| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: July 11, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
IMPROVING CITY POOLS: Each summer, hundreds of area residents utilize the public pool facilities throughout the city. Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring legislation that will fund upgrades to some of Columbus’ most popular aquatic centers. Ordinance 1077-2011 authorizes the expenditure of $6.2 million to enhance city swimming pools. The work will consist of the removal and replacement of the bath house facilities at Dodge, Marion Franklin and Windsor Pools, as well as the pool and pool mechanical building at Dodge Pool. Enhancements will include decorative concrete finish, ‘Wirewall’ high security fencing and planting beds at bathhouses at Dodge, Marion Franklin, and Windsor Pools. Additional improvements will also be made at Dodge Pool including a closed tube slide and tot/wading pool, an ultra violet light disinfection system, stainless steel walls, replacement of the perimeter fence and buff wash concrete paving.
MILLS HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS TRESPASSING: Columbus City Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, Chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss proposed changes to Columbus’ trespassing laws and proposed legislation that will enhance the penalties for those with repeat trespassing convictions.
ENHANCING THE CITY’S WEBSITE: Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 0955-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $100,000 from the Information Services Capital Improvement Bond Fund for the Department of Technology to enter into a contract with Manpower Professional Services (formerly COMSYS) for professional services to enhance the city’s internet sites. The contract will provide qualified staff services in the areas of web project management, web development, web business analysis, web usability and graphic design. The enhanced system will allow the city’s website to be more user-friendly for area residents and visitors to the city.
PURCHASING BULK FUEL: In order to maintain the City’s fleet services, Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 0998-2011 to authorize the Department of Finance and Management to issue purchase orders for credit card fuel and to acquire unleaded fuel in bulk. Columbus saves money on these purchases by paying a wholesale cost instead of retail. The fuel is used by all City vehicles, including Police, Fire and Refuse Collection vehicles.
Offering hope to those in need: The HOPWA program provides for the implementation of long-term comprehensive strategies for meeting the housing needs of low income persons with HIV/AIDS and their families. Ordinance 1032-2011, sponsored by Health, Housing & Human Services Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig authorizes the appropriation of $268,105.00 from the General Government Grant Fund to fund the 2011 Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program. Eligible activities include providing housing information services; resource identification; acquisition, rehabilitation, conversion, lease, and repair of facilities to provide housing and services; new construction of housing units; project or tenant-based rental assistance; short-term rent, mortgage and utility payments; supportive services; technical assistance and administrative support. This program is entirely funded by HUD and will run through December 31, 2011.
IMPROVING CITY STREETS: Columbus residents will soon see improvements to streets on the city’s Westside through collaborative efforts among city departments and Franklin County. Public Service Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1071-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $7,866,181.99 from the Governmental Build America Bonds Fund for Resurfacing - Zone 5, streetscape and trench rehabilitation project. The project involves the repairing and resurfacing of 31 city streets and the construction of 87,867 square feet of sidewalk and 558 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. The project will also include trench and street lighting improvements to West Broad Street. Click here for a complete list of streets included in the project.
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