Economic Development Roundtable Discussion

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release: April 28, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

CITY COUNCIL TO HIGHLIGHT NEW ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES, ENHANCED PARTNERSHIPS AND

INCREASED INVESTMENT IN JOB RETENTION, CREATION AND ATTRACTION

 

WHO:

  Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther

Director Boyce Safford III, Department of Development

Deputy Director Michael Stevens, Department of Development

Matt McCollister, Columbus Chamber

Alex Fischer, Columbus Partnership

 

WHEN:

Thursday, April 29, 2010

3:30 PM

 

WHERE:

City Hall

90 West Broad Street

City Council Meeting Room 226

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, chair of the Finance & Economic Development Committee, will hold a roundtable discussion with Columbus economic development leaders to highlight new strategies to strengthen the Columbus economy through enhanced public-private partnerships and an increased public investment in job retention, creation and attraction.  Councilmember Ginther included additional funding in the City’s 2010 budget to help keep the City’s 2009 commitment to voters to promote economic development, create jobs and maintain the quality of life in Columbus.

 

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Meeting Highlights 4-19-10

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release:  April 19, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

PROVIDING HELP FOR INDIGENT MOTHERS AND CHILDREN:  Health and Human Development Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring three pieces of legislation to help support healthy families in Columbus.  Ordinance 0496-2010 will authorize the city to accept and appropriate $210,144 from the Health Department Grant Funds for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) grant program.  The WIC program provides food, nutrition counseling, and access to health services for low-income women, infants, and children under the age of five. Ordinance 0497-2010 will allow the Columbus Board of Health to accept a $9,314 grant from the State of Ohio to provide additional funding for the WIC program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital through September 30, 2010.  Ordinance 0556-2010 authorizes the expenditure of $5,000 from the Health Department Grant fund for the Council on Healthy Mothers and Babies.  The Council on Healthy Mothers and Babies provides health education/promotional services, supports the Local Health System Action Plan, holds public forums and meetings, prenatal care committees and links pregnant women with appropriate providers through the Pregnancy Care Connection Network.

ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS:  Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0521-2010 to authorize the use of the Department of Technology’s information services fund for the renewal of annual maintenance and support for CommSHOP 360 Solution software.  The software manages support, maintenance, and asset tracking of the Department of Public Safety’s radio communications systems, which enhances productivity and improves performance.  The CommSHOP 360 Solution software agreement will provide services to the Department of Public Safety’s radio communications systems through March 31, 2011.

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S RIGHT TO VOTE ANNIVERSARY:  Judiciary and Court Administration Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring resolution 0046X-2010 to recognize the 90^th anniversary of the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus and the ratification of the 19^th Amendment.  The 19^th Amendment was ratified in 1920, giving women the right to vote.  The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus is a non-partisan political organization that has fought to improve our system of government and influence public policy through citizen education and advocacy.  The organization annually produces the trusted, non-partisan Voter Information Bulletin, which helps voters make informed decisions on Election Day.

IMPROVING CITY PLAYGROUNDS:  Slides, swings, and seesaws are often used by children during outdoor play at city playgrounds.  Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 0545-2010, which authorizes the transfer and expenditure of $100,000 within the Voted 1999/2004 Parks and Recreation Bond Fund for playground improvements.  Improvements will include the installation of playground equipment, lighting, and fencing at various Columbus parks and playgrounds.

SUPPORTING URBAN PAVEMENT PROGRAM:  The Ohio Department of Transportation and the city of Columbus are working together to improve local roadways.  Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1607-2009 to authorize the collaboration between Columbus and State of Ohio for an Urban Paving Project on SR 104.  The project will resurface the roadway between Frank Road and Dyer Road (Columbus corporation line).  The total construction cost of the project is estimated at $200,000, with the city contributing approximately $45,000.

MENTEL TO ADDRESS HILLTOP BUSINESS ASSOCIATION:  City Council President Michael C. Mentel has been invited to speak at the Hilltop Business Association (HBA) luncheon on Thursday, April 22.  The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and is being held at the Crossroads United Methodist Church (1100 S Hague Ave).  The HBA was founded in 1926 and promotes businesses and economic development through membership activities, community events such as the Hilltop Bean Dinner, civic partnerships, and participation in the city’s Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program.

OTHER ITEMS OF NOTE:

* The Housing and Health & Human Development Committee Hearing, originally scheduled for Wednesday April 21, 2010 has been postponed until Wednesday April 28, 2010. This hearing will address the proposed Vacant and Abandoned Housing Legislation that Councilmember Tavares and City Attorney Pfeiffer are working on.  The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

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Meeting Highlights 4-12-10

 

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release:  April 12, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

HELPING COMPLETE THE OHIO TO ERIE TRAIL:  In December 2009, Columbus City Council approved an ordinance for the development of a one mile section of the Ohio to Erie trail along the west side of Hoover Reservoir.  The mile-long dedicated trail will directly connect Columbus to the regional trail network of Delaware County, and complete a key segment of the Ohio to Erie trail.  Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is introducing ordinance 0542-2010, which authorize the city to grant Delaware County a perpetual bikeway/walkway easement unto certain city property.  The project will provide unique access for visitors to the west side of Hoover Reservoir and increase safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.  The pathway is part of a network that will join Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland.

FUNDING SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES:  The City of Columbus partners with a number of highly dedicated social service agencies that help thousands of Columbus residents.  Health and Human Development Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring legislation that will provide funding for 42 organizations as they work to meet the needs of their clients.  Ordinance 0549-2010 authorizes the Department of Development to enter into contracts worth $2,906,100.00.  The legislation targets social service agencies that provide help to families and households through access to day care, substance abuse prevention programs, refugee and resettlement programs, senior care, mediation services, services for the disabled, material assistance and food programs, workforce development, and youth programs.  The legislation authorizes the expenditure of $789,872.00 from the Emergency Human Services Fund and $2,116,228,00 from the General Fund for a total of $2,906,100.00. 

CRAIG SUPPORTING IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE NORTH MARKET:  City Council will vote to adopt the 2010 Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) during tonight’s meeting.  Minority and Business Development Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is supporting a line item in the budget to allocate $500,000 for infrastructure improvements to the North Market.  The North Market is Columbus’ only public market and houses dozens of unique, independent merchants and farmers.  The former Advanced Thresher warehouse was last renovated in 1992 and is in need of improvements to the HVAC ventilation system and roof, as well as painting and masonry work.

BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT IN COLUMBUS:  Brownfield revitalization, which transforms vacant and abandoned properties into job-creating projects, continues to be a top priority for City Council’s economic development strategy.  Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring ordinance 0544-2010, which authorizes the acceptance of a $300,000 grant from the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund for site assessment activities at the former 3M site in the Weinland Park neighborhood.  The former 3M site was used for metal refinishing operations from 1920 to 2000 when the factory closed.  The structure has remained vacant and has been a blighting influence in the area.  The Columbus Department of Development recently withdrew the original application for a $3 million Clean Ohio Revitalization fund grant until further assessment of the site could be done.  The city plans to resubmit the $3 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund application upon completion of the additional environmental assessment of the site.

PROVIDING NUTRITION FOR COLUMBUS SENIORS:  The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program allows low income seniors in Central Ohio to obtain locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.  Participants receive vouchers which can be redeemed at local organized markets including the North Market.  Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 0495-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $202,150.00 from the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund to collaborate with LifeCare Alliance for the 2010 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.  The program runs from May through October and will help provide approximately 3,860 individuals with vouchers.

MAINTAINING CITY COMPUTER SYSTEMS:  Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0511-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $426,846.29 from the Department of Technology’s information services fund for Cisco SmartNet maintenance services to support the city’s metronet hardware.  The metronet is a critical component of the computing infrastructure citywide.  SmartNet will support data transfer needs for imaging projects and other city applications such as e-mail, water billing, purchasing/procurement and accounting, VOIP, and geographic information systems (GIS).  The Cisco SmartNet hardware maintenance support will provide services to the city’s metronet through March 31, 2011.  

PRESIDENT MENTEL SUPPORTING sTATE iSSUE 2:  City Council President Michael C. Mentel is sponsoring resolution 0039X-2010 to support the passage of State Issue 2, which authorizes a change in the location of the Columbus casino project from 18 acres in the Arena District downtown to the 123-acre site at the abandoned General Motors/Delphi automotive plant on Georgesville Road.  Last November, Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing casinos to be built at four specific sites in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.  Following discussions with Columbus neighborhood, civic, business and government leaders, Penn National Gaming agreed to move the casino to the city’s West Side to help spur economic revitalization in a community hard hit by the economic downturn. The passage of State Issue 2 would bring much-needed economic revitalization to the West Side community and help transform it into a vibrant destination location.  The Columbus casino project is expected to create 3,500 new construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs and generate $64.1 million in new annual revenue for Columbus, Franklin County, and local school districts. 

 

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Press Release

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL     For Immediate Release:  April 9, 2010

 

TYSON NAMED TO PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES COMMITTEE

 

COLUMBUS—Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson has been appointed to the National League of Cities’ influential Community and Economic Development Steering Committee, an honor that will allow her to serve as an advocate for the city of Columbus at the federal level.

 

In her role as a member of the committee, Tyson will help shape the NLC’s positions on federal policy. The councilmember and her colleagues on the committee will guide the league’s efforts to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, stabilize and strengthen the housing market, improve public safety in our communities, and improve the country’s healthcare system.

 

“I’m honored and excited to take on this challenging work with the National League of Cities,” Tyson said. “I’m looking forward to serving as a voice for the city of Columbus, and all of America’s great cities and towns, in Washington, D.C.”

 

Tyson, who chairs Columbus City Council’s Development Committee, thinks that her local experience with community and economic development will serve her well at the national level.

 

“The committee works on the quality of life issues that are very important to my constituents,” she said. “These are the issues I’ve worked on for all of my professional life, in my experience in community relations, as an elected official, and as the owner of a small business.”

 

Councilmember Tyson began her service on the committee at the NLC’s Congressional City Conference in mid-March.

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Press Release

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL     For Immediate Release:  April 9, 2010

 

Councilmembers Charleta Tavares and Priscilla Tyson Visit Washington to Hear from Top Decision Makers

 

Washington, DC – With Congress working fervently on several pieces of legislation to spur job creation and encourage economic recovery, Columbus City Councilmembers Priscilla R. Tyson and Charleta B. Tavares joined local officials from across the nation in Washington, DC, for the National League of Cities’ (NLC) 2010 Congressional City Conference. 

In addition to job creation and economic stabilization, other local priorities discussed during the conference included strengthening and stabilizing the housing market, investing in transportation infrastructure, and supporting local energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

Attendees heard from a number of administration officials who discussed the president’s agenda.  Members also had the opportunity to meet with their federal representatives in the House and Senate to discuss economic conditions in cities and to urge support for the Local Jobs for America Act, HR 4812.

“With so many cities and towns struggling to make ends meet, the National League of Cities’ conference provides us with the tools and resources we need to find solutions at home,” said Councilmember Tavares. “In my many years of involvement with the National League of Cities, I’ve cultivated some great relationships with other local leaders, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet with my congressional representatives to call for immediate federal action on jobs and economic development. I’m happy that my colleague on Columbus City Council, Councilmember Tyson, is joining me in this effort.”

“As the economic conditions for cities continue to worsen and more cities struggle to meet their needs, it is imperative that we see federal legislation which will create jobs and establish a foundation for long-term growth,” said Ronald O. Loveridge, NLC president and mayor of Riverside, California.  “Cities across America have come to Washington in search of solutions to their most pressing needs –from each other, and from the federal government.”

The conference also included other educational, networking, and strategy sessions devoted to healthier cities, education, public safety, and emergency management. For Councilmember Tyson, chair of Council’s development committee, this comprehensive approach is crucial to strengthening our nation’s cities, including Columbus.

“There is no single, simple prescription for protecting and strengthening our cities, but there are core principles that can serve as our guide,” said Tyson. “We need to encourage economic development by supporting social and business entrepreneurs, educating our young people, and promoting arts and culture, all while keeping our cities and their residents safe. In these difficult times, cities and their governments need to work with the private sector to create and retain good jobs.  Councilmember Tavares and I take that responsibility very seriously.”

 The Congressional City Conference is the annual legislative meeting of the National League of Cities, designed to inform municipal leaders about federal policy issues while providing an opportunity for city leaders to bring local concerns to their federal elected officials in Washington, DC.

The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. 

 

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Public Hearing

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release: April 6, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

Council to Hold Public Hearing on Various Department of Development Proposals 

 

Including proposed changes to Columbus Parking Code and the application of commercial overlays to specific commercial corridors

 

WHO:

Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson
Various Department of Development Staff

 

 

WHEN:

Thursday, April 8, 2010

5:00 PM

 

WHERE:

City Council Chambers

City Hall

90 West Broad Street

 

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Development and Recreation & Parks Committees, will hold a public hearing on the several code changes being proposed by the Columbus Department of Development, including an update to the Columbus Parking Code, and application of commercial overlays to specific commercial corridors located throughout Columbus.   Ordinance 1748-2008 Repeal Columbus Building Code Chapter 4117: Certificates of Occupancy   Ordinance 0354-2008 5th by Northwest Area Commission Boundary Adjustment   Ordinance 0286-2010 Title 31 Code Amendment: Historic Architectural Review Commission Quorums   Ordinance 0165-2010 Building Code: Model Code Adoption Cleanup   Ordinance 1537-2009 Parking Code Revisions   Ordinance 0216-2010 Application of various commercial overlays to specific commercial corridors located in Far South Columbus, Clintonville and 5th by Northwest Area Commissions districts.   Public testimony will be accepted. Those wishing to testify should fill out a speaker slip on the day of the hearing between the hours of 8:00 am - 4:45 pm in the lobby entrance located on the Front Street side of City Hall. Free parking is available in the Gay Street parking lot on the north side of City Hall after 5:00 pm.

 

 

 

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Council Highlights 4-5-10

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release:  April 5, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

GINTHER INTRODUCING TEXTING WHILE DRIVING BAN:  Driving while texting is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, putting passengers, pedestrians and others drivers at risk, as the activity takes a driver’s eyes, hands and mental focus away from the safe operation of the vehicle.  Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is introducing ordinance 0237-2010 to make texting while driving a primary offense in the City of Columbus, giving police officers a powerful tool to help make our roads safer.  Councilmember Ginther held two public hearings on the proposed code change and collected testimony from many residents.  The ordinance also had a first reading at City Council’s meeting on Monday, March 29 and would go into effect 30 days upon passage.  Currently, 19 states ban text messaging while driving, and other Ohio cities such as Cleveland and Bexley also have passed similar laws. 

SUPPORTING JOBS PROGRAMS:  The Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC) is a non-profit agency with a mission of providing various workforce development programs, services, and training initiatives to our region.   Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, is sponsoring two ordinances that will help COWIC meet their programming goals while providing needed jobs for teens and adults.  Ordinance 0389-2010 authorizes the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into a $440,000 contract with COWIC to provide summer youth programming through December 1, 2010.  Teens will receive job readiness training and be placed in jobs around Columbus.  A second ordinance, 0508-2010, will allow COWIC to hire nearly 150 people to work in various Recreation and Parks Department positions for 8 week periods.  Young adults will receive on-the-job training and skills that they can then take with them as they look for permanent jobs.

PALEY HELPING PROVIDE EAST SIDE UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS:  Just as important as providing safe roads and sidewalks, the City of Columbus also must maintain and upgrade the utility infrastructure that lies beneath our streets.  Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Utilities Committee, is sponsoring two ordinances that will help improve the water main running underneath Long Street on the East Side of Columbus.  Ordinance 0468-2009 authorizes a construction contract with Utilicon Corporation for the Long Street Water Main Cleaning and Lining Project.  This project will encompass the general rehabilitation of approximately 8,000 linear feet of the 24-inch Long Street water main.  The water line will be mechanically cleaned and a cement mortar lining will be applied to the interior of the pipe.  The purpose of the project is to improve flow and water quality conditions, as well as extend the useful life of the main.  The project is planned on Long Street from Fourth Street to Governors Place/Champion Avenue.  Ordinance 0317-2010 modifies a contact with DLZ Ohio, Inc. for construction administration and construction inspection services for the Long Street project.

MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT:  Recognizing the need to help businesses and contactors meet development requirements in a more efficient and cost effective manner, the City of Columbus is establishing the Department of Building and Zoning Services.  This new department is intended to improve the City’s development process by providing timely and consistent review and inspection of all private building development applications and zoning requests.  Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 0459-2010 to create the authorized strength for the new department, which will be fully self-sufficient and funded by revenues generated through the issuance of building permits and licenses, not general fund money.  To staff the new department, positions currently in the Department of Development are being transferred.

SUPPORTING ANTI-DUMPING IN COLUMBUS: Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0126-2010 which authorizes the expenditure of $84,382.25 from the General Government Grant Fund for the Division of Refuse Collection to collaborate with the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) for the 2010 Solid Waste Inspection Anti-Dumping Enforcement Program.  The Division of Refuse retains an existing solid waste inspector to handle solid waste investigations within Columbus and assist with the countywide anti-dumping/anti litter program.  The city collects trash from more than 329,000 households each week.

PROTECTING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS:  Under the leadership of City Council President Michael C. Mentel, Columbus fire fighters will soon have new layers of protection when responding to emergency runs.  Ordinance 0352-2010 authorizes the Finance and Management Director to issue a purchase order to Vance Outdoors in the amount of $269,548.00 to buy new Protective Apparel Corporation of America (PACA) body armor vests for the Division of Fire.  A bid specification committee in the Division of Fire compared available vests and unanimously selected the PACA vest as being superior for comfort, wearability, ease of use, and protection.  The committee also determined that the PACA vest offered the best placement of ballistic plates, which added to the ease of use.  This purchase will help ensure that all members on medics and engines will be protected when responding to potentially violent calls.  Approximately 300 body armor vests will be purchased with this expenditure.

 

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