Planning staff reviews Destination Lock Haven accomplishments; budget materials to be posted

The city manager said the draft 2024 budget book would be available online and presented planning-department accomplishments for 2023. Staff described alignment with the comprehensive plan "Destination Lock Haven," noting 56 goals addressed across departments and several completed projects including Fallon Alley beautification and streetscape painting funded under CDBG discretionary grants.

Staff reported they had applied for seven grants totaling about $2.5 million and that roughly $39,000 had been approved to date; larger grant requests remain pending and will be reflected in future budget discussions. Project updates included improvements at Overman Park and an ongoing deed-research hold on Tiger Park that must be resolved before submitting to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for construction funding.

Staff also described recreation programming (18 summer concerts and a family movie), expanded school partnerships for downtown business engagement, increased lifeguard staffing and recycling tonnage gains. Council members asked questions and thanked staff for the updates.

Next steps: The final budget will be posted at the conclusion of the budget process; staff will continue grant work and report progress to council.