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administration's proposed uses of the funds are for projects that have been discussed publicly <br /> over time and are true needs rather than wants. <br /> Councilmember Bullock asked clarifying questions about the previous allocations to Lakewood <br /> Community Services Center, revenue replacement and the parks ambassador program. <br /> The administration addressed the questions and clarified that while the parks ambassador <br /> program did not start this summer as planned, that no loss of service was experienced and that <br /> security guards were in the parks to serve residents. Mayor George reiterated her commitment to <br /> establish the parks ambassador program in spring 2023. <br /> The Committee and the administration further discussed the City's ARPA allocation toward <br /> water/sewer projects. Mayor George clarified that regardless of grants or other funding received, <br /> $25 million of ARPA will go to water/sewer projects, whether that is the interceptor, or other <br /> maintenance. She pointed out that$25 million is the maximum that the city staff and contractors <br /> can successfully manage, plan for, and oversee at one time. <br /> Communication from President Litten regarding ARPA funds. <br /> In response to a question from President Litten, Chief Storey briefly explained some of the <br /> guidelines for use of ARPA funds. He noted the following categories of projects will usually <br /> qualify: <br /> • IT-related projects <br /> • ADA-related projects <br /> • Projects within qualified census tracts <br /> He added that the city wants to be careful to not initiate projects that will add ongoing costs to <br /> the budget such as new staff. Chief Storey committed to sending an updated map of qualified <br /> census tracts. <br /> Chief Storey noted that the ARPA guidelines are generally flexible and the only thing he's found <br /> that is strictly forbidden is using the funds toward underfunded pensions. <br /> Councilmember Kepple asked if the report has been finalized that will determine how much the <br /> city should invest to be ADA compliant. Director Leininger replied that that report will be <br /> forthcoming in the coming months. <br /> President Litten clarified that this upcoming process of identifying APRA priorities need not take <br /> away Council's ability to suggest priorities for the 2023 General Operating budget. <br /> Councilmember Bullock offered suggestions and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming <br /> process. <br /> President Litten expressed a vision for an application that can be used by members of the <br /> community to apply to council and councilmembers for use of ARPA funds. <br /> 3 <br />