UAC Community Bits: {SPAM} December 17, 2012 Highlights

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

For Immediate Release:

December 17, 2012

For More Information:

John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798

INVESTING IN CRIME FIGHTING TECHNOLOGY: The Columbus Division of Police is constantly researching new crime fighting tools and software to more effectively and efficiently protect residents and solve crimes. Ordinance 2769-2012, sponsored by Safety and Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills, allows the Director of Public Safety to enter into a $173,000 contract with Bair Analytics, Inc. for the purchase of Crime Analysis software, support, and training services. This software is an easy-to-use online dashboard that provides regional and national crime data sharing and analysis for law enforcement and defense only. Users access a secured environment to map, analyze, report and download data from multiple jurisdictions. This software automatically geocodes and analyzes crime data as it is imported into the system. Other features of this software include web-based public crime mapping capabilities with the ability for citizens to leave anonymous tips. This software works with any records management system (RMS) to allow law enforcement to share crime data with the public through an easy-to-use online crime map and analytics dashboard.

MORE SPRAYGROUNDS IN COLUMBUS: The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is expanding a highly successful program to help kids and families beat the heat. The sprayground at Barnett Rec Center provides a safe, non-slip play surface that incorporates numerous water features for all to enjoy. Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Zach M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 2753-2012 to build two more spraygrounds, one at Blackburn Park on the Near East side and the other at Indian Mound Park along Parsons Avenue. The legislation allows the City of Columbus to enter into a $1,334,700 contact with RW Setterlin for the improvements at both facilities.

KING LINCOLN IMPROVEMENTS: Since its grand re-opening in May 2009, the Lincoln Theater has entertained thousands of people who have attended shows, concerts, and exhibitions at the theater and ballroom. Now the area surrounding the historic venue is getting an upgrade. Ordinance 2734-2012, sponsored by Public Service and Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, authorizes the Director of Public Service to enter into a contract with Danbert, Inc., for their bid of $1,323,456.71 for the construction of the NCR - Lincoln Theater Phase 2 project. This project is a streetscape improvement project between a point just west of the intersection of East Long Street and Hamilton Parkway and Garfield Avenue. The project will move underground or offsite all utility poles and overhead lines, provide ornamental street lighting, provide new sidewalks at various locations, construct new curb ramps, and install a special flashing-beacon crosswalk at East Long and Garfield.

COUNCIL SUPPORTS JOB READINESS PROGRAM: The Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC) serves as a one stop service provider with a mission to meet the employment needs of businesses and job seekers in order to support economic development in the Columbus area. As part of her 2012 General Fund Budget amendments, Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, Chair of the Workforce Development Committee, set aside $100,000 in the City Council’s Jobs Growth Fund to increase job readiness training. Ordinance 2828-2012 appropriates $40,000 from that fund and spends $50,000 from the General Fund to support a COWIC program that offers pre-employment drug, background check and mental health assessments. The program ensures the applicants are ready for work and removes the administrative burden from the potential employer.