Monday, February 28, 2011

Meeting Highlights 2-28-11

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
 
For Immediate Release: February 28, 2011
 
For More Information:
John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
 
 
TYSON HOLDING CAPITAL BUDGET BRIEFINGS:  Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee, will hold two public briefings to discuss funding proposals for the 2011 capital budget.  City department representatives will detail the Mayor’s proposed 2011 Capital Budget priorities during a public briefing on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.  Public comment will be accepting during a second public hearing on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.  Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers and broadcast live on city government television channel C-TV.
 
ATTRACTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO THE COLUMBUS WORKFORCE:  The city of Columbus remains committed to attracting new businesses and young professionals to our area.  As an economic development strategy, the city continues to work with the Columbus Chamber to sustain The Young Professionals Initiative.  The program provides an action plan to attract and retain young professionals to the Columbus area.  Ordinance 0269-2011, sponsored by Development Committee Chair Zackary M. Klein, authorizes the expenditure of $70,000 from the General Fund for the continued support of the program and the employment of a manager who will implement the program. 
 
HELPING FAMILIES FIND HOUSING: The Columbus Urban League (CUL) works to eliminate the legal and social barriers minorities and disadvantaged residents face when searching for housing in Columbus.  Health, Housing and Human Services Committee Chair, Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0241-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $135,456.00 from the Community Development Block Grant fund for the Fair Housing Program.  The program enables CUL to investigate all valid housing discrimination complaints and seek redress, develop testing procedures to determine the extent of discrimination and promote awareness of equal housing opportunities.  
 
IMPROVING CITY STREETS: Columbus residents will soon see improvements to streets throughout the city. Public Service Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 0305-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $5,443,028.94 from the Governmental Build America Bonds Fund for Resurfacing 2011 – Project 1 (Zone 1) resurfacing project.  The project involves the reconstruction and resurfacing of 34 city streets and the construction of 434 wheelchair ramps.  The work consists of milling the existing pavement, overlaying with new asphalt concrete, the replacement of curb and sidewalks associated with the installation of ADA wheelchair ramps and partial depth pavement repair where warranted.  Click here for a complete list of streets included in the project.
 
EQUIPPING NEW POLICE CRUISERS WITH MOBILE RADIOS & VIDEO CAMERAS: Each day, Columbus police officers rely on mobile radios and video cameras to help fight crime and keep residents safe.  Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 0246-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $434,464.50 from the General Permanent Improvement Fund for the purchase of 51 video cameras and 48 mobile radios for new police cruisers. The new equipment will provide officers with vital information needed while responding in emergency situations.
 
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