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| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: May 17, 2010 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
TAVARES RECOGNIZING oFFICE OF MINORITY HEALTH: Health and Human Development Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring resolution 0074X-2010 to recognize the Office of Minority Health of Columbus Public Health for its effort in communicating and addressing health disparities in minority communities. The core functions of the Columbus Office of Minority Health are to work with internal programs and related government agencies to monitor health status; inform, educate, and empower community members.
Paley sponsors legislation to protect victims: As chair of the Judiciary & Court Administration Committee, Eileen Y. Paley continues her commitment to protect victims of domestic violence. Ordinance 0709-2010, sponsored by Councilmember Paley, will authorize City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer to accept grant funds from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and the Office of Homeland Security and Justice Programs to partially fund the Witness Assistance Program Database Project and Domestic Violence Victim Advocate. The legislation also authorizes the transfer and appropriation of $7560, as the grant requires 25% matching funds from the city. The Domestic Violence Victim Advocate works with victims of domestic violence and stalking in their initial court appearances, as well as assisting them with obtaining emergency protection orders in the Franklin County community within the Columbus City Attorney's Prosecution section. The Witness Assistance Program database will be used to maintain records and statistics on victims and suspects.
HELPING LAW ENFORCEMENT TRACK CRIMINALS: Since 1996, the Columbus Division of Police has used an intelligence system database to catalog criminal intelligence information. The database contains criminal intelligence data that is crucial to the Division’s investigative personnel. As intelligence-led policing becomes the standard model for increasingly resource-limited policing agencies, it is crucial to effectively organize current and future intelligence data, and be able to share it with local and state-wide law enforcement agencies. Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring ordinance 0604-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $168,808.50 from the Government Grant and Drug Seizure Funds for the purchase of an upgraded Intelligence/Case Management System for Columbus Police. This Intelligence/Case Management System will be web-based, encrypted, interface with Division NetRMS, CAD, I.D. and Mugshot Imaging Systems. The system will be remotely accessible by Police personnel and include three years of software upgrades and maintenance. The database will expand data sharing to allow access to 30 or more outside agencies within the Greater Columbus region.
RESURFACING HIGH STREET IN THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT: Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0652-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $690,049.26 from the Street & Highways GO Bonds Fund for the Resurfacing 2010 – Project 3 resurfacing project. The project involves the reconstruction and resurfacing of High Street from Chittenden Avenue to just south of Lane Avenue. The work consists of milling the existing pavement, overlaying with new asphalt concrete, and replacing curbs and sidewalks associated with the installation of 42 ADA wheelchair ramps.
ASSISTING OLDER ADULTS IN COLUMBUS: The city of Columbus is dedicated to helping older adults stay independent. The Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today (PASSPORT) program provides home care services as an alternative to nursing home admission for Medicaid-eligible clients. Recreation & Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring three ordinances that will provide home care and assisted living services to seniors in Columbus. Ordinance #0583-2010 authorizes the expenditure of up to $5 million and ordinance #0638-2010 authorizes the expenditure of $70 million from the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund for the operation of the PASSPORT program administered by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) for a two year period. These are Medicaid-funded grants and do not use any city tax revenue. There are 279 PASSPORT and assisted living agencies that provide services to older adults in Columbus. Ordinance 0644-2010 authorizes the expenditure of $410,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund for the Alzheimer’s Respite and Senior Volunteer Programs administered by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. Each year, COAAA serves approximately 500 clients suffering from Alzheimer’s.
MILLER HELPING IMPROVE CURRICULUM AT ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE: The city of Columbus continues to attract and retain young professionals in the business and technology field. The ITT Technical Institute in Hilliard is part of a leading private college system that focuses on technology-oriented programs of study. The programs blend traditional academic content and applied learning concepts, with a significant portion devoted to practical study in a lab environment to teach skills and knowledge that can be used to begin careers in our global technology-driven culture. Councilmember A. Troy Miller will tour the ITT Technical Institute, 4717 Hilton Corporate Drive and attend the Program Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. The Program Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives of local businesses and employers which help each ITT Technical Institute periodically assess and update curricula, equipment and laboratory design to improve student success. There are over 105 ITT Technical Institutes in 37 states which predominantly provide career-focused, degree programs to approximately 70,000 students.
PRESIDENT MENTEL WELCOMING HILLTOP KIWANIS TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS: Council President Michael C. Mentel has invited representatives from the Hilltop Kiwanis to provide a special presentation of their Patriotic Pride project. The project is a collaborative effort between the Kiwanis, American Legion, and VFW to help Columbus residents display their patriotism while also raising funds to support youth initiatives on the city’s west side. The motto of Kiwanis is: “Serving the Children of the World, One Child and One Community at a Time.”
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