CUMBERLAND — City officials discussed a proposal to help more residents understand the inner workings of their local government.
Cumberland Administrator Jeff Silka at a mayor and City Council work session Tuesday proposed development of a Citizen’s Local Government Academy.
The six-session learning program would expose participants to the city’s various departments, and could be up and running by fall.
The council members appeared receptive to the prospect.
“I like the idea,” Councilman Eugene Frazier said.
“I see it as a great development tool,” Mayor Ray Morriss said.
Also at the work session, the council received a virtual update about how state issues including the budget could impact the city.
Lobbyist Richard Reinhardt of Percy Public Affairs said the city submitted a “very robust package” of funding requests to the governor.
Due to state budget deficit issues, however, Cumberland officials should expect some of the asks to be partially funded, he said.
Reinhardt was hopeful state money would be made available for projects including an Evitts Creek sewer collection system.
He anticipated cuts in some state agencies, but predicted housing programs would see funding.
In other city business:
Morriss administered the Oath of Office to Cumberland Police Department patrol officers Zachery Dicken, Richard Jenkins, Matthew Arnone, Levi Roberts and Brycen Rounds.
The council accepted a bid from Walter N. Yoder & Sons to replace the HVAC system in the city hall building for a maximum $2,189,500.
The council on Tuesday met privately to discuss a proposal from a developer to develop parcels on the former Memorial Hospital site and an additional development proposal for multiple lots within the city.
West Side Neighborhood Association President Max Green asked for the council’s support to restore an abandoned city-owned park at the corners of Richie Street and Fairmont Avenue.