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Council Office Budget <br /> Clerk Bach <br /> Clerk Bach introduced the 2023 Council Office Budget, which focuses on the administration side <br /> of the council office and its core functions. Trends from 2022 were highlighted, including the <br /> purchasing and investment of supplies and materials that successfully increased public outreach <br /> and engagement. One key addition to the council office's public outreach was the send agenda <br /> feature through Granicus. With this feature, anyone can submit their name and email address to <br /> stay up to date with Council. 2022 has been a record year for public involvement, as people were <br /> eager to see council in person and use e-comment. Clerk Bach also pointed out that there are a <br /> variety of voices and speakers being captured through e-comment. A goal for 2023 is to add one <br /> or two more outreach events to the calendar to continue to increase public engagement. <br /> President Litten agreed with Clerk Bach about the profound changes in public engagement over <br /> the past few years. He recognized that the pandemic had much to do with many of these changes. <br /> Clerk Bach explained that the many hot topics also brought residents of Lakewood to chambers <br /> this year. Clerk Bach also highlighted how starting in 2020, Council began livestreaming and <br /> recording all meetings, including committee meetings. <br /> Clerk Bach explained the travel and transportation line items as well as professional services. <br /> Professional conferences have been a valuable way to collaborate outside of the city and bring <br /> ideas back to Lakewood. Representation of Lakewood has also been important within these <br /> conferences. While there is not always a set process for travel, Clerk Bach recommended a <br /> maximum of 2 people travelling out of state and 2 travelling in state. This is flexible, though, as <br /> if 1 person travels out of state, there is room for 3 people to travel in state. Clerk Bach mentioned <br /> the conference she had attended in 2022 that did not affect the budget because of a scholarship <br /> but explained that it will impact the budget for 2023 without a scholarship. These travel expenses <br /> are still up for further discussion. <br /> Councilmember Bullock thanked Clerk Bach for the presentation and budget discipline <br /> presented. He also expressed that he has come around to the usefulness of these conferences and <br /> advocated for potentially increasing this line item if there is a need. <br /> Clerk Bach explained that having 4 members attend conferences in one year was a record for the <br /> office. Having more than 4 individuals travel for a conference in one year is unlikely. However, <br /> there is contingency to move funds around. Clerk Bach expressed that she is open minded to <br /> what Council would like done. Within the travel and transportation section of the budget, hotels <br /> and transportation costs are included. For the professional services section of the budget, <br /> membership has the biggest expense. Mayor George mentioned that the Lakewood Chamber of <br /> Commerce has been moved from the Mayor's Office's budget, solely to the council office, so <br /> they are not paying double for it. <br /> Clerk Bach reported that general funds will be used to upgrade the carpet and shades in the <br /> council office. These new additions will be an appropriate upgrade and maintain the council <br /> office on par with the rest of City Hall. Clerk Bach added spoke of other 2023 initiatives to <br /> 3 <br />