Lakewood City Council Livestream 11/9/26

The City of Lakewood Finance Committee and Committee of the Whole met on November 9, 2026. The Finance Committee reviewed proposed FY2027 federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) allocations, based on anticipated awards of $1.85 million and approximately $160,000, respectively. The Citizens Advisory Committee’s recommendations included $825,000 for street improvements, $340,000 for CDBG planning and administration, and $86,000 for the Lakewood Community Services Center (LCSC) food pantry, whose total project budget is $191,678. Staff noted statutory caps of 15% for public services and 20% for program administration. LCSC described its planned shift to a choice-pantry model while retaining deliveries for residents who cannot travel; council requested the organization return with an update and asked to review its client survey. Members also supported earlier CAC engagement and greater transparency about project selections and allocations. The committee tabled a related communication and voted to refer Resolution 2026-51 favorably to Council; final adoption was not recorded.

The Committee of the Whole discussed acquiring 0.538 acres of the former Franklin School property from Interpeace Cleveland for a public park. The proposed purchase price is $300,000, funded from the city’s land acquisition fund, which was reported to have a $1.8 million balance. The city would also be responsible for removing an asphalt area and restoring green space, along with fencing and other improvements; final costs were not yet estimated. Staff reported $175,000 in the FY2027 capital budget for general and playground improvements or fencing. Members raised safety, ADA access, budgeting, and negotiation-process considerations, including possible high-visibility crosswalks estimated at $3,000–$4,000 each. The committee voted to refer Resolution 2026-50 favorably to full Council for adoption; the purchase remains subject to Council approval, with the administration seeking a closing by the end of November.