| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: November 14, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
SUPPORTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN COLUMBUS: Columbus 2020! is an aggressive economic development strategy developed through public- private partnerships to help grow the Columbus economy. The initiative focuses on four core pillars of economic development: the retention and expansion of existing companies and industries in Central Ohio, attracting the world’s leading companies to the region, creating more commercial enterprises by leveraging the regions research assets and entrepreneurs, and improving civic infrastructure and political conditions that will enhance economic development. Development Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 1797-2011, which authorizes the expenditure of $700,000 for the City to enter into a contract with Columbus 2020! for economic development activities associated with business relocation, expansion, and retention as well as other activities related to the City’s continued interest in workforce development, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The City’s participation will help leverage approximately $4 million in private investment to promote job growth and investment within the City of Columbus. The goals of the initiative include the addition of 150,000 new jobs by the year 2020, increase personal income by 30 percent, add $8 billion in capital investment and position Columbus to be recognized as a national leader in economic development.
IMPROVING CITY TECHNOLOGY SERVICES: In the ongoing effort to save taxpayer dollars, the city of Columbus continues to enhance its technology services. Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1850-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $19,547.71 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, internal service fund for a contract modification with OARnet/OSU for VMWare software upgrades, maintenance and support services. The upgraded software is needed needed to operate virtual servers which are used by the Department of Technology to reduce costs of data systems, reduce power consumption and cooling requirements and provide further capabilities for recovery and availability of information systems. The contract modification will provide upgraded services through December 2012.
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 1736-2011 which authorizes the expenditure of $14,973,898.50 from the Water Works Enlargement Voted Bonds Fund for the Columbus Upground Reservoirs – Raw Water Pipeline Project. The project is a result of the Water Beyond 2000 Feasibility Study done as a way to supplement the water supplies needed to support projected economic development in Franklin County. This project will provide a pipeline to transfer raw water from the Raw Water Pump Station to the R-2 reservoir which is currently under construction. The reservoir is the largest of the three recommended reservoirs in northwest Delaware County that are needed to meet the long range water supply needs of the communities served by the Columbus Division of Power and Water and Del-Co Water Company.
MILLS CONTINUING TO PROTECT VICTIMS: In 1988, the City Attorney’s Office created the Stalking Unit within the Domestic Violence Unit to investigate stalking complaints and support victims. Public Safety and Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 1924-2011 to authorize the acceptance of $841,661 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women for the OVW Stalking Initiative. The funding will be used for a team of stalking investigators and Franklin County detectives, the development and implementation of training and manuals as well as equipment and supplies. The program will promote the development of arrest policies and the enforcement of protection order and enhance victim safety and offender accountability in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Stalking occurs when a person engages in a pattern of conduct that knowingly causes the victim to believe the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress to them. Menacing by stalking is a crime under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.211 and a first degree misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and/or $1,000 fine. A fifth degree felony may be filed if there is a previous stalking conviction.
ENCOURAGING EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS GROWTH IN COLUMBUS: The Central Ohio Minority Business Association (COMBA) is a non-profit agency which provides entrepreneurial development assistance and high-end business consulting free of charge to start-up and emerging business owners on a non-discriminatory basis. Minority and Small Business Development Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1875-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $37,500 to enter into an agreement with the Central Ohio Minority Business Association to increase employment opportunities and business growth in Columbus. During the last three years, COMBA has provided consulting services to over 3,166 business people, resulting in the creation of 265 new jobs and the retention of 493 jobs.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Public Hearing: Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee, will host a public hearing on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers to review the city’s third quarter finances. Finance Director Paul Rakosky will present a report on the Third Quarter Financial Review. Those who wish to address City Council are welcome to submit a speaker slip at City Hall on the day of the meeting.
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