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| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release: November 16, 2009 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
IMPROVING WATER QUALITY IN THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: The Ohio Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF), part of the federal stimulus bill, provides funding for water pollution control projects. Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is introducing ordinance 1435-2009 to use the stimulus funding in the amount of $4.5 million, along with an additional 58,275.40 from the City of Columbus, for the Reservoir Pollution Reduction Project. The project will provide water quality enhancement of storm water before it enters the drinking water supply at the Griggs, Hoover and the O’Shaughnessy Reservoirs.
ENHANCING FORENSIC SERVICES THROUGH COMPUTERIZED TRACKING SYSTEM: Crime scene evidence will now be processed more quickly and effectively through a computerized tracking system in the Columbus Police crime lab. Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring ordinance 1489-2009 to accept a $125,000 grant through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Act Grant Program from the National Institute of Justice. Funds will be used to purchase an automated forensic laboratory information management system, barcode readers and printers. The system will provide a computerized chain of custody tracking system and a means of central data collection. The computerization will improve the quality and timeliness of the Police Division’s forensic services.
EXPANDING THE COLUMBUS ZOO: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top attractions in central Ohio and the nation, being name the #1 Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide. In an effort to continue expanding the Columbus Zoo, which is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 700 species, Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1534-2009 to authorize the transfer of property located at 10121 Riverside Drive (also known as the “Old Wyandot Inn”) to the City for the benefit of Zoo operations. Over 1.8 million people visit the Zoo annually.
SUPPORTING EMPLOYEE TRAINING THROUGH E-LEARNING: The City of Columbus provides training for city employees to increase performance levels and efficiency. Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1547-2009 to authorize the acceptance of a $25,000 grant from CPS/IPMA for the facilitation of Internet-based training. This E-Learning will provide materials and resources that can be used at the pace and convenience of the learner. The program will provide refresher training as well as preparation courses for City employees.
CONTINUING TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT: As part of the RiverSouth redevelopment project, Lifestyle Communities has recently constructed residential condominium and apartment buildings. Ordinance 1494-2009, sponsored by Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig, grants encroachment easements for existing building foundations and/or stoops within those public rights-of-way adjacent to the Lifestyle Communities Riversouth Development. These encroachments do not affect pedestrian use of sidewalks or the utilities located within the redevelopment area.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT WELCOMES COSI: Council President Michael C. Mentel will welcome Dr. David Chesebrough, President and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), to Council Chambers this evening. Dr. Chesebrough will announce exciting new programming at COSI for the upcoming Holiday Season and for 2010.
NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK: Health, Housing and Human Services Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring resolution 0196x-2009, recognizing Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) and celebrating National Family Week, a time during the week of Thanksgiving when Columbus residents are urged to embrace the premise that children's lives are better when their families are strong, and families are strong when they live in communities that connect them to economic opportunities, social networks, and services. For more information on National Family Week, go the FCCS website.
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