Meeting Highlights 10-18-10

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: October 18, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

KEEPING THE CITY’S FIRST RESPONDERS SAFE: Ensuring the safety of the men and women who protect Columbus residents from crime and fire remains one of the city’s top priorities.  Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring two ordinances to provide new police and fire recruits with protective uniforms.  Ordinance 1452-2010, authorizes the expenditure of $183,115 from General Fund to purchase uniforms for the new Division of Police recruit class and ordinance 1445-2010, authorizes the expenditure of $174,400 from the General Fund for the purchase of uniforms for the new Division of Fire recruit class.  Both classes will have 50 members and are scheduled to begin in December.   

 

DEMOLISHING A PUBLIC NUISANCE:  The abandoned Hamilton Plaza/Howard Johnson Plaza hotel, located at 2124 S. Hamilton Road continues to impose health and safety concerns for Columbus residents.  Ordinance 1404-2010, sponsored by Development Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson, authorizes the expenditure of $28,000 for an asbestos survey mandated by the Ohio EPA prior to demolition of the property.  The site is an abandoned 151,043 square foot, multi room hotel with a pool, three stop elevator, whirlpool and associated service areas whose continued existence constitutes a danger and a public nuisance to the area and the city.  

 

UPDATING THE CITY’S WEBSITE: Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1417-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $200,000 from the Information Services Capital Improvement Bond Fund for the modification of a contract with COMSYS to enhance and update the city’s current web environment and “e-Gov” services.  The contract modification will allow for the migration of the existing content into a redesigned and more usable web site, utilizing a new Ektron Content Management System (CMS).  The updated system will allow the city’s website to be more user-friendly for area residents and visitors to the city.  

 

ENSURING CHILDREN ARE VACCINATED AGAINST DISEASES:  The Columbus Health Department has been awarded a grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for the Vaccine Safety Outreach Initiative Program.  The intent of the program is to identify sub-populations with concerns about vaccine safety and educate residents about vaccine safety within the community.  Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares, chair of the Health and Human Development Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1398-2010 to allow the Columbus Department of Health to accept the grant in the amount of $200,000 for the Vaccine Safety Outreach Initiative Program.  The goal of the program is to educate residents about the safety and importance of childhood vaccines and maximize the number of children being vaccinated against diseases.  The program will run through August, 15, 2011. 

 

PURCHASING NATURAL GAS REFUSE TRUCKS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS: In 2008, the city of Columbus received a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to help reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles.  Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1427-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $134,200 for the purchase of two CNG flatbed trucks for the Public Service Department’s Refuse Collection Division.  CNG vehicles produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and toxic and carcinogenic pollutants.  Natural gas is readily available, clean-burning and costs less than gasoline or diesel fuel. The city will save 46% in fuel costs while operating the new vehicles.   

BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS AT CITY HALL:  The landscaping at City Hall is a reflection of the pride Columbus residents have in the building and the City.  That’s why the Columbus Apartment Association and volunteers provided the material and labor throughout the year to maintain the nearly three dozen flower beds that improve the look of City Hall.  Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley will present Certificates of Recognition to association members as a way of thanking them for their hard work during the 2010 season. 

 

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