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15. RESOLUTION 2024-10 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing the Mayor and/or Director of Finance or Director of Law to allocate all unspent funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) and all ARPA funds not yet encumbered or contracted for expenditure for previously identified projects to the City’s sewer and water projects for the modernization and construction of the City’s water and sewer system. (pg. 74) Motion by President Kepple, seconded by Vice President Shachner, to refer Resolution 2024-10 to the Committee of the Whole. All in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2024-10 referred to Committee of the Whole. 16. Communication from Mayor George regarding 2024 NOPEC grant awards totaling $150.466.00. (pg. 76) Motion by President Kepple, seconded by Vice President Shachner, to receive and file the communication. Discussion: President Kepple noted that Council received and e-comment for this agenda item from the director of Lakewood Alive, Ian Andrews. Mr. Andrews stated support for receiving these funds. On the motion: All in favor. Motion passed. Communication received and filed. 17. RESOLUTION 2024-11 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect at the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing the City of Lakewood to enter into an agreement to accept Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (“NOPEC”) Energized Community Grant (“NEC Grant”). (pg. 77) Motion by President Kepple, seconded by Vice President Shachner, to adopt Resolution 2024-11. Discussion: Councilman Bullock expressed interest in City Council playing a role in determining how the funds are utilized, highlighting shared priorities that Council wants to advance. He suggested the possibility of having a committee meeting for further discussion. In response, Mayor George pointed out that the current resolution only pertains to accepting the funds. She emphasized the importance of accepting the funds to ensure that they are received by the City. She suggested scheduling a committee meeting after accepting the funds to delve into the specifics of allocation. President Kepple asked about the timeframe for this process. Planning Director Leininger clarified that there is typically a time restriction on the funds, often a couple of years. If the funds haven't been allocated by then, there's the option to place them in escrow. He then mentioned that interviews for the Climate Action and Sustainability Coordinator position are set to begin next week. He stated that it might be beneficial to involve this new hire in discussions about how to best utilize the funds to enhance the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. 5