| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: December 6, 2010 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
council to consider Liquor Permit Objections: City Council will consider resolutions objecting to the renewal of certain liquor permits by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control. Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther will introduce resolutions 0160X-2010 through 0165X-2010 as part of the city’s annual liquor objection process. At the end of each year, City Council, the City Attorney, Division of Police, Department of Health, and Department of Development work with community leaders to help advance public safety by presenting the resolutions of objection. The resolutions address liquor permit holders and establishments that have a documented record of liquor, code and health violations, criminal activity, excessive police runs and a shown disregard for neighborhood safety. While state law does not grant cities the authority to revoke or deny the renewal of liquor permits, each year City Council exercises its right to submit formal objections to the Division of Liquor Control for consideration during their annual review of liquor permit applications. The Division has the sole authority to grant a renewal or uphold the city’s objection.
HELPING TEACH STUDENTS TO GET GREEN: The city of Columbus continues to encourage residents and businesses to help our city get green through the GreenSpot program. The web-based program was developed to inspire, educate and recognize those in our community who are taking steps to protect our environment. Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1678-2010 to allow the city to accept a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for the “GreenSpot: Sustainable Lifestyles” project. The project will teach students how to protect the environment starting in first grade. Sustainable lifestyle choices will be integrated into the everyday classroom learning experience through books, a web site, teacher resources, classroom activities and the existing GreenSpot program. The program will be funded through July 31, 2012.
IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN FRANKLINTON: The city of Columbus continues to promote active living for residents by improving mobility in area neighborhoods. Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig, is sponsoring ordinance 1725-2010, to authorize the expenditure of $300,000 from the Build America Bonds Fund for Pedestrian Safety Improvements as recommended by the Franklinton Community Mobility Plan. The improvements would enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety in the area and include curb extensions for crosswalk safety, medians for traffic calming, sidewalks, a truck access plan, along with preliminary engineering corridor alternative traffic analyses for Broad Street and Mound Street, and a parking study for Broad Street.
IMPROVING NEIGHBORHOODS AND PROTECTING HOMEOWNERS: The city of Columbus continues to improve neighborhood streets and protect residents from flooding. Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1547-2010, to authorize the expenditure of $3,153,749.34 for the Charleston Avenue Drainage Improvements, Resurfacing and ADA Curb Ramps Project. The project will mitigate street and yard flooding within the area located along High Street from Bill Moose Run to Charleston Avenue, Sunnyside Lane, Kanawha Avenue and Charleston Avenue by constructing a storm sewer along with street resurfacing and the installation of 88 ADA curb ramps.
HELPING FAMILIES AND HOUSEHOLDS Each year, the Community Kitchen serves over 104,000 meals to economically disadvantaged residents on the city’s southeast side and other areas of the city. Recently, the organization’s freezer/walk-in cooler unexpectedly malfunctioned and is in need of repair. Health and Human Development Committee Chair, Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring ordinance 1726-2010 to authorize the appropriation of $2,500 from the Emergency Human Services Capital Fund to the Department of Development for the approval of the grant application from the Community Kitchen seeking assistance for capital costs associated with the repair and upgrade of the freezer/walk-in cooler. The Emergency Human Services Fund provides financial assistance to social service agencies, with Capital expense needs, that provide material assistance and access to programs and services to local families and households in need.
Tyson WORKING TO KEEP Columbus Green: Ordinance 1673-2010, sponsored by Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson, will ensure Columbus continues its tree planting program. This legislation authorizes the expenditure of $200,000 from the voted Recreation & Parks Bond Fund for the Spring 2011 Street Tree Installation Project. In addition to beautifying the community, research has shown that street trees provide a traffic-calming effect to help make neighborhoods safer and more pedestrian-friendly.
HONORING CHARITY NEWSIES: Since 1907, Charity Newsies volunteers have sold special edition newspapers to raise money and buy clothing for needy children. Council President Michael C. Mentel is sponsoring resolution 0167X-2010 to honor and recognize the Charity Newsies organization for their benevolent service and dedication to helping children succeed in school. The organization has over 700 volunteers who work more than 15,000 hours each year to ensure that no child is kept from attending school due to lack of clothing. The 2010 paper drive will be held on December 11th at locations throughout the city with 100% of the donations collected being used to clothe school children in need. Last year, Charity Newsies clothed over 14,000 children and this year they anticipate clothing over 15,000 children in Columbus and Franklin County.
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