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| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: December 7, 2009 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
PROMOTING LEAD SAFE HOMES IN COLUMBUS NEIGHBORHOODS: Lead-based hazards can still be found in many Columbus homes. Through local and grant funding, the Lead Safe Columbus program offers resources to remove hazardous lead-based materials for eligible property owners. Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring ordinance 1522-2009, which authorizes the expenditure of $83,000 from the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grant fund for media campaigns to inform qualified Columbus residents about the program and promote educational activities about healthy housing principles and neighborhood revitalization efforts. The program demonstrates the city’s commitment to generating lead-safe affordable housing and the prevention of lead poisoning in children and adults.
MILLER SUPPORTING COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK: Councilmember A. Troy Miller will join other elected officials and representatives from TECH CORPS to celebrate Computer Science Education Week and recognize TECHie Club on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. at Clinton Elementary School (10 Clinton Heights Avenue). TECHie Club is an after-school program designed to introduce grade school students to the world of technology and all its possibilities. Each week, volunteers from the technology industry work with students and offer interactive activities related to computer programming, robotics, informatics, and digital media. The goal of the program is to stress the importance of computer science education and introduce students to the concepts and skills that are necessary for success in today’s classroom and tomorrow’s workplace. The program was developed by TECH CORPS and sponsored by the American Electric Power Foundation.
HELPING ONE OF THE CITY’S TRUE LANDMARKS: The Franklin Park Conservatory is one of the city’s most treasured destinations for visitors of all ages. It is a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and a signature collection of work by glass artist Dale Chihuly. Ordinance 1542-2009, sponsored by Recreation and Park Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson, authorizes the expenditure of $200,000 from the Voted 1999/2004 Recreation and Parks Bond Fund for the Franklin Park Master Plan. Built in 1895, the Conservatory is set within the 88 acres of Franklin Park. It houses 400 species of plants from a variety of global climate zones and features a Victorian Palm House with more than 40 species of palms. It is surrounded by botanical gardens and floral displays.
council to consider Liquor Permit Objections: City Council will consider resolutions objecting to the renewal of certain liquor permits by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control. Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther will introduce resolutions 0185X-2009 through 0197X-2009 as part of the city’s annual liquor objection process. At the end of each year, City Council, the City Attorney, Division of Police, Department of Health, and Department of Development work with community leaders to help advance public safety by presenting the resolutions of objection. The resolutions address liquor permit holders and establishments that have a documented record of liquor, code and health violations, criminal activity, excessive police runs and a shown disregard for neighborhood safety. While state law does not grant cities the authority to revoke or deny the renewal of liquor permits, each year City Council exercises its right to submit formal objections to the Division of Liquor Control for consideration during their annual review of liquor permit applications. The Division has the sole authority to grant a renewal or uphold the city’s objection.
ENCOURAGING AREA BUSINESSES TO BE ENERGY EFFICIENT: The City of Columbus has been allocated $1,100,000 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funds (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy. Minority and Small Business Development Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1605-2009 to authorize the city to enter into a contract with the Community Capital Development Corporation for the administration of the loan program. Area businesses can apply for a loan of up to $200,000 for energy efficient equipment, construction or renovations to commercial facilities.
PALEY ASSISTING CITY ATTORNEY INITIATIVE: In 2007, the City Attorney established the Culture of Prostitution Initiative to address street prostitution in the city of Columbus. As part of the initiative, the Prostitution Diversion Program was created to address individuals who have been charged with criminal offenses. The goal of the program is to encourage participants to discontinue their detrimental activities by connecting them with area resource providers and organizations that can assist them with housing, employment, drug addiction and sexual and physical health information and testing. Ordinance 1315-2009, sponsored by Judiciary and Court Administration Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, authorizes the City Attorney to impose, collect and remit administrative fees in connection with the Culture of Prostitution Initiative Fund. Funds will be used for the program’s administrative costs and to provide testing for sexually transmitted diseases for individuals charged with prostitution related offenses.
COUNCIL COMMITTED TO SAVING FOR THE FUTURE: The Economic Stabilization Fund, more commonly known as the “Rainy Day Fund,” was established by the city of Columbus in 1988 to provide for the continuation of basic services during times of economic recession or unexpected revenue loss. Due to the recent economic crisis, the city was forced to utilize these funds, leaving the balance less than optimal. Council President Michael C. Mentel is introducing resolution 0178X-2009 to reaffirm the role of the Economic Stabilization Fund and plan responsibly for the possibility of future fiscal challenges. The resolution also formally expresses the city’s intent to set the goal of achieving a $50 million balance in the fund by the end of 2014.
