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Mr. Coletta identified budget trends that his department faces. He noted that software service <br /> operating expenses will increase, as every department has come to utilize a piece of hosted <br /> software. Cyber security, virtual meeting/remote access software, and mobile communications <br /> expenses are all expected to rise as well. <br /> Councilmember Rader asked how the city compares with others in its cyber security protection. <br /> Mr. Coletta indicated that the city was fortunate to fund CrowdStrike's advanced security model, <br /> as the traditional model of protection was not working. <br /> Councilmember Kepple inquired whether the Intergenerational Community Center has built in <br /> technology that the public can use. Mr. Coletta indicated that tech would be installed in meetings <br /> rooms and in larger areas where projection is likely to be utilized. He added that outside help <br /> may be brought in to outfit the building with more specialized technology. Ms. Kepple also <br /> asked if there were in software redundancies in the city's overall system. Mr. Coletta spoke <br /> about the balance between full integration of programs and specialized software for departments. <br /> He noted that turbulence in the software world can make efficiency difficult, but that GIS has <br /> helped display trends across multiple platforms. <br /> Councilmembers and members of the Finance Department then discussed the timing of <br /> funding capital projects and American Rescue Plan funded projects. <br /> Human Services Department Director Toni Gelsomino <br /> Director Gelsomino and Assistant Director Chad Berry conducted a joint presentation on the <br /> Human Services Department. Ms. Gelsomino indicated she will be retiring in the first quarter of <br /> 2022 after 30 years of service to the City of Lakewood. She indicated that her goal to move <br /> Human Services into 1 space will take place next year with the opening of the Cove <br /> Intergenerational Community Center. The department conducted its work mainly through Zoom <br /> in the first half of 2021 and is now trying to determine whether to remain in person in the <br /> senior/youth centers as Covid begins to surge again. She indicated her department assisted with <br /> Anti-Racism Task Force, which the Fairview Park Diversity Committee came to observe <br /> recently for guidance. <br /> Assistant Director Berry shared program/process improvements that were able to free up staff <br /> time for more focus on clients and providing a higher level of customer service. The department <br /> installed software that collected data for its meal ordering system, which allowed the process to <br /> be completed in 1 day instead of over the course of 3 days when it was done on paper. The <br /> department delivers about 30,000 meals each year. Staff is looking to apply the streamlined <br /> approach to the youth division. <br /> Mr. Berry indicated that the department has also reinvigorated its crisis intervention team, <br /> which is comprised of members of LPD, LFD, Building&Housing, Senior Services, etc. The <br /> team takes referrals from everyone including City Council, and does its best to mediate a <br /> crisis and figure out a best path forward. Typically it works with hoarders or individuals <br /> suffering from mental health issues. On average, it receives a weekly referral from <br /> Lakewood EMS. <br /> 3 <br />