| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: September 12, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
HELPING POLICE SOLVE CRIMES WITH MORE EFFICIENT DNA TESTING: The Columbus Police crime lab will be processing DNA evidence more proficiently with Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills’ sponsorship of ordinance 1387-2010. The legislation will authorize acceptance of a $272,315 grant through the Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program from the National Institute of Justice. The funds will help the Division of Police crime lab process DNA samples more efficiently and reduce the wait time for DNA case analysis. Funds will be used for DNA analysis supplies, overtime for analysts to work on established cases, and equipment and funds for training current and new DNA analysts in the latest technologies in this ever-evolving field.
CRAIG CONTINUES BENEFITS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL: The City of Columbus remains committed to supporting its employees who have been called to active military duty in defense of our nation. Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1325-2011 to authorize the continuation of military leave with pay and benefits to City employees who have been or will be called to active military duty in connection with ongoing Homeland Security efforts. The program was initiated by City Council after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
2012 TAX BUDGET: Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring resolution 0234X-2011 to adopt the City’s 2012 Tax Budget and to authorize the City Auditor to file it with the Franklin, Fairfield and Delaware County Budget Commissions. These steps will allow Columbus to receive “local government funds,” which are monies collected by the State of Ohio and distributed via the counties. The Tax Budget also establishes the 2012 property tax rate for Columbus residents. The rate will remain the same and has not increased in over 56 years.
CONTINUING SENIOR SERVICES: The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging serves thousands of senior citizens with the help of several dozen partner agencies. Ordinance 1316-2011, sponsored by Councilmember Zachary M. Klein, allows the Recreation and Parks Department to utilize $6,140,000 in federal and state grants from the Ohio Department of Aging to fund the continuation of services to older adults in the Columbus area. This legislation authorizes thirty-one community services contracts for the provision of meals, adult day care, homemaker, personal care, transportation, home repair and legal services for the 2012 calendar year.
Click here for a complete list of agencies receiving funding.
Click here for a complete list of agencies receiving funding.
IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN WEINLAND PARK: The city of Columbus continues to promote active living for residents by improving mobility in area neighborhoods. Public Service & Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, is sponsoring ordinance 1255-2011, to authorize the expenditure of $135,000 from the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund for the Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Weinland Park Community Mobility Plan. The improvements would enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety in the area and include Work will include detailed design of several features including sidewalks and ADA ramps throughout the Weinland Park area, in addition to the 4th Street and Summit Street corridors. There are 46 bus stops and 8 transit routes within the limits of this project. Pedestrian generators and destinations impacting the proposed project include High Street, Weinland Park Elementary School campus, Grant Avenue, Columbus Coated Fabrics redevelopment and the Ohio State University, and Godman Guild.
USING TECHNOLOGY TO TRACK WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND TESTING: Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1238-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $11,532.00 for the renewal of a contract with the Hatch Company for software maintenance and support for the Water Information Management System (WIMS). The WIMS enables the Division of Sewerage and Drainage (DOSD) and the Division of Power and Water (DOPW) to manage water quality sample information, incorporate input from plant operations data sources, track 79,000 tests on 16,000 different samples annually, and transfer approved results to end users automatically. The WIMS system has replaced out dated information systems, allowing DOSD and DOPW to satisfy their regulatory reporting requirements more efficiently. The contract agreement will provide software maintenance and support services through May 31, 2012.
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