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| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: October 29, 2012 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 | ||
CHORES HELP FOR SENIORS: The Chores Program helps Columbus low income seniors and disabled persons complete minor home repairs free of charge, helping them live in a safe and secure structure. Ordinance 2294-2012, sponsored by Development Committee Chair Zach M. Klein, authorizes the Director of Development to enter into a $60,000 contract with Lifecare Alliance to support the Chores Program. The money is coming from the Community Development Block Grant Fund through the Housing Division’s Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund and will pay for services that include the replacement or repair of leaking faucets and commodes, faulty light fixtures and switches, loose or missing sections of porch decking or steps and installation of handrails, smoke detectors and deadbolt locks. This program will help about 200 households.
OUTFITTING FIREFIGHTERS: The Columbus Division of Fire helps maintain the best trained group of firefighters possible thanks to the equipment and training it provides its members. One important piece of that equation is make sure firefighters have up to date turnout gear and uniforms. Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring two pieces of legislation, 2216 and 2217-2012, to purchase boots, gloves, helmets and uniforms for existing personnel and a recruit class expected to start later this year. The total cost of the purchases is $227,465.
SAFETY UPGRADES: Olentangy River Road north of The Ohio State University Campus is busy roadway that everyday does its best to accommodate thousands of cars, pedestrians and bicyclists. Ordinance 2186-2012, sponsored by Public Service and Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, will allow the City of Columbus two apply for a pair of grants to improve the walkability and pedestrian safety in the area while promoting healthy, active lifestyles. Both grants are administered through the Central Ohio Transit Authority. The first grant, for up to $1,120,000 will be used to fund shared use path construction on Olentangy River Road between North Broadway and Ackerman Road. The second, for up to $639,194 will be used to fund sidewalk construction in this area (e.g. North Broadway between Kenny Road and Olentangy River Road) or other areas determined appropriate.
SCHOOL BRIEFINGS: City Council President Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor Michael B. Coleman and Columbus Education Advisor Eric D. Fingerhut will hold the third in a series of four community meetings designed to assess the many factors that impact providing a quality education in Columbus. The focus of the next meeting is Innovations in Teaching and Learning: a discussion about the impact of new technology and other innovations on K-12 education and how innovation is changing the roles of teachers, principals, administrators and public officials. The briefing will take place at Metro Early College High School, 1929 Kenny Road, Thursday, November 1 at 2 pm. Previous meetings included an assessment of the current educational status of Columbus’ children and schools and analysis of the skills students will need to acquire in order to succeed in the economic opportunities of the 21st Century.
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JOHN IVANIC
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
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90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Direct: 614-645-6798
Cell: 614-701-1411
