| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: December 3, 2012 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
FUEL QUALITY TESTING PROGRAM: Columbus is about to begin a pilot fuel testing program that will ensure that consumers are getting what they pay for at the pump. Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 2421-2012 to allow Columbus to spend $39,999.56 from the Public Safety Initiative Fund to purchase miscellaneous materials and supplies and for providing training to initiate the program. Items to be purchased include water detector equipment, measuring dip stick, octane analyzer, and other supplies. Councilmember Mills first announced her intention to begin this program in May of 2011. Ohio is one of four states that does not have a law requiring statewide fuel quality testing. Although the City of Columbus may test for fuel quality, it does not have any regulatory authority to hold stations accountable when lower than posted octane fuel is found. The Division of Public Safety Weights and Measures is responsible for testing more than 6000 gas pumps at 280 Columbus stations for fuel quantity.
GRAFFITI REMOVAL ASSISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS: The Columbus Graffiti Removal Assistance Program is only a few months old but it has already helped more than 100 property owners remove graffiti vandalism from occupied structures at the City’s expense. Ordinance 2637-2012, sponsored by Development Committee Chair Zach M. Klein, authorizes the expenditure of $400,000 for the program in 2013. Funds for these services are budgeted within the Community Development Block Grant Fund and the Neighborhood Initiatives Fund.
UPGRADING E-COUNCIL: Earlier this year, the Columbus City Council, under the leadership of Technology Committee Chair A. Troy Miller, announced the launch of the Legislative Center on the City Council’s website, a resource that allows anyone easy access to agendas, legislation, and supporting documents being considered by City Council. The Legislative Center is just one of many E-Council initiatives designed to help the City Council become more efficient and transparent with the help of technology. This evening, Administration Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 2566-2012 to provide for the continued support of Legistar, the City's electronic system for creating and submitting legislation. The cost of the maintenance is $33,401.
ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS: City Council will consider this evening legislation to improve three intersections in Columbus. Ordinance 2493-2012, sponsored by Public Service and Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, will allow the City to enter into a $1,965,030.96 competitively bid contract with the Decker Corporation for the reconstruction of the Alkire at Holt, Livingston at Lockbourne and Hudson at McGuffey intersections. Highlights of the projects include:
· Alkire Road at Holt Road - addition of dedicated left-turning lanes in all directions of a four-way intersection. Work consists of full-depth widening, resurfacing, curb ramps, and signalization. 3,136 feet of 5 foot wide sidewalk and 16 ADA ramps will be added or reconstructed in this project. There are 3 bus stops and 2 transit routes within the limits of this project.
· Livingston Avenue at Lockbourne Road - work includes the addition of a northbound left turn lane and a westbound left turn lane. Work consists of construction of new curb, curb ramps, sidewalks, storm sewer, and signal modification.
· Hudson Street at McGuffey Road - work includes the realignment of the intersection to eliminate north/south offset which provides space for a southbound left turn only lane. Work consists of construction of new curb, curb ramps, sidewalks, sewer, water lines, and signal modification.
ALL HANDS ON DECK: Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, will attend and speak at the HandsOn Central Ohio annual RSVP Recognition Luncheon, Wednesday, December 5, 11 am at LifeCare Alliance, 670 Harmon Avenue. The mission of HandsOn Central Ohio is to strengthen and enchance the quality of life in our community by mobilizing volunteers and connecting people to critical community resources.
5th BY NORTHWEST AREA COMMISSION REPORT: City Council President Andrew J. Ginther continues to invite leaders of various area commissions to City Council so the entire community can have a better understanding of the issues and opportunities that impact Columbus neighborhoods. Tonight, Becky Obester of the 5th by Northwest Area Commission will be at City Council to update Councilmembers and staff on activities in his neighborhood.
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JOHN IVANIC
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
_____________________________________________________
90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Direct: 614-645-6798
Cell: 614-701-1411
