| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: June 13, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
PROVIDING SAFE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES: Each year, the city of Columbus receives funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create affordable housing for low and moderate income families under the HOME Investment Partnerships Act. Health, Housing & Human Services Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0828-2011, which will authorize the appropriation of $800,000.00 from the 2011 HOME Fund to the Department of Development. The funds will assist first-time homebuyers, for-profit and non-profit organizations with grants and no or low interest loans for projects designed to increase and preserve the local supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for low and moderate income families.
HELPING ELIMINATE ILLEGAL GUN SALES to keep columbus safe: Reducing gun violence in the City of Columbus remains one of Council’s highest priorities. Currently, private gun dealers have the ability to sell guns to customers without a background check at gun shows in Ohio. This gap in the federal background check system prevents identification of criminals and others who are prohibited by existing federal law from buying firearms. Tonight, Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is introducing resolution 0110X-2011 to encourage Congress to enact federal legislation to improve the background check system for firearm purchases. Legislation to improve the system would not infringe upon individuals’ Second Amendment right to own and carry firearms, but would make federal gun laws more consistent while increasing public safety.
NATIONAL “DUMP THE PUMP” DAY: The use of public transportation can save money, protect the environment, reduce dependence on foreign oil and improve the quality of life for everyone. Public Service Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring resolution 0104X-2011 to recognize June 16, 2011 as National “Dump the Pump” Day. The Central Ohio Transit Authority is participating in the annual event which encourages people to ride public transportation (instead of driving) to save money and help protect the environment. By utilizing public transportation, residents can save, on average, more than $10,000 per year and help reduce the country’s carbon footprint by 37 million metric tons—the equivalent of 4.9 million households using electricity in a year.
ENHANCING CITY COMMUNICATIONS: In an effort to enhance city communications and save taxpayer dollars, Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 0839-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $150,000.00 to purchase voice over internet protocol (VOIP) telephone communications equipment, parts warranty, delivery, and installation of telephone communications equipment, software and related licenses for the City’s Division of Income Tax. The VOIP telephone equipment will be operated using existing City-owned fiber and leased infrastructure which will reduce monthly costs. The equipment has increased security measures and enhanced methods of monitoring productivity and is already being used in various departments throughout the City.
HELPING SECURE VITAL INFORMATION: In order to keep vital information secure and comply with federal and state regulatory requirements, the Department of Technology requires the assistance of managed security technology services. Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0818-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $96,739.02 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Operating Fund for professional services with SecureWorks to secure information such as IRS tax information security guidelines, federal information processing standards, payment card industry data security standards, and the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). SecureWorks will provide management of security devices; real-time monitoring, analysis, and response to security events detected on security devices, network assets, servers, databases, and applications; and managed log collection, retention, storage, and reporting to satisfy security and compliance requirements.
CITY POOLS NOW OPEN: School’s out and summer is almost here. Recreation & Parks Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein would like to remind all residents that Columbus City pools are now open and offer free programs for residents of all ages. The four city pools open this year include Dodge Pool, Marion-Franklin Pool, Tuttle Pool and the Windsor Pool. Admission is free but all participants are required to have a Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Leisure Card. For pool hours and more information, residents can visit the Columbus Recreation and Parks website at www.columbus.gov.
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