Laserfiche WebLink
<br />MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE <br />JULY 17, 2023 <br />AUDITORIUM <br />Present: Councilmembers Baker, Bullock, Kepple, Marx, Rader, Shachner <br />Also Present: Mayor George, Law Director Vargo, Chamber President Lauren Small, and <br />Deputy Clerk Hamideh <br /> <br />Call to Order: 6:06 p.m. <br /> <br />Approval of the minutes of the July 3, 2023 Committee of the Whole. <br />Motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the July 3, 2023 Committee of the <br />Whole. All members voted in favor. Minutes approved. <br />Communication from Vice President Kepple and Councilmembers Baker and <br />Bullock regarding Chamber of Commerce ARPA Allocation. (referred to COW 7/3/23) <br />RESOLUTION 2023-37 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it <br />receives the vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to <br />take effect at the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing the Mayor and/or <br />Director of Finance or Director of Law to allocate and expend _________ of <br />American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce <br />st <br />to facilitate small business support. (1 read & referred to COW 7/3/23) <br /> <br />Councilmember Marx remarked upon the importance of the Chamber of Commerce for small <br />businesses in Lakewood. <br />Councilmember Kepple described the three sections included in the Chamber’s proposal as <br />strategic planning, technology and communication tools, and small business support and <br />business startup. Scholarships for small businesses were mentioned to pay for Chamber dues. <br />Councilmember Bullock spoke in favor of the business scholarships to increase the connection <br />between small businesses. <br />Councilmember Marx supported the idea of scholarships but encouraged an outline of the <br />Chamber’s strategic plan first. <br />Chamber of Commerce President Lauren Small explained the assessment that will potentially <br />take place regarding the Chamber’s improvements as well as the needs of the business <br />community post-Covid. Small business needs include education, resources, and networking. Ms. <br />Small explained the assessment phase, staffing, and and rebranding. <br />Councilmember Marx and Chamber President Small spoke about surveys that have taken place <br />for Chamber members. Councilmember Marx explained that having members assist with a vision <br />statement and established goals could reduce redundancy in the Chamber’s processes. <br />1 <br /> <br />