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| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: October 4, 2010 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
CONTINUING TO INVEST IN A HIGH-TECH ECONOMY: City Council is continuing to invest in broadband infrastructure, to promote economic development for our local economy. Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring two ordinances that will enable the city to continue to acquire more fiber optic network and position Columbus as ostensibly the only large city in the nation to own a fiber optic network for economic development purposes. Ordinance 1327-2010 authorizes the Department of Technology to modify an existing contract in the amount of $4,026,556 to purchase the remaining portion of fiber and underground conduit for the Fibernet system and ordinance 1329-2010 authorizes the contract modification in the amount of $775,000 to acquire the remaining portion of fiber and underground conduit for the Citynet system. The conduit and fiber systems will be used as an economic development strategy to assist current businesses and an economic development incentive to bring high-tech companies to Columbus. Providing an existing "telecommunications pathway,” allowing prospective businesses to avoid the costs associated with constructing their own conduits.
PROMOTING fire prevention week: Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring resolution 0129X-2010 to recognize Fire Prevention Week in Columbus. This year’s theme “Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With!” underscores the importance of having working smoke alarms in residential homes. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. In 2008, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that there were 386,500 home fires reported in the United States, killing over 2,700 people and injuring more than 13,000. Councilmember Ginther has invited Columbus Fire Lieutenant David Sawyer to present ways citizens can learn more about Fire Prevention Week and the importance of having working smoke alarms.
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 through her sponsorship of two pieces of legislation. Ordinance 1374-2010, will authorize City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr. to accept the 2010-2011 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Domestic Violence grant from the State of Ohio in the amount of $97,422 for the VOCA Domestic Violence Advocates program. The legislation also authorizes the transfer and appropriation of $32,474.00, as the grant requires matching funds from the city. Ordinance 1376-2011, authorizes the acceptance of the 2010-2011 State Victims Assistance Act (SVAA) Domestic Violence grant from the State of Ohio in the amount of $9,743.00 for the SVAA Domestic Violence Advocates program. The Domestic Violence Unit of the City Attorney’s Office maintains both programs and assists witnesses and victims of domestic violence through the legal process and provides counseling, referrals and linkage with agencies and community resources.
KEEPING FAMILIES IN THEIR HOMES: Rebuilding Together Central Ohio is a volunteer driven initiative that provides home modifications for people with disabilities in low income households. Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares, chair of the Housing Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1345-2010 to authorize the extension of a contract with Rebuilding Together Central Ohio for the Home Modification Project. The project provides home modifications such as the building or ramps and/or lifts for low-income disabled homeowners. Since the beginning of 2010, Rebuilding Together Center Ohio has received 78 requests from disabled homeowners for the installation of ramps in their homes. The contract extension will enable the program to be extended through December 31, 2010.
ENSURING CITY BRIDGES ARE SAFE: The city of Columbus performs routine rehabilitation to existing, city-owned bridges to ensure safety, minimize maintenance costs and prolong the life of the bridges. Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1362-2010, which authorizes the expenditure of $1,620,000 from the Build America Bonds Fund for the Bridge Rehabilitation – Annual Citywide Contract Project 2. Rehabilitation will consist of crack sealing, concrete patching on all elements of a bridge, railing rehabilitation, epoxy injection, maintenance of traffic, concrete removal, asphalt overlays, sealing cracks in bridge decks and the replacement of expansion joint seals.
ADOPTING THE GREATER HILLTOP AREA PLAN AMENDMENT: Development Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 1211-2010 to adopt the Greater Hilltop Area Plan Amendment as a guide for development, redevelopment and the planning of future public improvements in the Greater Hilltop area. The Amendment was developed in collaboration with the Greater Hilltop Area Commission and serves as an amendment to the Greater Hilltop Plan adopted in 2001. The plan amendment recommends commercial and mixed use development along the West Broad corridor consistent with the proposed casino development. The revised plan also provides an opportunity for the community to help shape and direct the pattern of growth and the character of future development in the neighborhood while providing a framework for zoning and land use and guidelines for the design of new development.
PRESIDENT MENTEL WELCOMING EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS: Council President Michael C. Mentel has invited representatives from Experience Columbus to provide a special presentation on Experience Columbus Days, October 8-11, 2010. Now in its seventh year, the program offers special discounts at 24 area attractions and 50 local restaurants. The program was created by Experience Columbus to encourage people to explore and experience the capital city during the Columbus Day holiday.
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