Meeting Highlights 7-25-11

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: July 25, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

IMPROVING the city’s high-tech fleet:  The city’s Fleet Management Division currently utilizes the Fleet Focus management system to bill, manage, monitor and analyze all maintenance related data within the division.  The Fuel Focus system is an automated fuel management system that supports real time monitoring of receipt and usage of all fuels. The city currently has 16 monitored fueling sites in the City of Columbus. Of those, five have been upgraded to Fuel Focus hardware and software and are compatible with the Fleet Focus system. Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance1167-2011, which will authorize the expenditure of $268,734.19 from the Fleet Management Bon Fund to upgrade the 11 remaining fuel sites to the Fuel Focus System.  Fleet Focus gives the Fleet Management Division the ability to provide accountability by tracking an unlimited number of city-owned fleet equipment such as refuse trucks, fire apparatus, compost graders and various on-road vehicles to support the daily operational requirements of city government. 

 

HELPING REVITALIZE EAST FRANKLINTON: Development Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 0962-2011, to authorize the expenditure of $260,000 for the preparation of the East Franklinton Creative Community District Plan.  The Creative Community Initiative for East Franklinton was announced during the Mayor’s 2011 State of the City address. This planning process will produce a plan to guide revitalization of East Franklinton as a place for the creative class to live and maintain their businesses. It builds upon city initiatives that are already underway or that have been completed in the neighborhood. It is also intended to harness current proposed projects, as well as future investments.

 

PROVIDING RESIDENTS ACCESS TO CITY SERVICES THROUGH MYCOLUMBUS: Residents will soon have city services at their fingertips through the use of updated technology. Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1184-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $39,600.00 from the Department of Technology Information Services Fund for the modification and extension of a contract with Webbed Marketing LLC,  to promote the city's online resources to the public. The company will provide internet marketing services targeted at the new My Neighborhood web site, MyColumbus mobile application, and GreenSpot web site. They will also execute social media marketing campaigns to raise awareness and build excitement about city initiatives, in addition to measuring and benchmarking all city social media sites.   

 

OFFERING AN ALTERNATIVE TO INCARCERATION:   The Columbus City Council continues to support innovative ways for our local court system to rehabilitate non-violent offenders.  Ordinance 1163-2011, sponsored by Public Safety & Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills, authorizes the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into a $159,376.00 contract with Alvis House for a work release program as an alternative for incarceration.  Alvis House is a non-profit human services agency that provides re-entry and transitional assistance to individuals and families who have been affected by incarceration.  The organization provides education, treatment, life skills, and other research-based programs that help clients rebuild their lives, strengthen their families and become contributing members of the community.

UPGRADING NEIGHBORHOOD STREET LIGHTS: The city of Columbus continues to improve neighborhoods and protect residents from crime. Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Utilities Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1147-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $142,071.00 from the Electricity G.O. Bonds Fund for the 2011 Street Light Maintenance Contract Project.  This project consists of the rehabilitation and/or replacement of various components of two street lighting circuits in the area between Livingston Avenue on the south, Mooberry Street on the north, South 18^th Street on the west and Alum Creek Drive on the east.  Frequent light outages have been reported and are due to the age of the system.  The rehabilitation of these circuits will enhance the safety of the residents and their property while making housing in the area more attractive to current residents and potential buyers.  This is the first phase of a $1 million total planned reinvestment in the city streetlight infrastructure that will upgrade 34 circuits improving the reliability of a total of 6,473 city streetlights.

 

PROVIDING HEALTH CARE TO NEW MOTHERS: Health, Housing & Human Services Committee Chair, Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1175-2011 to authorize the Columbus Health Department to accept over $1 million in grant funding from the Ohio Department of Health to fund the Child & Family Health Services (CFHS) program.   The program coordinates services among agencies that provide perinatal health care services to children and women of childbearing age.  The program also includes public health nursing services and will run through June 30, 2012. 

 

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

 

First Michigan, now Pennsylvania -- when will Ohio get up to speed?

This morning, we shared news about Michigan speeding up its trains to 110 mph (http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2011/07/21/Michigan-to-buy-rail-line-for-high-speed-Amtrak.html).

 

Now comes this news about our neighbor to the east of Ohio....

http://www.fra.dot.gov/roa/press_releases/fp_FRA11-11.shtml

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $24.3 Million in Grants to Boost Keystone Corridor Train Speeds to 125 mph
   
U.S.Department of Transportation 
Office of Public Affairs 
Washington, D.C. 
www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm 
News


FRA 11-11
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Contact: Brie N. Sachse
Tel.: (202) 493-6024

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that work can begin on closing the last three highway-rail grade crossings on the Keystone corridor with the signing of $24.3 million in grant agreements between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Eliminating the grade crossings, areas where a highway and a railroad cross at the same level, will improve safety and allow future train speeds to increase from 110 mph to 125 mph. 

"We are committed to the President's vision of a world-class rail network providing fast, efficient and affordable service," said Secretary LaHood.  "Closing these highway-rail grade crossings will allow travelers along the heavily-used Keystone corridor to enjoy a reduction in their trip time with future train speeds boosted to 125-mph." 

The Keystone corridor operates between New York, Philadelphia and Harrisburg and is Amtrak's fourth most heavily traveled route.  Since train speeds along the route were increased to 110 mph in 2006, ridership has grown by more than 37 percent to 1,227,075 passengers in 2010.  The grants announced today will eliminate grade crossings in Mount Joy Borough, Rapho Township and Leacock Township, all in Lancaster County, PA.  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Amtrak will also contribute a combined $3.4 million for this project.

"Closing highway-rail grade crossings eliminates potential accidents," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo.  "We must keep safety at the forefront in the high-speed and intercity passenger rail program."

Funding also includes engineering and environmental work for the redesign of track crossings and improvements to train control signal systems. 

A strict "Buy America" requirement for high-speed rail projects ensures that U.S. manufacturers and workers will receive the maximum economic benefits from this federal investment. In 2009, Secretary LaHood secured a commitment from 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers to employ American workers and locate or expand their base of operations in the U.S. if they are selected for high-speed-rail contracts.

####

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

Rec Sports Member Update - July 22, 2011

Friday, July 22, 2011

1.      Get Your Second-Half Quarter Fitness Passes and Memberships

2.      BFIT & Body Composition Testing

3.      Relax with a Massage at Rec Sports

4.      Registration Open for Private Swim Lessons

5.      Go Backpacking in the Sierra-Nevada with the Outdoor Adventure Center

6.     Personal Training Certification Evening Classes for Summer

 

To unsubscribe from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to recsportsmembers-unsubscribe@lists.studentaffairs.ohio-state.edu from the e-mail account to which you are subscribed for this listserv.

 

Get Your Second-Half Quarter Fitness Passes and Memberships

Second half-quarter memberships are available beginning Monday, July 25.  The half-price memberships are active through September 20 and can be purchased at the RPAC Welcome Center.

 

The first half-quarter fitness pass expires this Friday, July 22.  Second half-quarter fitness passes are now available for purchase at the RPAC Welcome Center.  Half-quarter passes cost $25 and single session passes are $5.  Note:  a selection of classes on the summer group fitness schedule will change slightly beginning the second half of the quarter on Monday, July 25.  View the changes at http://recsports.osu.edu/fitness-wellness/group-fitness/fitness-schedule-classes

 

BFIT and Body Composition Testing

Interested in knowing your body composition and fitness level? The School of Physical Activity and Educational Services (PAES) is offering both of these services for free for students enrolled in classes until August 19.  Additional fees exist for non-students. Register in room A25 of the PAES building. Contact Emily Martini at martini.36@osu.edu for more information or pricing.

 

Relax with a Massage at Rec Sports

Feeling stressed? Our licensed massage therapists can help relax and restore! Sessions in increments of 60 and 90 minutes are available for a fee for both members and non-members (Rec Sports facility day pass included). Contact the RPAC Welcome Center at (614) 292-7671 for current availability.

 

Registration Open for Private Swim Lessons
Rec Sports’ private swimming lessons offer one-on-one instruction with various class levels for children and adults. View registration dates and lesson information at http://recsports.osu.edu/community-programs/youth-family-programs/aquatics-learn-to-swim

Go Backpacking in the Sierra-Nevada with the Outdoor Adventure Center
Join the Outdoor Adventure Center September 6 - 16, 2011, on a California backpacking trip through the Sierra-Nevada Mountains for an unforgettable experience. The cost of the trip is $575, which covers backpacking gear, food, travel, and outdoor instruction. For more information, contact the OAC at (614) 247-8680.

Personal Training Certification Evening Classes for Summer

Want to become a personal trainer? Sign up for the World Instructor Training Schools (WITS) class, to be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. beginning August 2. Rec Sports members pay $489 for the six-week course. Call (614) 292-7671 and dial 0 to sign up.

 

*************** IMPORTANT CONTACTS ****************

RPAC Welcome Center – 292-7671

ARC Front Desk – 247-8686

Director – Don Stenta, stenta.1@osu.edu, 688-4738

Adapted Recreational Sports – Lindsay Bond, bond.217@osu.edu, 688-3693

Adventure Recreation Center & Jesse Owens Centers – Diane Jensen, jensen.8@osu.edu, 688-3988

Aquatic Center – Kurt Carmen, Carmen.7@osu.edu, 688-3587

Community Programs – Marci Hasty, hasty.11@osu.edu, 292-5328

Facility/Meeting Room Scheduling - Andrea Hall, hall.794@osu.edu, 292-6481

Group Fitness Classes and Massage – Scott Holmes, holmes.508@osu.edu, 292-8755

Intramural Sports - Ken Hill, hill.521@osu.edu, 292-5292

Lockers, Sport Shop, and Welcome Center Operations - Rob Jech, jech.2@osu.edu, 688-8788

Marketing - Emily Howard, howard.778@osu.edu, 688-4185

Membership - Kris Myers, myers.785@osu.edu, 688-8461

Ohio State Swim Club – Kyle Goodrich, goodrich.89@osu.edu, 292-1303

Outdoor Adventure Center - Steve Hawkins, hawkins.264@osu.edu, 247-8063

Personal Training - John Katsares, katsares.1@osu.edu, 292-5153

Racquetball and Squash Reservations - 292-8590

Recreational Sports Learning – Brendan Greisberger, greisberger.5@osu.edu, 688-3297

RPAC Operations – Dave DeAngelo, deangelo.1@osu.edu, 247-6009

Special Assistant to the Director – Marci Shumaker, shumaker.98@osu.edu, 688-3983

Sponsorship – Kristin Smith, smith.1424@osu.edu, 688-4619

Sport Clubs – Charles Anderson, anderson.1859@osu.edu, 688-3879

Web Site – Katie Thomas, thomas.2407@osu.edu, 292-5287

***************************************************

 

 

Media Release - NASCAR Drivers Visit Summer Education Program

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE   For Immediate Release:  July 21, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

NASCAR Drivers Visit Summer

Education Program

 

(Columbus)--Before the future stars of NASCAR hit the track at the Columbus Motor Speedway, they hit the classroom at St. Stephen’s Community House where students there are spending their summer continuing their math and science based education by building small motorized cars.  The students are taking part in the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids program and are utilizing many of the same skills and thought processes NASCAR drivers and crews use to prepare their cars for race day.

 

“It is such an inspiration for the students to have positive role models who visit the Linden community and encourage our young people to continue their summer learning here at St. Stephen’s,” said Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee and President and C.E.O of St. Stephen’s.    “I really appreciate the fact these drivers took the time out of their busy schedule to energize and inspire our kids and wish them all the best of luck this weekend.”

 

The drivers, Michael Cherry, Ryan Gifford, Sergio Pena, and Darrell Wallace, Jr. represent Revolution Racing, a minority-owned NASCAR franchise whose mission is to develop minority and female drivers, pit-crew members and mechanics through an "academy-style" training model.  All of the drivers also take part in Drive for Diversity initiative, a program that works to increase the number of minority and female participates in all levels of the racing industry. 

 

The team from Revolution Racing and others are in town for the inaugural Jegs 150 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race to be held Saturday at Columbus Motor Speedway.  The K&N series is NASCAR’s top developmental series.   For more information visit the track’s website www.columbusspeedway.com.

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan to buy rail line for high-speed Amtrak

Published: 7/21/2011

Michigan to buy rail line for high-speed Amtrak
U.S. to pay for upgrade on 135-mile segment
BY DAVID PATCH
BLADE STAFF WRITER

 
Amtrak's route between Detroit and Chicago is among those the Obama Administration has chosen for high-speed rail development, but right now, 135 miles of the line east of Kalamazoo, Mich., is anything but fast.

The tracks' owner, Norfolk Southern, has determined that freight traffic along the line no longer justifies maintaining it for the ordinary top speed on many Amtrak routes, 79 mph. Beginning last year, after a maintenance agreement with Amtrak expired, the freight railroad has on several occasions reduced the line's speed limits to the point where most of the track is restricted to 60 mph or slower, with some stretches 25 mph.

The slowdown has caused Amtrak's three daily Wolverine Service round trips between Pontiac, Mich., and Chicago, via Detroit and Ann Arbor, to run about 90 minutes late since June 1, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said.

 

The tedious track between Kalamzoo and Dearborn, Mich., is a sharp contrast with the railroad for about 100 miles west of Kalamazoo, which Amtrak has owned for decades and which has received state and federally funded improvements that have allowed train speed to increase to 95 mph, with 110 set for later this year.

Read more at: http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2011/07/21/Michigan-to-buy-rail-line-for-high-speed-Amtrak.html

 

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

Media Alert - NASCAR Drivers Visit Summer Education Program

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release:  July 20, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

NASCAR Drivers Visit Summer

Education Program

 

 

WHO:
Councilmember Michelle M. Mills

NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program Participants

Summer Engineering Experience for Kids Participants

 

WHEN:
Thursday, July 21, 2011
11:45 am

 

WHERE:
St. Stephen’s Community House

1500 East 17^th Avenue

 

WHAT:

The future stars of NASCAR will be visiting the engineers of tomorrow at St. Stephen’s Community House. The drivers are in town for a race Saturday night at Columbus Motor Speedway and are   taking part in the Drive for Diversity program.  Drive for Diversity is designed to increase the number of minority participants in the sport.  The drivers are taking time out of their day to visit children taking part in the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids program offered at St. Stephen’s, a program that looks to continue educational opportunities during the summer months and increase the students’ level of understanding of math and science by using team based engineering projects.   This summer, the students have built cars as part of a “Motorized Toy Car Challenge”.

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

 

Indiana railroad bridge damaged by train derailment reopens to traffic

Indiana railroad bridge damaged by train derailment reopens to traffic


MORRISTOWN, Ind. — Amtrak passenger train service between New York and Chicago is set to resume now that a railroad bridge that was closed after a freight train derailment southeast of Indianapolis has reopened.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says service between Cincinnati and Indianapolis will resume Wednesday. Service had been disrupted since the July 6 incident in which five of 16 cars that derailed went into the Big Blue River near Morristown, heavily damaging the bridge.

Read more at: http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/f5de054a25724e4e91e4f03da2c8bcc1/IN--Indiana-Train-Derailment/

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

A conservative argument for trains and transit

From the American Conservative http://www.amconmag.com/cpt/

 

Need to talk to your conservative legislator, newspaper editor or radio talk show host? Start by handing them this!!

Three Common Misconceptions About Transit and Passenger Rail

William S. Lind
Director, The American Conservative Center for
Public Transportation

The opposition of some conservatives to public transportation and passenger rail stems from three misconceptions. They are:

1. The current automobile dominance is a free-market outcome;
2. Trains and transit are subsidized while highways pay for themselves; and
3. Where public transportation is necessary, buses are always better than trains.

In fact, the dominance of automobiles is a product of almost a century of government at all levels subsidizing highways while taxing privately-owned electric railways (streetcars and interurbans) and the railroad companies that ran passenger trains. As early as 1921, government was pouring $1.4 billion into highways. By 1960, that number was $11.5 billion, part of which went to build the Interstate Highways that doomed the privately-operated, unsubsidized passenger train. Public transit received no subsidy until 1964. Conservatives know what happens when you subsidize one competitor while taxing another. The result is not a free market outcome.

Libertarian transit critics say the gas tax pays for highways, while transit is subsidized. In fact, the latest (2008) Federal Highway Administration numbers show that all highway user fees, including the gas tax, pay for only 51.72% of highway costs.¹ Amtrak covers 67% of its operating expenses from ticket sales and other revenues.² [This year, Amtrak says it has improved that ratio to 85%, according to the tag line at the bottom of its latest press releases]. On a nation-wide average, rail transit covers 53% of its costs from the farebox, but urban bus systems cover only 28%.³

Buses and rail transit serve different people and different purposes. Buses primarily serve the transit dependent, people who do not drive or have no car. In contrast, rail transit has consistently shown success at drawing riders from choice, people who could drive but choose to take the train, subway, or light rail instead. Unlike bus service, rail transit has a strongly positive effect on development and property values. While the up-front capital cost of rail transit is higher, the operating cost per passenger-mile is much lower (approximately 50¢ for rail versus 90¢ for bus).⁴

---

¹Federal Highway Administration: Highway Statistics. Forms HF-10 and HF-210.
²Amtrak: National Fact Sheet: Fiscal Year 2010.
³U.S. Department of Transportation: Federal Transit Administration. National Transit Database, 2009 Transit Profiles: Appendix A: 2009 Aggregate Profile – Top 50.
⁴U.S. Department of Transportation: Federal Transit Administration. National Transit Database, 2009 Transit Profiles: Appendix A: Aggregate Profile – Top 50.

Public Participation Meeting Regarding the Region's 2030 LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

See the news release below from the Dayton-area metropolitan planning organization. This is a good meeting to attend to help keep passenger rail and mass trains alive as an issue. If MPO's keep it in their long-term plans, then it can't be ignored by the state. As was said at the Summer Meeting on Saturday: "the most important people in the country are those who attend public meetings." Please contact the MPOs in your communities to see when they are updating their long range plans and will hold public meetings.
_____________

 

For Immediate Release
Date:               July 19, 2011
Contact:         Laura A. Loges
Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission
937.223.6323, Extension 246          
lloges@mvrpc.org
Subject:          Public Participation Meeting Regarding the 2040 LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE
 
Dayton, OH - The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) will hold a Public Participation Meeting regarding the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan Update.
 
The meeting will be held as follows:
 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission
One South Main Street
Suite 260 – Second Floor
Downtown Dayton, OH
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

 
The Long Range Transportation Plan is a long-range (20+ year) strategy and capital improvement program developed to guide the effective investment of public funds in multi-modal transportation facilities. The plan is updated every four years and is prepared by MVRPC in cooperation with local and state officials, and other agencies.
 
MVRPC staff will be on hand to accept comments/input regarding transportation issues in order to update the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan.  This is an opportunity for the general public to have a say in the future of transportation in the Miami Valley.  MVRPC staff will present background information on existing transportation conditions and the transportation goals which have been established.
 
If you are unable to attend, information on the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan Update will also be available for public review on MVRPC's website at www.mvrpc.org/lrp on or before August 2, 2011, and at the MVRPC offices, One South Main Street, Suite 260, Dayton, OH, 45402, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday).  
 
At all MVRPC public participation meetings, interpreters for hearing impaired individuals or bi-lingual interpreters are available upon request.  Requests should be made at least one week prior to the meeting date. Contact MVRPC at (937) 223-6323 or 1-800-750-0750 TTY/TDD to request an interpreter.
 
The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission strives to foster collaboration among communities, stakeholders and residents to advance regional transportation priorities.  MVRPC is a forum and resource where these regional partners can identify priorities, develop public policy and implement collaborative strategies to improve the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the Miami Valley.  MVRPC performs various regional planning activities, including air quality, water quality, transportation, land use, research and GIS.  As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), MVRPC is responsible for transportation planning in Greene, Miami and Montgomery Counties and parts of northern Warren County.
 
Written comments regarding the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan will be accepted at the above address until September 2, 2011. You may e-mail your comments to aramirez@mvrpc.org.  For additional information regarding the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan, contact Ana Ramirez, Director of Long Range Planning and Engineering, at (937) 223-6323.

###

Media Alert

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release:  July 19, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

Green Columbus Fund Helps Turn Brownfield into Retail Shopping Location

 

 

WHO:
Councilmember Zach M. Klein

Representatives of Hutton Company

George Walker, Jr., South Linden Area Commission

 

WHEN:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
11:00 am

 

WHERE:
675 East Hudson Avenue

 

WHAT:

Councilmember Zach M. Klein, chair of the Development Committee, will highlight the use of the Green Columbus Fund to demolish a former gas station along East Hudson Street into a new retail shopping location. Councilmember Klein will be joined by representatives of the Hutton Company, the developer of the site, and neighborhood leaders as the demolition begins.  The Green Columbus Fund was announced last year and is a reimbursement grant program meant to encourage sustainable development and redevelopment by providing financial incentives to businesses.  

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting Highlights 7-18-11

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: July 18, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

IMPROVING NEIGHBORHOODS AND PROTECTING HOMEOWNERS: The city of Columbus continues to improve neighborhoods and protect area residents from flooding. Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Utilities Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0992-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $76,919,700.00 from the Ohio EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) for Phase 2 of the Olentangy Scioto Interceptor Sewer (OSIS) Augmentation & Relief Sewer (OARS) Project.  The project, known as OARS, is a sewer tunnel that will intercept wet weather overflows that currently empty into the Scioto River and carry the flows to the city’s Jackson Pike and Southerly wastewater treatment plants.  Phase 1 construction began in September 2010 and involved the construction of a 23,300 foot sewer tunnel.  Phase 2 of the project consists of the construction of access shafts, hydraulic drop structures, relief structures, overflow connector sewers, a pump station, the pump electrical building, a river outfall structure, and flow diversion structures. The total cost of the project is over $200 million and is necessary to reduce the environmental impact of Combined Sewer Overflows.

 

SELECTING THE TOP CANDIDATES FOR THE CITY’S SAFETY FORCES: The city of Columbus is committed to providing residents with outstanding safety services.  Recruitment and applicant screening is critical in ensuring the City is hiring the best men and women to protect Columbus citizens. Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1059-2011, which will authorize the expenditure of $55,650.00 for psychological screenings of public safety applicants.  The screenings are only part of the employment hiring process.  Police and fire recruits are also required to undergo pre-employment physicals and cardiovascular stress testing before entering the Police and Fire academies. 

 

IMPROVING SAFETY AT CITY PARK FACILITIES:  Hundreds of families and area residents utilize city park facilities during each day.  Currently, park facilities are closed from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am, with the exception of those wishing to fish in city owned ponds. Councilmember Zachary M. Klein, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee is sponsoring legislation to close all city parks to public, regardless of activity, during the same hours, unless written permission is granted from the parks director.  Ordinance 1065-2011 will amend the city code to limit offshore and shorebound fishing and associated trailering activities between the hours of 11:00pm and 7:00am to reservoirs, creeks, and rivers.  The legislation will also prohibit the use of nets, buckets, or methods other than pole fishing to harvest fish from ponds. The changes are in response to the increasing problem of large scale fishing for commercial purposes at city owned ponds which leads to a depleted fish stock, an unbalanced ecosystem, and loss of a recreational activity for residents of all ages. 

 

councilmember Mills HELPING kick-off National Night Out:  National Night Out is a community-based initiative that brings citizens together in an effort to fight crime in their neighborhoods.  Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills will participate in the National Night Out Kick-off on Saturday, July 23^rd, 2011 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm at the Far East Recreation Center, 1826 Lattimer Drive. This year’s theme will be Disaster and Emergency preparedness to make residents aware that if a natural or manmade disaster would hit the City of Columbus is prepared to react and assist. The 28^th Annual National Night Out will take place Tuesday, August 2, 2011 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 

 

NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION DOLLARS HELPING THE SOUTH LINDEN NEIGHBORHOOD:  Thirty-five single family homes will soon be built in the South Linden neighborhood.  Health, Housing and Human Services Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1139-2011 to authorize the transfer of thirteen parcels from the Land Bank to Columbus Housing Partnership (CHP) for the Duxberry Landing project.  CHP will partner with the Greater Linden Development Corporation to develop 35 new single-family homes within the South Linden neighborhood. As a member of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (NSP 2) consortium, Columbus Housing Partnership will invest NSP funds from both the NSP 2 Consortium and the State of Ohio. The Land Bank properties were acquired under both the Land Reutilization Program (Tax Foreclosures) and under the NSP.  The City will receive $6,965 for the properties initially acquired under the Land Reutilization Program. 

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE Public Hearing: Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee, will host a public hearing on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers regarding the city’s award winning Fleet Division.  Finance Director Paul Rakosky and Fleet Administrator Kelly Reagan will present an overview of the division and discuss its commitment to efficiency and innovation.  The Fleet Division is ranked 3^rd for the “100 Best” Fleets in the nation.  Those who wish to address City Council are welcome to submit a speaker slip at City Hall on the day of the meeting.

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

 

Privatizing Amtrak violates constitution's Takings Clause

Congressional Research Service: Privatizing Amtrak violates constitution's Takings Clause
By Keith Laing - 07/13/11 01:50 PM ET 
  
The Congressional Research Service said this week that the House Republican plan to privatizing rail service currently provided by Amtrak would violate the Takings Clause of the U.S. Constitution. 

Looking into the proposal at the behest of Democrats on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the CRS ruled that the proposal to transfer assets in the Northeast Rail Corridor currently owned by Amtrak to the Department of Transportation runs afoul of the constitutional provision that requires compensation for transactions of value. 

"The terms of the clause make plain that if the proposed bill were enacted, Amtrak would be able to invoke the clause's protections if (1) Amtrak may be regarded as an entity outside the federal government for Takings Clause purposes … (2) the Amtrak assets to be transferred to the Secretary are 'property' under the Clause and (3) the transfer is a 'taking' under the clause," the CRS report obtained by The Hill said. 

Read more at: http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/railroads/171247-congressional-research-service-privatizing-amtrak-violates-constitutions-takings-clause

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

Councilmember Klein Takes Steps to Increase Safety at Columbus Parks

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ADVISORY   For Immediate Release:  July 12, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

Councilmember Klein Takes Steps to Increase

Safety at Columbus Parks

 

(Columbus)-- Columbus City Council will soon consider legislation that will make parks and properties surrounding parks safer places for families and residents.   Currently, parks facilities are closed from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am, with the exception of those wishing to fish in city owned ponds.   City Councilmembers are interested in crafting code that all requires all city parks will be closed to public, regardless of activity, during the same hours, unless written permission is granted from the parks director.  Zach Klein, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, will discuss proposed changes during his committee meeting Wednesday, July 13 at 5:30 pm.

 

“These changes will create a clearer definition of when our parks are open to the public,” said Councilmember Klein.  “The current rules are ambiguous and create situations that negatively impact our parks system and the ability of our residents to enjoy programming Recreation and Parks Department has to offer the community.”

 

The proposed changes are also in response to an increasing problem at city owned ponds, the large scale harvesting of fish in nets and buckets for commercial purposes. This leads to a depleted fish stock, an unbalanced ecosystem, and loss of a recreational activity for residents of all ages.  The legislation being discussed, 1065-2011, will ensure that fishing can still be done early in the morning and late at night in reservoirs, creeks and rivers; but parks with smaller bodies of water, like ponds, will be closed except upon written approval by the director.

 

 

 

 

 

-30-

 

AMTRAK TO EXCEED 30 MILLION PASSENGERS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

Data for Ohio's three Amtrak routes (comparisons are Oct. 1,2009-June 30, 2010 versus Oct. 1, 2010-June 30, 2011) is as follows......

Cardinal (Chicago - Cincinnati - Washington DC - New York City) ...... ridership up 10.2%; revenues up 20.3%

Capitol Limited (Chicago - Toledo - Sandusky - Elyria - Cleveland - Alliance - Washington DC) ...... ridership up 6.3%; revenues up 12.3%

Lake Shore Limited (Chicago - Bryan - Toledo - Sandusky - Elyria - Cleveland - New York City/Boston) ...... ridership up 10.2%; revenues up 17.2%

Total ridership on Ohio's three trains so far this fiscal year is 538,906 vs. 494,524 at this time last year. Ridership and revenues are also higher than Amtrak had originally budgeted.

SOURCE: Amtrak Media Relations

__________________

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2011

ATK-11-100
Contact: Media Relations
202 906.3860

AMTRAK TO EXCEED 30 MILLION PASSENGERS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

Ridership projections show a new all-time record will be set

WASHINGTON -Amtrak is projecting that for the first time ever its annual ridership will exceed 30 million passengers and in the process set a new all-time record when the current fiscal year ends Sept. 30.
       
"We are having a very strong year because people around the country are choosing the convenience, efficiency and hassle-free environment of Amtrak to meet their travel needs," said President and CEO Joe Boardman.  "Amtrak has wisely invested the federal funding we have received to improve infrastructure and equipment.  Continued investment in Amtrak and passenger rail will support the further growth of this increasingly vital transportation option."
      
Amtrak is basing its projection of more than 30 million passengers on strong June ridership numbers and expected ticket sales for July, August and September. June 2011 was the best June on record with more than 2.6 million passengers for the month and marked 20 consecutive months of year-over-year ridership growth, a streak that began in November 2009. 
      
This strong performance is part of a long-term trend that has seen Amtrak set annual ridership records in seven of the last eight fiscal years, including more than 28.7 million passengers in FY 2010.
      
Comparing the first nine months of FY 2011 (October - June) to the same time period in FY 2010, national Amtrak ridership is up 6.4 percent so far this fiscal year and all three major business lines are showing gains: the Northeast Corridor up 5.6 percent, state-supported and other short distance corridors up 7.8 percent, and long-distance trains up 3.9 percent.  
      
Factors contributing to the continuing success of Amtrak include high gasoline prices, continued growth in business travel on the high-speed Acela Express trains with free Wi-Fi service, the increased appeal and popularity of rail travel, and effective marketing campaigns.

About Amtrak®: 
Celebrating 40 years of dedicated service as America's Railroad, Amtrak is the nation's intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator.  A record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2010 on more than 300 daily trains - at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) - that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces.  Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies.  Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010.  Enjoy the journey at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.  Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us at twitter.com/Amtrak.

___________________________

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

 

Rec Sports Member Update July 12, 2011

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

1.    New Energy Saving Lights at the RPAC

2.    Go Backpacking in the Sierra-Nevada with the Outdoor Adventure Center

3.    Join Team Buckeye for Pelotonia 2011

4.    Personal Training Certification Evening Classes for Summer

5.    Seeking Children to Volunteer in Autism Study

6.    Connect with Rec Sports! Share Your Favorite Pages, Articles on Facebook, Twitter

 

To unsubscribe from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to recsportsmembers-unsubscribe@lists.studentaffairs.ohio-state.edu from the e-mail account to which you are subscribed for this listserv.

 

New Energy Saving Lights at the RPAC
Light fixture changes have been made in the RPAC gymnasiums to conserve energy, reduce costs, and improve your recreation experience. Lighting in the Upper, Tom W. Davis, North, and South Gymnasiums were switched from metal halide to fluorescent lighting. With this switch, the lighting in the upper and lower gyms will pay for themselves in 3.6 years, while the north and south gyms have a 3.5 year payback. Facilities and Operational Development partnered with the Department of Recreational Sports to provide the labor to change out the metal halide lights to fluorescent, which provided a cost savings.

Stop by and see the difference!

Go Backpacking in the Sierra-Nevada with the Outdoor Adventure Center
Join the Outdoor Adventure Center September 6 - 16, 2011, on a California backpacking trip through the Sierra-Nevada Mountains for an unforgettable experience. The cost of the trip is $575, which covers backpacking gear, food, travel, and outdoor instruction. For more information, contact the OAC at (614) 247-8680.

Join Team Buckeye for Pelotonia 2011
With less than 60 days left until Pelotonia 2011, there's still time to join Team Buckeye! Register to ride at http://teambuckeye.osu.edu/. Don’t want to ride? Learn more about volunteering, training, and donating.

 

Personal Training Certification Evening Classes for Summer

Want to become a personal trainer? Sign up for the World Instructor Training Schools (WITS) class, to be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. beginning August 2. Rec Sports members pay $489 for the six-week course. Call (614) 292-7671 and dial 0 to sign up.

Seeking Children to Volunteer in Autism Study

Do you have a child between the ages of 6 and 10 or know someone who does? Occupational therapists at Ohio State are in need of volunteers between these ages with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders for a study in understanding sensory processing in children with autism. The study will research how children process sensory information and how this affects their behavior.  

Children involved in the study will attend 2-3 study visits at Ohio State, each taking 1-2 hours. At the visits, the therapists will:

·         Complete a hearing screen on your child

·         Play sensory games, such as retrieving toys from sticky putty and listening to household sounds

·         Ask you to complete a survey about your child’s typical response to touch, sound, movement, and other sensations

·         Measure sensory processing using an electroencephalogram (EEG)

If your child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) will also be completed.

Parking and gift cards for participation will be provided. For more information, contact Alison Lane at (614) 292-024 or lane.350@osu.edu

 

Connect with Rec Sports! Share Your Favorite Pages, Articles on Facebook, Twitter

The Ohio State Rec Sports website is now connected with Facebook and Twitter! Check out our feeds from both sites at the bottom of our homepage, and look for Like buttons and Tweet buttons around the site.

 

*************** IMPORTANT CONTACTS ****************

RPAC Welcome Center – 292-7671

ARC Front Desk – 247-8686

Comments to the Director – Don Stenta, stenta.1@osu.edu, 688-4738

Adapted Recreational Sports – Lindsay Bond, bond.217@osu.edu,688-3693

Adventure Recreation Center & Jesse Owens Centers – Diane Jensen, jensen.8@osu.edu, 688-3988

Aquatic Center – Kurt Carmen, Carmen.7@osu.edu, 688-3587

Community Programs – Marci Hasty, hasty.11@osu.edu, 292-5328

Facility/Meeting Room Scheduling - Andrea Hall, hall.794@osu.edu, 292-6481

Group Fitness Classes and Massage – Scott Holmes, holmes.508@osu.edu, 292-8755

Intramural Sports - Ken Hill, hill.521@osu.edu, 292-5292

Lockers, Sport Shop, and Welcome Center Operations - Rob Jech, jech.2@osu.edu, 688-8788

Marketing - Emily Howard, howard.778@osu.edu, 688-4185

Membership - Kris Myers, myers.785@osu.edu, 688-8461

Ohio State Swim Club – Kyle Goodrich, goodrich.89@osu.edu, 292-1303

Outdoor Adventure Center - Steve Hawkins, hawkins.264@osu.edu, 247-8063

Personal Training - John Katsares, katsares.1@osu.edu, 292-5153

Racquetball and Squash Reservations - 292-8590

Recreational Sports Learning – Brendan Greisberger, greisberger.5@osu.edu, 688-3297

RPAC Operations – Dave DeAngelo, deangelo.1@osu.edu, 247-6009

Special Assistant to the Director – Marci Shumaker, shumaker.98@osu.edu, 688-3983

Sponsorship – Kristin Smith, smith.1424@osu.edu, 688-4619

Sport Clubs – Charles Anderson, anderson.1859@osu.edu, 688-3879

Web Site – Katie Thomas, thomas.2407@osu.edu, 292-5287

***************************************************