| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: September 19, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
HELPING DETECT AND CONTAIN TUBERCULOSIS: Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable, airborne disease that can affect almost any tissue in the body. In 2010, there were 66 reported cases of tuberculosis in Franklin County. Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, chair of the Health, Housing and Human Services Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1370-2011 to allow the Columbus Health Department to accept the grant from Franklin County in the amount of $600,000 for the continued operation of the Ben Franklin Tuberculosis Clinic. The Ben Franklin TB Control Program screens and treats patients for latent TB infection (LTBI) through contacts and in governmental Quarantine Referrals. The program also treats active TB patients, their contacts at home, observes patient medication intake, investigates new cases and works to stop the disease from spreading though educating the community.
MILLS HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS LIQUOR OBJECTION PROCESS: City Council and City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer’s office have initiated the annual process by which Columbus formally objects to the renewal of liquor permits held by problem establishments. Columbus City Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, Chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss the state’s annual liquor permit renewal objection process and how the public can work with the city to object to the renewal of liquor permits held by problem liquor establishments.
KLEIN CONTINUES IMPROVEMENTS AT LOCAL PARKS: City parks continue to offer a wide range of recreational opportunities for area residents to enjoy. In order to keep the facilities in good condition, renovations are often needed. Recreation & Parks Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 1415-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $97,000.00 from the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund for the Site Furnishing Improvements 2011 Project. The project will include the installation of concrete and site furnishings at various parks including: Barnett, Brentnell, Lazelle, Mayme Moore, Olde Sawmill, North Bank, Walden, Beechcroft, Griggs, Krumm, Dodge, Weinland, Battelle, and Karns Parks. The City of Columbus currently has 215 parks on over 10,000 acres.
FEMA REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE 2008 WIND STORM: The City of Columbus received reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damages sustained to city facilities during the windstorm in the City of Columbus in September, 2008. Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 1254-2011 to authorize the transfer of $187,290.00 from the Government General Grants Fund to various other funds for reimbursement of expenditures incurred in association with windstorm damages. Repairs to city facilities were delayed due to the lack of capital improvement fund capacity in 2008 and 2009. The last of the repair projects have recently been completed and this reimbursement results from the final payment from FEMA for this event.
HELPING PROVIDE WATER FOR THE FUTURE: The Columbus Division of Power and Water delivers over 140 million gallons of water to more than 1 million customers each day. While local facilities provide enough water to meet current demand, more must be done to ensure there is an adequate supply for the future. Public Utilities Chair Eileen Y. Paley, is introducing ordinance 1274-2011 which authorizes the expenditure of $3,811,503.96 for the construction of the South Wellfield Expansion Raw Water Line – Collector Well 106 Project. The project is a result of the Water Beyond 2000 Feasibility Study and will construct a waterline to transfer water from the soon to be constructed new Collector Well 106 to the Parsons Avenue Water Plant. The new well and waterline are needed to meet anticipated raw water demand projects for the expansion of the Parsons Avenue Water Plant. The PAWP is an essential and integral component in the Columbus area water supply and treatment infrastructure. Adequate supply of water is essential to economic growth and development.
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