| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: January 23, 2012 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
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 two pieces of legislation for improvements at three city parks. Ordinance 2322-2011 will authorize the expenditure of $111,000.00 from the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund for renovation of the Clintonville Park Project. The project will include the demolition and replacement of pavers, new lighting, a water line, furnishings and landscaping. Ordinance 2323-2011 will authorize the expenditure of $143,000 for improvements at Devonshire Park and the Meadows at Winchester Park. Work will consist of the supply and installation of asphalt paving, concrete paving, site furnishings and park shelter. The City of Columbus currently has 215 parks on over 10,000 acres.
SERVING FAMILIES AND PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 appropriated $1 billion nationally, in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, to states and local governments to carry out eligible activities under the CDBG program. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and helps expand economic development and housing opportunities. Health, Housing and Human Services Committee Chair, Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0007-2012 to authorize the appropriation of $6.7 million in federal grant funds to various city divisions for the 2012 CDBG programs. The programs include affordable housing opportunity, neighborhood and target area revitalization, economic development and economic opportunity and support services.
Council HELPING PREVENT foreclosureS: Public Safety & Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring legislation that will aid Columbus residents who are facing a home foreclosure. Ordinance 0045-2012 will authorize the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to accept and appropriate a $273,840 grant from Franklin County for the management of the Franklin County Foreclosure Mediation Project. The program offers a 60-day extension for homeowners who have received notices of foreclosure and counselors who assist homeowners to communicate with the lending company and discuss affordable mortgage restructuring. One of the unique aspects of this project is that the service is available before a homeowner is in a state of foreclosure, which can help them avoid expensive litigation proceedings and prevent the homeowner from losing their home.
OPERATION SAFEWALKS: Safe sidewalks that promote walkability and encourage a healthy lifestyle are important for neighborhoods throughout Columbus. Public Service & Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 2320-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $620,450 from the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund for the Operation Safewalks – Joyce Avenue Phase 2 and Phase 3 projects. Phase 2 will include improvements on Joyce Avenue from Twelfth Avenue to north of Seventeenth Avenue, Seventeenth Avenue between Joyce Avenue and west of Billiter Boulevard and from Joyce Avenue to Brentnell Avenue. Work will consist of curbing, sidewalk, an 8‑foot wide shared use path, ADA curb ramps, signal upgrade work at Seventeenth Avenue and Joyce Avenue, storm sewer improvements, and street light relocation upgrade. The roadway shall be widened from its current two‑lane configuration to a three‑lane configuration. Phase 3 will include improvements on Joyce Avenue from north of Seventeenth Avenue to Kenmore Avenue and a full reconstruction and widening of the existing roadway to install an 8‑foot wide shared use path, a 6‑foot wide sidewalk, signal work at Maynard Avenue and Joyce Avenue and storm sewer upgrades.
2012 CITY BUDGET: City Council will take the next formal step in passing the 2012 General Fund budget by amending Mayor Coleman’s proposal originally submitted in November. Last week, Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson announced a number of budget amendments that will strengthen neighborhoods and create jobs and economic development in Columbus. Click here to read the media release from last Wednesday. City Council is also committed to improving the quality of life in Columbus by preparing for possible budget cuts from the federal and state governments by placing $1-million in the 2013 Neighborhood Services Fund. Budget carryover was achieved through cost savings, reduced spending and greater than estimated revenue. Per City Charter requirements, Council will amend the budget and then table the appropriations ordinances for one week. Council is expected to pass the budget at the January 30th meeting.
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