Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE <br /> November 28, 2022 <br /> AUDITORIUM <br /> Present: Councilmembers Shachner, Kepple & Bullock <br /> Also Present: Councilmembers Marx, Litten, Rader & Baker, Judge Neff, Court Administrator <br /> Maria Russo,Planning Director Leininger, Mayor George, Law Director Vargo, Finance Director <br /> Rancatore, Assistant Finance Directors Eddy and Shuster, Chief of Staff Storey, Fire Chief <br /> Dunphy, Police Chief Kaucheck, Development Officer Dan Wyman, CAC Co-Chairs Aidan <br /> Lawrence and Katherine McCormick, Ian Andrews & Allison Urbanek of LakewoodAlive, Clerk <br /> Bach and Council staff taking minutes <br /> Call to Order: 6:47 p.m. <br /> Lakewood Municipal Court Budget <br /> Judge Neff began her presentation by introducing Maria Russo, administrator of Lakewood's <br /> Municipal Court since June of this year. <br /> Judge Neff went over the municipal court's 2022 accomplishments. Lakewood Municipal Court <br /> was able to connect with the community and serve individuals by opening the probation office <br /> on Fridays. The Court has arranged new opportunities for individuals on probations, so that they <br /> may perform community service within the City of Lakewood. Judge Neff explained that at least <br /> half of the people who come to court have substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Through <br /> an MOU with Cleveland Municipal Court, Lakewood Municipal Court has gained access to <br /> Cleveland's specialized dockets for some of these clients, which has resulted in positive <br /> outcomes for clients. In response to questions on the specialized docket model, Judge Neff <br /> clarified the roles of all parties involved. <br /> Judge Neff spoke about the new Language Line Services within the court's budget. With these <br /> services, every type of interpreter can be available for any language. These readily available <br /> interpreters have aided in quicker and cost-efficient cases. <br /> Judge Neff explained the improvements in the clerk's office. This included new wallpaper, UV <br /> sun blocking shade treatments for the windows,paint, name plates, and new state and US flags. <br /> Judge Neff emphasized that these changes have created a more positive environment to work in. <br /> Judge Neff spoke about the court's application for Ohio Court Backlog Reduction Program state <br /> grant. This grant was geared toward cases in court that were backlogged due to COVID. The <br /> court was awarded $425,000 to be used within 2 years. Director Rancatore clarified that a <br /> portion of the grant will be used to offset expenditures and is included in the budget. <br /> Other initiatives to be funded out of the 2023 budget are: <br /> • A public defender on site several days a week <br /> 1 <br />