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City Council Meeting Minutes February 2, 2021 Page 3 of 7 DISCUSSION/DIRECTION — COVID-19 COMMUNITY RECOVERY AND RESPONSE AND SENIOR MEAL PROGRAM Deputy City Manager Davis noted the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the community. We have previously discussed impacts on businesses but tonight we will be discussing impacts on residents and families who have experienced economic hardships. It is likely we will see impacts continue through 2021. We are seeing an increased demand in the community for basic needs assistance, including food, rental and housing assistance, utility bill assistance, as well as mental health and family supports, including many people who have never had need of these services before. In October, Council directed staff to look for areas where the City could help address these needs. At this time staff is recommending two strategies to address these community needs. 1) approval for increased funding for the Louisville Senior Center Curbside Meal Program and 2) support for a COVID-19 Recovery and Response Community Assistance Program. Senior Center Meal Site — Since March 2020, the Senior Meal Site curbside meal program has seen unprecedented numbers of seniors requesting a lunch up to five days per week. In 2020, the program served 25,793 meals compared to 9,098 meals in 2019. The demand is continuing into 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on. The City receives funding for this program from the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) and the City funds the remainder of the costs. To date, the City has received a total of $107,500 funding from the BCAAA for the current grant cycle. However, because of increased demand and costs for the program there will be a funding shortfall at the end of this month of almost $58,000. Deputy City Manager Davis stated the Council can approve additional funding to make up this shortfall or staff can make reductions to the curbside meal program such as reducing the number of days or number of meals served. Public Comments — None Councilmember Fahey asked if the Senior Center is still accepting donations to help fund the program. Kathy Martin, Recreation Superintendent, stated people are continuing to send donations and have been generous in doing so. Councilmember Fahey stated she does not favor any reductions and would support funding the deficit. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney agreed. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney asked if additional funding will be needed for July to December. Martin stated the hope is to get enough grant funding to cover that but if that doesn't happen staff will come back to Council for further consideration.