| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: September 26, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
REPAIRING EMERGENCY SHELTERS: Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring legislation to help repair four emergency shelter facilities in Columbus. Ordinance 1450-2011 will authorize the expenditure of $250,000 from the Housing Preservation Fund for the Emergency Shelter Repair program. The Emergency Shelter Repair program provides funding to emergency shelter facilities in need of repair in order to improve services to homeless individuals and families. Repair projects will focus on health and safety issues and include bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations and improved security systems. Each agency will provide matching resources including both cash and/or in-kind contributions. The agencies receiving funding include Huckleberry House, Lutheran Social Services, Southeast Mental Health, and the YWCA.
MILLER CONTINUES HIS SUPPORT OF INCOME TAX E-FILE/E-PAY SYSTEM: Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller continues to emphasize the implementation of technology updates and enhancements to create efficiencies and a more user-friendly system for residents who use city services. The latest effort is ordinance 1243-2011, which authorizes a modification and increase of an existing contract with First Data Government Solutions (FDGS) for the ongoing development of the Income Tax Division’s E-File/E-Pay processing system. The system currently allows employers to electronically file and pay Deposits and Quarterly Returns of Tax Withheld and individuals and businesses to electronically file and pay the Application for Extension form as well as the forms for the Declaration of Estimated Taxes and related quarterly payment vouchers. The site will eventually allow electronic filing of annual taxpayer returns.
PALEY HELPING KEEP COLUMBUS CLEAN: In an effort to help keep our city clean, the city of Columbus holds its annual citywide street sweeping program each April. During street sweeping, debris is removed from the streets and then the street is scrubbed and rinsed by 4-Wheel Street Sweepers along the city’s roadway system. Public Service Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1460-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $1.3 million for the purchase of eight new 4-Wheel Street Sweepers. The sweepers will replace older units which are beyond their useful service life. The new units will feature a dual engine, a better turning radius, precise dumping ability and will be able to travel at high speeds. The highly versatile sweepers will effectively sweep older neighborhoods, the City's downtown and areas that are on the outer reaches of the city.
REVITALIZING THE CITY’S SOUTH SIDE: Since 1979, the Southside Settlement House has provided numerous social service programs to south side neighborhood residents. Due to current economic conditions and cuts in support funding over the course of several years, South Side Settlement has not been able to support the maintenance of the building and desires to donate the property to the City of Columbus. Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 1479-2011 to authorize the Department of Finance and Management to accept and obtain title to the property at 310 Innis Avenue from South Side Settlement. The property will be used to assist the City in providing a variety of social service programs in an effort to revitalize this south side neighborhood.
MILLS ATTENDS NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY CAMERA INSTALLATION IN LINDEN: In an effort to reduce crime and keep our neighborhoods safe, the City of Columbus began installing safety cameras in five Columbus neighborhoods earlier this year. Columbus City Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, Chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, will attend the installation of safety cameras in South Linden neighborhood on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at the corner of Chittenden and Cleveland Avenue. South Linden is the fourth neighborhood to have the cameras installed. The five neighborhoods were chosen because leaders and residents of those areas expressed a desire for safety cameras to help combat crime.
MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO CITY PARK SHELTERS: Many area residents utilize the shelterhouses at parks throughout the city for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. In order to keep the facilities in good condition, renovations are often needed. Recreation & Parks Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 14533-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $230,000 from the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund for the Shelter Improvements 2011 Project. The project will include renovations at seven city park shelters including Brookside Woods, Flint, Holton, Innis, Maloney, Scioto Woods and Westgate Parks.
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