Finance Committee Agenda and Packet 2024 07 18

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City Council Finance Committee Meeting Minutes June 20, 2024 Page 2 of 4 Councilmember Hamlington asked if the city ever considers updating the application process based on the Council work plan to attract a diversity of applicants. The Director of Finance responded that there is a diverse type of applicants to this program. Councilmember Hoefner supports including this topic in the broader work plan and budget preparations. Councilmember Kern agreed. Public Comments: None. Update to City Water Assistance Program, Cont. from May 16 Meeting: The Director of Finance presented an update to the City Water Assistance Program. The update and presentation were included in the meeting packet. The Director of Finance reviewed the background of the program, the current Sister Carmen Assistance Program, and program update options for consideration. Staff is seeking Finance Committee support of updating the program and a recommendation to bring a recommended program to City Council for approval. Committee Comments: Councilmember Hoefner asked for clarification on if those receiving support would continue to receive support. The Director of Finance responded that applicants would have to apply through Sister Carmen for assistance. Councilmember Kern asked how Sister Carmen bases their assistance on need. Kristen responded that Sister Carmen tries to not be prescriptive in their approach to providing assistance. They try to look at each request individually based on need. Applicants meet with an Advocate on many options for financial and other assistance. 90% of current participants are 30% AMI or less. Councilmember Kern asked if residents who are already receiving assistance from Sister Carmen will lose access to the water assistance benefit currently offered by the city. Kristen responded that Sister Carmen can ensure that the people currently receiving water assistance continue to be supported. Councilmember Kern asked how the city can assist with transportation for Seniors to be able to get to Sister Carmen to meet with an Advocate. Kristen responded that many applicants have transportation issues and meetings can be scheduled via phone or zoom. Councilmember Hamlington commented that she feels that this update would help serve more people and connect individuals to more resources. She asked for access to the support provided to Louisville residents by the Sister Carmen Foundation. She supports the update to the program for it to be provided by Sister Carmen. Councilmember Kern supports the update to the program for it to be provided by the Sister Carmen Foundation. She asked the Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) for ideas on how to promote this with the Senior Center. The Director of PROS confirmed that the expansion of the project will be supported by staff. 4/81