+1-770832.jpg)
| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: September 13, 2010 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
IMPROVING ADDITIONAL CITY STREETS: Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring two pieces of legislation to modify contracts to resurface additional streets in the city of Columbus. Ordinance 01225-2010 authorizes the expenditure of $1,280,254.47 for the Resurfacing 2010-Project 2 and ordinance 1228-2010 authorizes the expenditure of $1,738,844.80 for the Resurfacing 2010-Project 5. The modification of Project 2 will repair and resurface an additional seven city streets and construct 111 ADA curb ramps. The modification of Project 5 will repair and resurface 11 additional city streets and construct 134 ADA curb ramps. The work for both projects consist of milling the existing pavement, overlaying with new asphalt concrete, and replacing curbs and sidewalks associated with the installation of the ADA wheelchair ramps during the construction season. Click Here for a complete list of additional city streets included in both projects.
HELPING REPAIR EMERGENCY SHELTERS: Housing Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring legislation to help repair six emergency shelter facilities in Columbus. Ordinance 1217-2010 will authorize the expenditure of $250,000 from the Housing Preservation Fund for the Emergency Shelter Repair program. The Emergency Shelter Repair program provides funding to emergency shelter facilities in need of repair in order to improve services to homeless individuals and families. Repair projects will focus on health and safety issues and include roof replacement, bathroom and kitchen renovations and improved security systems. Each agency will provide matching resources including both cash and/or in-kind contributions. The agencies receiving funding include ADAMH, Huckleberry House, Lutheran Social Services, Southeast Mental Health, Volunteers of America and the YWCA.
INCREASING GRASS & LITTER control SERVICES: The foreclosure crisis that has impacted thousands of Columbus families continues to impose health and safety concerns for Columbus neighborhoods. Ordinance 1181-2010, sponsored by Development Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson, authorizes additional funding in the amount of $100,000.00 to augment agreements with various contractors for grass mowing and litter control services during the 2010-2011 season. These abatement services are needed to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Columbus. Due to the increase of foreclosures in Columbus, and the increase of recalcitrant property owners, more properties are being abated and the additional funding will allow the program to continue.
HELPING FIREFIGHTERS SAVE LIVES: properly installed smoke detectors play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring ordinance 1191-2010 which authorizes the acceptance of a $2,500 grant from State Farm Insurance to purchase smoke detectors for the Fire Division’s smoke detector distribution program. The ordinance also authorizes the Fire Division to accept $1,000 in grant funding from Fire Team USA for the Division to conduct a sprinkler workshop to demonstrate the effectiveness of sprinkler use to control fire in the early and survivable stage of fire development.
PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE TO INCARCERATION: The Columbus City Council continues to support innovative ways for our local court system to rehabilitate non-violent offenders. Ordinance 1201-2010, sponsored by Judiciary & Court Administration Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, authorizes the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into a $141,872.00 contract with Alvis House for a work release program as an alternative for incarceration. Alvis House is a non-profit human services agency that provides re-entry and transitional assistance to individuals and families who have been affected by incarceration. The organization provides education, treatment, life skills, and other research-based programs that help clients rebuild their lives, strengthen their families and become contributing members of the community.
MILLER CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE: City Council remains committed to supporting City employees who have been called to active military duty in defense of our nation. Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee is sponsoring ordinance 1195-2010 to authorize the continuation of military leave with pay and benefits for up to one year to City employees who have or will be called to active military duty. The initiative was created after 9/11, and since then Council has ensured the extension of these benefits to support our troops and their families.
HONORING AN OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT: Council President Michael C. Mentel welcomes friends and family members of former City Council President Jerry Hammond to Council Chambers this evening. President Mentel will honor the life of Jerry Hammond during a special tribute presentation. Mr. Hammond joined Columbus City Council in 1974 and became the first African American Council President in 1984. He served in this capacity until he resigned in 1990. During that time, he had many accomplishments including the creation of the Council’s Legislative Research Office, the Neighborhood Commissions, the Cable Television Task Force, the Metropolitan Human Service Commission, and the Community Shelter Board.
-30-
