| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: October 24, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
MILLS HELPING PROVIDE NEW AERIAL LADDER TRUCKS: Columbus Firefighters respond to over 100,000 calls for emergency assistance each year. In the ongoing effort to ensure the Division of Fire has the updated equipment they need to respond to these calls, Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 1606-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $2,905,106 from the Department of Public Safety’s Governmental Build America Bonds fund to purchase three new, custom built heavy duty aerial tiller ladders from Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. to replace existing ladders that are beyond their useful life and have high maintenance costs.
PROTECTING NEIGHBORHOODS FROM ADULT GAMING PARLORS: The City of Columbus has experienced a proliferation of Adult Gaming Parlors that utilize computer terminals or stand alone machines also referred to as "sweepstakes terminal devices." These devices allow a participant to play a game in return for a prize or item of value. Currently, there is no state regulation or oversight of these types of businesses, allowing them to exploit a glaring loophole in state gambling laws. Development Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 1761-2011 to impose a moratorium of 180 days on the processing or approval of any application for a certificate of zoning clearance, building occupancy permit, or any other permit or approval required under the Zoning or Building Code, for any premises or building in which, any Adult Gaming Parlor and sweepstakes terminal device is or proposed to be located. The moratorium will give state leaders and the courts the time to better define the laws and license requirements of this portion of the gaming industry.
PURCHASING NATURAL GAS REFUSE TRUCKS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS: In 2008, the city of Columbus received a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to help reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Public Service Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1553-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $445, 194 for the purchase of three CNG single axle dump trucks for the Public Utilities Department, Divisions of Power and Water and Sewers and Drains. The new dump trucks will replace older units that are beyond their useful life. CNG vehicles produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and toxic and carcinogenic pollutants. Natural gas is readily available, clean-burning and costs less than gasoline or diesel fuel. The city will save 46% in fuel costs while operating the new vehicles.
SUPPORTING LOCAL FOODS: the City of Columbus remains committed to promoting healthy eating and active living as part of its comprehensive plan to tackle the obesity epidemic and other chronic diseases. Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring resolution 0281X-2011 to declare October 24, 2011 as “Local Food Day” in the city of Columbus. Residents are encouraged to change the way they think about food and eat healthy food grown by local family farmers, gardeners, civic agriculturists, restaurants, chefs, farmers’ markets, grocers, and consumers to help create sustainability and improve the health of the Columbus community and economy.
MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT: The City of Columbus' current custom-developed payroll/personnel system was implemented in the 1980s and is outdated and inefficient for the city’s daily operations. A new human resources information system with updated technology and new programming options is needed. Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1631-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $600,000 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Capital Improvement Bond and the Build America Bond Fund for a contract modification for the Columbus Human Resources Information System (CHRIS) project. When completed, the new system will improve the efficiency of daily operations such as employee selection, payroll, compensation management, benefits administration, occupational safety, and training.
NORTHEAST CORRIDOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS: Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee is sponsoring ordinance 1689-2011 to authorize the issuance of limited tax notes in the amount of $2.1 million for the Preserve District project improvements for residential development in northeast Columbus. The Preserve District is located east of Hamilton Road, north of Morse Road and follows the Columbus city limits east to the village of New Albany. Infrastructure improvements will include the widening of Thompson Road east of Hamilton Road to the bridge over Rocky Fork Creek and bridge replacement and the widening of Morse Road from Hamilton Road to the U.S. 62/Morse Road Roundabout and roundabout enhancements.
CELEBRATING THE COLUMBUS CLIPPERS: Since its establishment in 1977, the Columbus Clippers franchise has been a treasured member of our community. Council President Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring resolution 0300X-2011 to honor and recognize the team for their 2011 International League Governors’ Cup Championship and Triple-A National Championship. The Clippers became the second team to claim back-to-back titles in the six-year history of the Triple-A National Championship. General Manager Ken Schnacke will be in attendance to accept the resolution.
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