> lifts can be. <br /> Councilmember Litten acknowledged the important partnership between the city and Lakewood <br /> Alive, citing the organization's ability to be nimble in times where the city cannot always be. <br /> Chairman Bullock asked whether Lakewood Alive assists property owners that come into <br /> housing court. He also noted the success of the organization's Madison Art Walk in attracting <br /> public art on businesses, and asked whether if they see those kinds of responses on a routine <br /> basis. Ms. Urbanek indicated that Lakewood Alive does participate in housing diversion court, <br /> attends it monthly, and does take referrals from the Building Department. Mr. Andrews spoke to <br /> examples of CDBG dollars being used to install murals on Warren and Madison, and added that <br /> their fiscal agent status helps them make an impact. <br /> Councilmember Kepple inquired about the maintenance plans of the art work. Mr. Andrews <br /> spoke to an example where a mural was tagged. Lakewood Alive was able to get it replaced with <br /> $7,000 of free work and was able to get another repaired for below market rate. The organization <br /> wants to have maintenance related language in place contractually in the future. <br /> Councilmember Rader thanked Mr. Andrews and Ms. Urbanek for what they do. He noted the <br /> organization is responsive when he calls and discussed interest in figuring out how it can be <br /> better supported or how partnerships can be improved. <br /> CDBG/ESG Allocations Discussion <br /> Councilmember Bullock reminded the committee that the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) <br /> consists of a group of dedicated volunteers who make recommendations each year as to how the <br /> city should spend federal HUD dollars. <br /> Director Leininger remarked that the process is overseen by the Planning Department and that <br /> the CAC plays a significant role. He introduced Development Officer,Dan Wyman and CAC <br /> Chair, Ben Kipp. <br /> 2 <br />