| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: December 13, 2010 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
GINTHER HELPING PROVIDE FIVE NEW FIRE ENGINES: Columbus Firefighters respond to over 100,000 calls for emergency assistance each year. In his ongoing effort to ensure the Division of Fire has the updated equipment they need to respond to these calls, Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring ordinance 1801-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $2.4 million from the Department of Public Safety’s Governmental Build America Bonds fund to purchase five new, custom-built engines to replace existing engines that are beyond their useful life and have high maintenance costs. The Division of Fire has 34 engines assigned to fire stations throughout the city.
DESIGNING THE “MILE ON HIGH”: The Neighborhood Design Center has provided design services, planning activities, and financial alternatives to commercial property owners and tenants in Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) districts since 1982. The Design Center has assisted hundreds of businesses, property owners, and community groups develop neighborhood improvement plans, parks, storefront designs, parking facilities, and streetscape improvements. Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Development Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1768-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $50,000 from the General Fund for the Neighborhood Design Center to provide architectural services and related design assistance, planning activities and visioning services and the creation of an on-line platform for first floor retail in the “Mile on High” district in downtown Columbus. The “Mile on High” program was designed to assist existing businesses and attract new ventures by offering tax incentives, loans and matching funds for qualified businesses. The “Mile on High” area is bounded by Spring Street on the north, Front Street on the West, Mound Street on the South and Fourth Street.
ENCOURAGING EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS GROWTH IN COLUMBUS: The Diversity Bridge Initiative provides assistance to local businesses owned by women and minorities, from new start-ups to long-standing companies. Many larger corporations and organizations in the Columbus region have embraced the initiative and are committed to contracting with local women and minority owned business enterprises. The Columbus Chamber serves as the centralized point of contact to assure successful implementation of the programs and activities of the Diversity Bridge Initiative. Minority and Small Business Development Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1770-2010 to enter into an agreement with the Columbus Chamber for administrative costs to continue the Diversity Bridge Initiative. As the centralized point of contact, the Columbus Chamber will encourage collaboration among the organizations/agencies that serve minority businesses, provide more jobs and help build wealth in our community by creating a more efficient and effective service delivery network.
PALEY CONTINUING TO PROTECT VICTIMS: In 1988, the City Attorney’s Office created the Stalking Unit within the Domestic Violence Unit to support victims and investigate stalking complaints. Judiciary and Court Administration Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring two pieces of legislation to help combat this crime. Ordinance 1669-2010 authorizes the acceptance of a grant from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Office of Homeland Security, in the amount of $44,000 for the 2011 Stalking Investigation program. The ordinance also authorizes the transfer and appropriation of $14,667 in city matching funds required by the acceptance of the grant. Ordinance 1791-2010 authorizes the City Attorney to accept budget adjustments and grant extensions for the 2010 VAWA Stalking Investigator Grant, the ARRA Stalking Investigative Specialists I & II Grant and the ARRA Witness Assistance Database and Domestic Violence Advocate Grant. All three grants have been extended until April 30, 2011 and will provide for additional stalking investigative services. Stalking occurs when a person engages in a pattern of conduct that knowingly causes the victim to believe the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress to them. Menacing by stalking is a crime under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.211 and a first degree misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and/or $1,000 fine. A fifth degree felony may be filed if there is a previous stalking conviction.
TAVARES HOLDS BUDGET BRIEFINGS: Columbus City Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares, chair of the Housing and Health and Human Development Committees, will hold two public briefings on Tuesday, December 14 and Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss funding proposals for the 2011 operating budget. The meetings will be broadcast live on city government television channel C-TV.
IMPROVING CITY TECHNOLOGY SERVICES: In the ongoing effort to save taxpayer dollars, the city of Columbus continues to enhance its technology services. Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1535-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $1,795,160.61 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund and Capital Improvement Bond Fund for the purchase of software, equipment and professional services for city technology services. The new software will increase server storage space while decreasing energy and cooling costs, licensing fees and recovery time due to power outages or natural disasters. The new equipment will all also track inventory for the Department of Technology.
PRESIDENT MENTEL WORKING TO PROTECT HOMELESS FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS: With unseasonably cold temperatures in the forecast, Council President Michael C. Mentel is sponsoring emergency legislation to help protect homeless families and individuals from the severe weather. Ordinance 1818-2010 will authorize the transfer of $300,000 from the city’s General Fund to the Community Shelter Board (CSB) to help support the increase in the demand for emergency shelter during the cold winter months. In 2010, demand has spiked far beyond comparative numbers from 2009. Through November of this year, families seeking emergency housing beyond the capacity of existing shelters produced an alarming 3,757% increase in family overflow shelter nights as compared to the entire calendar year in 2009 (2160 shelter nights compared to 56). Furthermore, single adult overflow in October and November of 2010 has increased 41% as compared to the same time period in 2009 (3344 shelter nights compared to 2366). As the weather becomes even more severe, both family and single adult overflow is expected to escalate.
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