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Lakewood Animal Shelter.We heard several Councilmembers support this idea, so we know that this is a priority for residents in the Lakewood community.Another initiative introduced by a resident was the city flag design initiative, where we would create a process to design a city flag. The resident estimated that the draft budget for the flag design would be about $4,000. I know I support this; Councilmember Rader has also expressed strong support for the city flag initiative. Many Lakewood residents would like to have renovations done to the tennis courts at Lakewood Park. Thetennis courts are over 15 years old, and it isnoted that they are not conducive to competitive play. Lakewood Park is in the capital improvement plan, so that is something for both Council and the administration to look at regarding the dedication of money specifically for the tennis courts. We also had Council talk about some of their priorities of what they would like to see in the upcoming budget. I mentioned that I would like to see an ADA accessible bathroom trailer at Wagar Park. There are currently no bathrooms at that park. Also, I would like the city to see if playground tree canopy additions at our parks could be included in the next budget. Councilmember Kepple’s specific budget priorities include implementing a transition plan from the task force, hiring an operations manager at Lakewood Animal Shelter, support for urban forestry and the climate action plan, expanding the protection of bike lanes, and increasing Wi-Fi and broadband at Lakewood’s parks. Councilmember Radar’s budget priorities include operationalizing the climate action plan to hire a consultant or city employee to guide the implantation of that plan and purchasing new water rescue craft for the fire department. They are currently 10 years old, and they are usually the first crafts out on the lake if there is an emergency call. Additionally, Councilmember Radar prioritizes replacing the old fire department extraction equipment with new electric battery power equipment, and the design and implementation of the city flag idea. Councilmember Bullock’s budget priorities include continuing and expanding commercial property inspections to invest in properties in order to increase their efficiency, continuing energy efficiency in partnership with NOPEC to continue with Lakewood’s affordable housing strategy and to provide Wi-Fi at Lakewood Park. Additionally, analyzing parking capacity to optimize space, installing battery backup power at Cove Community Center, and investing in communications and survey technology for council so that we can get a better idea of what the public wants. Councilmember Baker’s budget priorities include investing in improvements at Niagara Park as outlined in the capital improvement plan, investing further in traffic calming measures, enhancing Lakewood’s network of traffic guards, hiring an urban forester, and investing in improvements for lake views at Edgewater Park and Webb Park. Council has a very open process that includes residents to try and shape where public money is going to be spent. When people look at the budget, they really see the priorities for the city, and these priorities should include the public’s voice. Motion by Councilmember Shachner, seconded by Council President Litten, to receive and file the report. All members in favor. Motion passed. 2. Report from the Public Works & Sustainability Committee regarding meeting held September 25, 2023. (to be provided) 2