UAC Community Bits: October 1, 2012 Highlightgs

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

For Immediate Release:

October 1, 2012

For More Information:

John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798

PROTECTING POLICE OFFICERS: Armored personnel carrier vehicles are crucial tools for police to carry out their mission to serve and protect Columbus residents. Ordinance 2101-2012, sponsored by Public Safety and Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills, will allow the Columbus Division of Police to acquire one Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Attack Truck (BearCat) for use by SWAT. The total cost of this vehicle is $208,172.00 and will be paid for with a grant from the Department of Homeland Security. This will be the second such truck for the Division, giving officers greater flexibility to respond to multiple emergencies.

RECREATION CENTER IMPROVMENTS: Recreation Centers offer residents and visitors a chance to exercise, play, learn a skill or hobby in a safe and secure environment. Councilmember Zach M. Klein, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, is sponsoring two ordinances 2079-2012 and 2063-2012 that will continue the City’s initiative to upgrade these centers all over Columbus. 2079-2012 allows the City to enter into a $450,000 contract with Braun & Steidl for architectural and engineering services to prepare plans and specifications for bidding for renovations to Westgate Recreation Center. Work is to include general building improvements and renovations such as: replacing exterior/interior doors and windows, HVAC renovations/replacement, lighting and electrical improvements, ceiling and flooring repairs/replacement, painting, plumbing improvements, structural improvements, carpentry, asbestos abatement, security cameras, possible room addition including ADA access to the second floor and other renovation items. 2063-2012 will spend $231,000 to renovate the Bryden Road side of Blackburn Park by demolishing the existing pavement, play equipment and surfaces; demolishing existing lighting and wire fabric fence; tree removal; installing new surfacing, landscaping, play equipment and site furnishings.

REEB SCHOOL IMPROVMENTS: Plans are continuing to move forward to transform a former south side elementary school into a site for neighborhood resources to improve the lives of Columbus residents. Ordinance 2112-2012, sponsored by Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson, will allow the City to enter into a contract with Moody-Nolan, Inc. for professional architectural and engineering consulting services for the Reeb Avenue Building renovation. A community partnership has been formed between the City, business and non-profit leaders to use the former elementary school as a location for the delivery of critical human services, childcare, education and civic pride.

SEWER OVERFLOW PROGRAM: The City of Columbus is in the midst of a 40 year capital improvement project to eliminate sewer overflows in our community. Recently, the City received permission from the Ohio EPA to reconsider that plan to emphasize green infrastructure and neighborhood improvements. If successful, the new plan will allow the City to spend its capital dollars above ground, transforming neighborhoods while also cleaning our rivers. Ordinance 1413-2012, sponsored by Public Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, will authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a $3.2 million contract modification with Arcadis to assist the City in developing the new plan.

JOB CREATION FOR COLUMBUS: The Columbus City Council supports a variety of job creation efforts in Columbus that have a positive impact for residents and businesses in our community and the region of central Ohio. Last July, Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Small & Minority Business Development Committee, sponsored ordinance 1687-2012 to spend $7,000 from the Jobs Growth Fund to support the WSYX ABC-6 July and October 2012 Job Boot Camps. These events bring those in the job market, either unemployed or looking to advance their careers, together with area businesses that are looking to hire workers. The next Job Boot Camp will take place Wednesday, October 3 at the Aladdin Shrine Center from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The camps are free to all residents and offer an excellent way to network and get help with resume writing and interviewing skills.

PRESIDENTS CUP COMES TO CITY COUNCIL: In exactly one year from today, Columbus will play host to one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. The 2013 Presidents Cup will feature the best American golfers against a team of International professionals. The new Hilton Columbus Downtown will serve as the official hotel for out of town guests and many of the ceremonies and receptions surrounding the event will also be held in Downtown Columbus. Council President Andrew J. Ginther has invited Dan Sullivan, President of HNS Sports Group, and Matt Kamienski of the PGA Tour to Council Chambers to bring the Presidents Cup to chambers this evening to help detail for the community the many exciting events that will be taking place around Columbus in the next year.

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

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