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be a large driver in how his department moves forward under one roof at Cove Community <br /> Center. He added that Human Services needs to be a community informed department that <br /> develops programs based on people's needs. <br /> Councilmember Bullock asked several questions pertaining to how senior transportation looks <br /> for the department in the future and the plans on vacating the several spaces department staff <br /> occupied while everyone is moving under one roof at Cove. Mr. Berry gave an overview of <br /> transport operations and noted that transportation to non-medical related appointments, such as <br /> developmental activities or recreational opportunities, may be an area of expansion for the <br /> department. Mr. Berry added that the roof on Cove is being fixed and that the Early Childhood <br /> and Youth Division is already in the building, and that Aging will move in after the construction <br /> crews have finished their punch list. There are upwards of 70 people coming into the Family <br /> Room on Thursdays. Human Services will need time to figure out what items to take to the new <br /> location and then the Planning Department will put out an RFP once the buildings have been <br /> fully vacated. <br /> Councilmember Baker pointed to the endowed funds in the Healthy Lakewood Foundation and <br /> the Three Arches Foundation that can be leveraged to create more funding to help the <br /> community. Mr. Berry concurred and noted that Human Services has always looked outside the <br /> city's general fund for money to support its programming. Mr. Baker surmised as to how the city <br /> could support high quality childcare for young families. Mr. Berry stated that his staff brings <br /> together the childcare leaders in Lakewood monthly to provide services and hear their needs. <br /> Currently, childcare providers are facing a staffing shortage. He noted that the mayor has met <br /> with a number of people in an effort to bolster the new mothers' groups and getting the <br /> Cleveland Clinic to assist with the provision of lactation specialists. <br /> President Litten asked Mr. Berry what makes him a leader of the department and how he views <br /> himself as a self-advocate for it. Mr. Berry cited his extended experience in the field and the <br /> many challenges that the department faced while he and former Director Gelsomino worked <br /> together over the past 4 years. He expressed gratitude for having her as a mentor and a desire to <br /> lead the department forward as a team player who is grounded in making situations better. <br /> President Litten asked if there's anything else that Council, the community, or city ought to <br /> know that could be portrayed positively or negatively. Mr. Berry indicated that he's led a clean <br /> life of public service and that he takes the position very seriously. <br /> Motion by President Litten, seconded by Vice President Kepple to recommend adoption of <br /> Resolution 2022-22 by the full Council. All in favor. Motion passed. <br /> Update from Planning Department regarding proposed downtown development <br /> Director Leininger provided an update on the public meetings that occurred since Council last <br /> addressed the downtown development on May 2nd and announced upcoming meetings scheduled <br /> to take place. Notably, he announced that the city is working to plan public meetings that include <br /> the Chamber, Lakewood Alive and residents <br /> 2 <br />