| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: February 14, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
MILLER SUPPORTING ELECTRONIC JOB APPLICATION SERVICES: Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0132-2011 which authorizes the expenditure of $17,828.00 from the Department of Technology internal service fund for the renewal of an existing agreement for maintenance, support and software license from Governmentjobs.com for the Civil Service Commission’s applicant management database system. The management database system provides applicant tracking information for test administration, exam grades, certifications, and notifications. It allows potential candidates to apply on-line for employment vacancies, submit their resume, update their applicant employment profile and job interest information. The software is currently used by the Division of Police to recruit and track potential police officer candidates.
PROTECTING CITIZENS: Columbus Public Health is responsible for the long-term continuing health protection and terrorism preparedness for Central Ohio residents. Health, Housing & Human Services Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0192-2011 to authorize the acceptance and appropriation of $1,054,751.00 of grant money from the Ohio Department of Health to fund the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program for the period of August 10, 2010 through August 9, 2011. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness program establishes the Franklin County/City of Columbus support network that would be required in the event of bioterrorism activity in the central region of the state of Ohio. It also allocates funding for Pandemic Influenza planning and operation activities in central Ohio, and the Cities Readiness Initiative.
NEW Outdoor warning sirens: When severe weather strikes, early warning sirens located throughout Columbus are equipped to give residents the advanced notice they need in seeking shelter. Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 0153-2011 which authorizes the city to enter into any agreement with the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security agency (FCEMHS) and the expenditure of $200,000.00 for the purchase and installation of new electronic/radio-tone activated sirens and the replacement of sirens that are no longer operable. The city's participation with FCEMHS is in accordance with state law and the agreement will improve the city’s portion of the outdoor warning siren system.
PREPARING THE BICENTENNIAL BIKEWAY PLAN: In 2008, City Council adopted the Bicentennial Bikeways Plan (BBP) to identify specific bikeway improvement projects located throughout Columbus. The Division of Mobility Options is responsible for the management and implementation of these improvement projects. Public Service and Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 0191-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $310,000 for the professional services contract needed to produce a preliminary engineering report for the BBP and additional projects identified by the Division. The report, which will serve as the source document for future detailed design efforts, will include conceptual designs, preliminary alignments, traffic analyses, preliminary cost estimates, preliminary environmental analyses, as well as determinations of feasibility and constructability.
CAPITAL BUDGET PRIORITIES: The Columbus City Council is in the process of formulating a responsible capital budget that focuses available resources on public safety, neighborhood improvements and job creation efforts. While still early in the budget process, Councilmember Zachary M. Klein, chair of the Recreation and Parks committee, will tour Woodward Park Recreation Center located 5147 Karl Road, Tuesday, February 15 at 3:30 pm. During the tour, Councilmember Klein will have an opportunity to see, first hand, how planned HVAC improvements he has proposed in the capital budget will improve the facility and the quality of life for neighborhood residents.
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