minfin 07-18-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Councilmember Marx reviewed her priorities, noting needed investment in Merl Park, an increase in budget for tree stump grinding, and improvements to the Lakewood Dispatch facility. Chair Shachner echoed his colleagues' priorities, encouraged them to work with directors on their various proposals, and asked directors to let Council know what they need in order to increase city service and responsiveness. Mr. Chair then shared some of his own, which focused on traffic calming, supporting building department efforts, etc. He concluded by inviting members of the public to share their budget proposal ideas. Public Comment Vince Frantz—1455 Waterbury Rd. Mr. Frantz voiced support for the Lakewood Skate Park expansion within its current footprint. He noted that the Lakewood community would benefit from the civic engagement process required by skate park enhancements. He stated that it would be about 20 years since the skate park opened and its expansion would benefit new users. Ms. Dailey—1461 Bunts Rd. Ms. Daley expressed concern about the busy traffic on Bunts Rd. and asked for further traffic calming measures on her street. Chair Shachner and Director Leininger noted that while Bunts is a main thoroughfare that would not be eligible for physical traffic calming device (speed humps, etc), that the area could benefit from additional signage or landscape islands that make the road appear narrower. Councilmember Litten questioned what additional expenses or needs might result from the opening of the Cove Center, encouraging further strategic planning for the site. Chair Shachner shared Councilmember Kepple's budget priorities, as she was unable to attend the meeting. Ms. Kepple focused on supporting the ADA Taskforce through a right of way assessment. Chair Shachner concluded the discussion on budget priorities, noting 6 eComments in support of the skate park expansion. ORDINANCE 22-2022 -AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least five (5) members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, creating a D.A.R.E. (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) special revenue fund for internal financial controls pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §2981.13(D). (1st read& referred to Finance 06/21/22;2"d reading 7/5/22) Director Rancatore gave an overview and history of the city's D.A.R.E funds, which has gone on for years. Per the recommendation of the city's outside auditors and GAAP consultant, this special revenue fund was proposed to give the police chief knowledge of an exact balance of funds from which his department can utilize resources. Councilmember Rader asked if cities are required to do D.A.R.E and asked where the funds come from to run the program. Director Rancatore stated that the funds are used for community education. Mr. Rader stated that D.A.R.E is a failed program and discouraged city funds from being used to support it. 2