| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: February 11, 2013 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
ROBERTS ROAD IMPROVEMENTS: Roberts Road is a major east-west connector that helps move thousands of people every day from east of I-270 past Rome-Hilliard Road on the west side of Columbus. Ordinance 0260-2013, sponsored by Public Service and Transportation Committee chair Eileen Y. Paley, will allow the Director of Public Service to enter into a contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. worth up to $450,000 for an engineering study for possible intersection improvements at Roberts and Spindler Roads. Improvements could include the installation of a traffic signal and west bound turn lane at the intersection as well as the widening of Roberts Road near the intersection.
BUILDING A BETTER LAND BANK: The Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation (COCIC) is Franklin County’s effort to assist in the economic development of blighted properties. Ordinance 0277-2013, sponsored by Development Committee chair Zach M. Klein, will allow the City of Columbus to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with COCIC to create a framework under which the Columbus Land Reutilization Program can cooperate to improve neighborhoods in the fastest possible manner. The agreement will establish a process for the City to exercise its priority interest in tax foreclosures and other acquisitions of property. In addition to this ordinance, Councilmember Klein is sponsoring two companion pieces, 0310-2013 and 0316-2013, that will allow the City of Columbus to properly maintain parcels in the land bank by paying for grass cutting, roof repairs, and other needed services.
CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY: Columbus Neighborhood Health Centers (CNHC) provide a crucial level of care and protection for our community’s most vulnerable residents. Health and Human Services Committee chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 0124-2013 to allow Columbus Public Health to enter into a $4,529,260 contract with CNHC to offer primary care services to patients at CNHC’s six area facilities.
FIGHTING ANIMAL CURELTY: The mission of the Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) is to fight cruelty and neglect of animals while providing shelter services to the community. Ordinance 0232-2013, sponsored by Public Safety and Judiciary Committee chair Michelle M. Mills, authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a contract with the CAHS so that the organization can investigate allegations of animal cruelty in the City of Columbus. Consistent with the city’s public safety efforts, CAHS shall notify the appropriate legal authorities of confirmed animal abuse and neglect and suspected abuse toward humans.
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JOHN IVANIC
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
_____________________________________________________
90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Direct: 614-645-6798
Cell: 614-701-1411
