minfin 11-28-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Director Leininger clarifies that city services were not necessarily in competition with non- profits due to the funding caps in place by category. He explained that due to strict constraints on the funds, only a few organizations are actually competing against one. Through discussion it was clarified that the CAC received $1.96 in requests and $1.85 was awarded. Through discussion it was clarified that Council has authority to amend the funding recommendations, should it so choose. Mr. Wyman added that historically, the CAC recommendations have held great weight, and Council has not taken action to amend them. In response to a question, he explained that a year-by-year comparison of the CAC recommendations are available on the City website. The committee and the administration discussed the plans, should the city receive more or less federal money than anticipated. Councilmember Bullock advocated for finding ways to free up more CDBG funds for local non- profits by using General Funds to finance city services, currently funded by CDBG, such as the childcare scholarship. In response to a question, Ms. Urbanek of Lakewood Alive discussed the Lakewood Alive Paint Program, which received a recommended funding allocation from the CAC. Ms. Urbanek explained that the program received all the funds that it requested for 2023. She explained some of the program trends and challenges to spending down the funds. She further remarked on the nature of Lakewood Alive's housing outreach work, which received a$12,000 reduction in funding this year,per the CAC recommendations. The committee and the administration discussed differences in funding recommendations between 2022 and 2023. Director Leininger noted that the Lakewood Community Services Center Food Pantry did not request funding in 2022 due to its receipt of stimulus funds but returned to requesting CDBG funding in 2023. He also noted that CAC members prioritized funding the childcare scholarship and the Journey Center. He pointed out how this resulted in a decrease for Lakewood Alive's Housing Outreach program, as well as other programs that applied. Director Leininger concluded that overall, the funding recommendations reflect a return to pre-pandemic trends and needs. Planning & Development Department Director Leininger briefly touched upon the 2022 budget and major highlights. He directed Council to visuals explaining the expenditure of COVID-relief funds. He provided broad themes and take-aways from the Department's 2023 budget Director Leininger briefly presented on the Department's 2023 core services and planned capital improvements. For capital improvements, Planning partners with Public Works and Engineering. The following capital improvements were highlighted: • Design of Hawk Walk on Madison • Niagara Park playground upgrade 7