Media Release - Columbus City Council Considers Tougher Loitering Law

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE   For Immediate Release: April 30, 2012   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Columbus City Council Considers Tougher Loitering Law

 

(Columbus)--The Columbus City Council are considering this evening an improved loitering in aid of a drug offense ordinance that prosecutors believe will allow police officers to effectively investigate suspected criminal activity without violating the constitutional rights of those being questioned.    Ordinance 0262-2012, sponsored by Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Public Safety & Judiciary Committee, amends Section 2317.50 of the Columbus City Code, 1959, pertaining to loitering in aid of a drug offense by adding clarity to the definitions of elements of a prima facie case for this type of suspected criminal activity.   According to the legislation, the code change improves on current language by differentiating between lawful activities and loitering in aid of drug offense or intent to participate in illegal activities.

 

“The new law is a result of a series of community meetings, public hearings and hard work by the men and women of City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr.’s office,” said Councilmember Mills.    “It has always been the City’s goal to balance the rights of our residents and the needs of our police officers when it comes to protecting the community.”

 

The ordinance also increases the penalties for all loitering in aid of drug offense violations from an M4, punishable with up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine, to an M1, punishable with up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.   It also requires 10 days jail time, without eligibility for work release if the violation takes place within 1,000 feet of specific community facilities, such as playgrounds and schools.   It is also important to note that no arrest will be made until a suspect has an opportunity to explain his or her conduct or actions to a police officer.

 

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Media Release - Columbus City Council Readies Graffiti Assistance Program

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE   For Immediate Release: April 30, 2012   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Columbus City Council Readies Graffiti Assistance Program

 

(Columbus)—Columbus residents and business owners will have help to clean their neighborhoods and fight crime thanks to Columbus City Council and a tougher graffiti removal law. Councilmembers Zach M. Klein and Michelle M. Mills are sponsoring ordinance 0811-2012 to create the Graffiti Assistance Program, a comprehensive graffiti removal program that requires property owners to remove graffiti from occupied structures and creates a way for the City to remove the blight, with the owner’s permission. The Department of Development is currently writing rules and preparing the bid specifications to begin the program this summer.

 

“The key to fighting graffiti is removing it as quickly as possible,” said Councilmember Klein, chair of the Development Committee. “The faster the vandalism is off buildings, the more forceful the message from the neighborhood that this type of criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

 

Currently, the City requires the removal of graffiti from vacant structures.  The new law will require graffiti be removed from occupied structures as well. The ordinance gives property owners 30 days to abate the graffiti. Property owners can grant the City permission to remove the graffiti at the City’s expense.  Councilmembers approved a $500,000 General Fund Budget amendment to support the program.  If a property owner chooses not to remove the graffiti themselves or with the City’s help, the City can obtain an order from the environmental court to remove the nuisance and charge the property owner for the cost of the removal. 

 

“The last thing City Council wants to do is to punish an innocent victim of graffiti twice,” said Councilmember Mills, chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee. “The removal program will give property owners a fast and easy way to remove the vandalism and help keep our neighborhoods strong and safe.”

 

During a hearing held in City Council Chambers last spring, one community leader called graffiti a “plague” in Columbus neighborhoods. Early last fall, Councilmember Klein and Mills had begun to formulate a plan to address many of the neighborhood concerns when it comes to graffiti.

 

City Councilmembers are also drafting separate legislation that will create a process to distribute money that neighborhood and non-profit groups may use to purchase graffiti abatement equipment and materials. The legislation will establish a competitive grant program for the purchase of paint, paint brushes, and the like and also allow for the installation of community murals to prevent graffiti.  The total of the grants will not exceed $10,000.

 

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Meeting Highlights 4-30-12

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: April 30, 2012   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Providing treatment Services:  Health, Housing & Human Services Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring legislation to enable the Health Department to continue providing alcohol and drug abuse counseling and prevention services to men, women, children and families and the homeless population.  The Columbus Health Department has been awarded the 2012 grant service contract for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Outpatient Program, Adult Prevention Services, Women's Project, C&A Prevention and the AOD/HIV Prevention Program.  Ordinance 0818-2012 will authorize The Columbus Health Department to accept a grant service contract in the amount of $1,133,550.00, and authorize the total appropriation of $1,483,074.00 which includes program revenues, from the Health Department Grants Fund to support the contract.

 

HONORING US TOGETHER, INC:  Each year hundreds of immigrants and refugees arrive in central Ohio only to struggle with language barriers, health disparities and economic hardships. US Together, Inc. was created in 2003 to help provide the necessary services for refugees and immigrants to become acclimated to their community.  Administration Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring resolution 0078X-2012 to honor and recognize US Together, Inc. for the extraordinary services they provide immigrant and refugee families. The organization helps initiate and coordinate services through education, advocacy, support services, and networking opportunities to help them become healthy, happy, productive residents of our great city.

 

KEEPING COLUMBUS DRINKING WATER CLEAN AND SAFE: The City of Columbus has three water treatment facilities that serve a 500 square mile service area including Columbus and numerous surrounding suburban communities.  At the two surface plants, drinking water goes through an eight-stage, 24-hour treatment process that includes screening, coagulation & settling, softening, PH adjustment, filtration, taste and odor control, chlorination, fluoridation, and corrosion control.  Public Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is introducing ordinance 0791-2012 to authorize the expenditure of $1,652,172.80 from the Water Works Enlargement Voted Bonds Fund for the Dublin Road Water Plant Miscellaneous Improvements – Flocculator Drive Rehabilitation Project. Flocculation is part of the water treatment process.  The process removes solids by causing them to clump together so they can be removed.  The project consists of rehabilitating flocculation equipment for each of the four flocculation basins at the Dublin Road Water Plant, which will improve the reliability of the original paddle wheel assemblies and drive shafts for the flocculation basins.  Work shall include removal of existing flocculation equipment and installation of new paddle wheel assemblies and redwood baffles. The Columbus Division of Power and Water delivers approximately 140 million gallons of water a day to an estimated service area population of over 1,100,000.   

 

ENSURING LOCAL Waterways ARE SAFE:  Many Columbus residents and visitors enjoy swimming and boating on local waterways during the summer months. Public Safety & Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is helping ensure these waterways remain safe by sponsoring legislation that will allow the Columbus Division of Police to patrol local waterways during peak seasonal use.  Ordinance 0862-2012 authorizes the Department of Public Safety to accept a grant award in the amount of $25,468.09 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft, to pay overtime costs for the 2012 Marine Patrol unit.  An appropriation of these funds is needed for sworn personnel overtime costs for the operation of a Marine Patrol Program. 

 

 

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Rec Sports Member Update

 

Friday, April 27, 2012

 

1.       New Kettlebell Skills Course

2.       International Dance Day Monday, April 30

3.  Outdoor Adventure Summer Trips

4.  Turf Field, Grass Fields Closed at Lincoln Tower Park Beginning April 30

5.       Private Swim Lesson Registration Available

6.       Sibs & Kids Weekend Activities

7.       Intramural Chess Tournament

8.       Become a Personal Trainer: Summer Personal Training Course

9.  Dave Griner Memorial Golf Tournament

 

To unsubscribe from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to recsportsmembers-unsubscribe@lists.studentaffairs.ohio-state.edu from the e-mail account to which you are subscribed for this listserv.

 

New Kettlebell Skills Course
Due to high demand, a five-week FREE Kettlebell Skills Course is being offered for those who missed registration in March!
This skills course will start Wednesday, May 2. Classes will be from 4 - 5 p.m. in RPAC Room B20 (multipurpose room #1). Only 15 spots are available! To register, call (614) 292-7671 and then dial 0.

International Dance Day Monday, April 30
Join Rec Sports in celebrating International Dance Day on Monday, April 30, between 6 - 8 p.m. in the RPAC Amphitheater. Various student organizations will demonstrate dance performances, and you are invited to showcase your talents and skills, or just enjoy the performances. To participate, contact Kaitlin Daniels, campus programs coordinator.

 

Outdoor Adventure Center Summer Trips

Start your summer with a kayaking, backpacking, or surfing adventure! The Outdoor Adventure Center is offering three 10-day summer break trips in June. Travel to the Outer Banks of North Carolina from June 8 - 17 for a sea kayaking trip. Cost is $400. Backpack at Great Smoky Mountains National Park from June 9 - 18. Cost is $450. Go surfing in Orange and San Diego Counties, California, from June 10 - 19. Cost is $640.

Each trip includes transportation, food, equipment, and instruction. For more information contact the Outdoor Adventure Center at (614) 247-8680 or email Dave Denny. 

 

Turf Field, Grass Fields Closed at Lincoln Tower Park Beginning April 30
Beginning April 30, the northwest turf field and northeast grass field at Lincoln Tower Park will be closed for a new project.

The northwest turf field surface will be replaced and a new turf field will be constructed in the northeast grass field. The project is anticipated to be completed late summer. The southwest and southeast grass fields will remain open throughout the project, although their access points will be limited by the construction fence surrounding this project. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

 

Private Swim Lesson Registration Available
Learn to swim with Rec Sports! Private and semi-private swim lessons are offered for all ages. Sessions begin Sunday, May 6, and run through Saturday, June 2. Learn more.

 

Sibs and Kids Weekend Activities
Rec Sports is offering a variety of activities such as yoga, a Kentucky Derby Watch Party, sand volleyball tournament, innertube water polo, and more for Kids and Sibs Weekend May 4-6. Learn more.

Intramural Chess Tournament
Checkmate? Show your chess skills at the Intramural Chess Tournament from 4 - 8 p.m. Sunday, May 6, in the RPAC Dave Griner room. Sign up in the Intramural Office by Thursday, May 3. Registration costs $5, and the first 40 to sign-up receive a free T-shirt! 

Become a Personal Trainer: Summer Personal Training Course
Registration is now open for the WITS Personal Training Certification course beginning Saturday, June 16 at 9 a.m. The course runs through August 11. To register via phone, call (614) 292-7671, and then dial 0. For more information, contact John Katsares, personal training coordinator.

 

Dave Griner Memorial Golf Tournament
Save the date! The Dave Griner Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Monday, May 7, at the Ohio State Scarlet Course. Proceeds benefit scholarships for Ohio State students. For more information, contact Kris Myers, membership sales and relations director.

SPONSORS

Wexner Center for the Arts
The acclaimed documentary Strong! is the illuminating portrait of three-time Olympic weightlifter Cheryl Haworth as she struggles to maintain her place as one of the premiere women lifters in the world. The film screens Saturday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at the Wexner Center. Haworth and filmmaker Wyman introduce the screening and engage in a Q&A after the film. Tickets are $15 general public and $10 students, Wexner Center members, and senior citizens. For more information, visit  http://www.wexarts.org/fv/index.php?eventid=6279. Tickets available at the Wex or at http://tickets.wexarts.org

*************** IMPORTANT CONTACTS ****************

RPAC Welcome Center – 292-7671

ARC Front Desk – 247-8686

Comments to the Director – Don Stenta, stenta.1@osu.edu, 688-4738

Adapted Recreational Sports – Lindsay Bond, bond.217@osu.edu, 688-3693

Adventure Recreation Center & Jesse Owens Centers – Kurt Schooley, schooley.13@osu.edu, 247-8430

Aquatic Center – Zach Skinner, skinner.199@osu.edu, 688-3587

Community Programs – Marci Hasty, hasty.11@osu.edu, 292-5328

Facility/Meeting Room Scheduling - Andrea Hall, hall.794@osu.edu, 292-6481

Group Fitness Classes and Massage – Scott Holmes, holmes.508@osu.edu, 292-8755

Intramural Sports – Bonnie Mitchell – mitchell.934@osu.edu, 247-6191

Lockers, Sport Shop, and Welcome Center Operations - Rob Jech, jech.2@osu.edu, 688-8788

Marketing - Emily Howard, howard.778@osu.edu, 688-4185

Membership - Kris Myers, myers.785@osu.edu, 688-8461

Ohio State Diving Club – Justin Sochor, sochor.7@osu.edu, 688-8341

Ohio State Swim Club – Kyle Goodrich, goodrich.89@osu.edu, 292-1303

Outdoor Adventure Center - Steve Hawkins, hawkins.264@osu.edu, 247-8063

Personal Training - John Katsares, katsares.1@osu.edu, 292-5153

Racquetball and Squash Reservations - 292-8590

RPAC Operations – Dave DeAngelo, deangelo.1@osu.edu, 247-6009

Sponsorship – Kristin Smith, smith.1424@osu.edu, 688-4619

Sport & Wellness Scholars – Brendan Greisberger, greisberger.5@osu.edu, 688-3297

Sport Clubs – Charles Anderson, anderson.1859@osu.edu, 688-3879

Web Site – Katie Thomas, thomas.2407@osu.edu, 292-5287

***************************************************

 

 

Media Alert - Councilmember Mills to Testify On Scrap Metal Bill

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release:  April 25, 2012   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

Councilmember Mills to Testify On Scrap Metal Bill

 

WHO:

Councilmember Michelle M. Mills

 

WHEN:

Wednesday, April 25, 2012
5:00 pm

 

WHERE:

Ohio Statehouse

Room 121

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Public Safety & Judiciary Committee, will testify before the Commerce, Labor and Technology Committee in support of Sub. S.B. 193, a bill that would better regulate the purchase of scrap metal by salvage yards and dealers around Ohio.   While offering proponent testimony, Councilmember Mills will remind lawmakers of the strong ordinance already being used in Columbus to combat scrap metal theft, including an electronic reporting program that quickly and efficiently sends information on scrap metal sales with local police. 

 

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Meeting Highlights 4-23-12

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: April 23, 2012   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

     PROTECTING NEIGHBORHOODS FROM ADULT GAMING PARLORS: Columbus neighborhoods have experienced a proliferation of Adult Gaming Parlors that utilize computer terminals or standalone machines also referred to as "sweepstakes terminal devices." The parlors allow customers to play a slot-machine-like device in return for a prize or item of value and are operating due to a loophole in state gaming laws. Last October, Councilmembers unanimously approved ordinance 1761-2011 to put in place a 6 month moratorium 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 new gaming parlors in Columbus to allow state leaders to enact a statewide law to regulate this form of gaming.  In response to the Ohio Legislature's failure to act on this issue, Public Safety & Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is co-sponsoring ordinance 0856-2012 to authorize the extension of the moratorium by 90 days with the express purpose of considering options including the regulation or banning of Adult Gaming Parlors in the City of Columbus.  At this time, Adult Gaming Parlors are not specifically listed as a permitted use in the City of Columbus. 

 

      ROOF 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 0742-2012 to authorize the expenditure of $1 million from the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund for the Roof Renovations Spring 2012 Project.  The project will include roof renovations at various recreation centers including: Sullivant Garden, Krumm, Tuttle, Driving Park, Woodward Park, and Schiller as well as the Columbus Swim Center, the Cultural Arts Center, Columbus Performing Arts Center, Tuttle Pool and the Alum Creek Maintenance HQ.  The City of Columbus currently has 215 parks on over 10,000 acres.

 

ENHANCING DOWNTOWN ROADWAYS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The city of Columbus continues to implement concepts from the 2010 Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan to enhance residential opportunities, business development, job creation, transportation and entertainment options within the Central Business District.  Public Service & Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, is sponsoring ordinance 0720-2012, to authorize the expenditure of $515,000 from the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund for a contract modification with Burgess and Niple for the Roadway Improvements – Downtown Action Plan.  The design concepts will include providing on-street parking on High Street, converting Front Street to two-way operation north of Broad Street, reducing the number of travel lanes on Broad Street and including complete streets concepts, evaluating the one-way pairs for compete streets concepts and reviewing on-street parking throughout downtown.  The 2010 Downtown Strategic Plan was developed to create an overall vision for downtown economic development for the next 10 years. 

 

HELPING PREPARE CHILDREN FOR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL: Many children who enter Columbus City Schools kindergarten classrooms lack the foundation skills necessary to learn.  In an effort to ensure that all children are prepared for school, the United Way created the Columbus Kids: Ready, Set, Learn program in 2010.  The early childhood intervention program is a collaboration of more than 100 community organizations and provides school readiness screenings and referral services for children 2 ½ to 4 years of age.  The screenings identify developmental delays, behavior, speech, hearing or vision problems among preschoolers and provide information on avenues for improvement.  Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson  is co-sponsoring ordinance 0705-2012 to authorize the expenditure of $250,000 for the Columbus Kids: Ready, Set, Learn initiative.  The funding was included as an amendment to the 2012 City of Columbus Budget to help the program continue its mission of ensuring all children who begin school are ready for success.  This year's initiative will focus on the communities of greatest need: Central City Columbus, Weinland Park, South Linden, Westside and Southside neighborhoods.  In addition, Councilmember Tyson is co-sponsoring ordinance 0756-2012 for the Angel in You Program.  The program was designed to help middle school girls learn how to improve their decision‑making and impulse control skills, boost their self‑image and self‑esteem and develop their talents and abilities. The program also helps reduce relationship aggression among girls as well as lowering the number of bullying incidents. 

 

HEARING FROM OUR NEIGHBORHOODS:  In an effort to focus attention on the important role of neighborhood organizations, City Council President Andrew J. Ginther is inviting a representative from one of the 17 area commissions to present a report to City Council each month. Tonight, Seth Golding, Chair of the University Area Commission, will inform members of Council about some of the latest neighborhood developments and activities in the University District.  City Council established area Commissions in the early 1970s to act as a liaison between neighborhood groups, property owners, residents, developers and city officials. 

 

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