| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: June 3, 2013 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
ENHANCING OUR ART WALKS: Columbus Art Walks are a fun way to get active while experiencing the rich art, architecture, and history of Columbus. Ordinance 1151-2013, sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee chair Priscilla R. Tyson, would accept and appropriate a grant from the Ohio Humanities Council to fund a pilot walking tour program called Columbus Art Walks and Landmark Talks. The new program, produced in partnership with the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, will enhance the Art Walks with free tours led by expert historians and guides. A schedule of the tours is available here.
Responsible Contracting Outreach: In December, Columbus City Council passed legislation to modernize the city’s construction contracting code to make the process more efficient, accessible, and transparent. Now, Council President Pro Tem A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1265-2013 to help Columbus-based small business owners and minority, female, and veteran business entities (M/F/VBEs) meet and exceed the standards for responsible contracting. The city’s Equal Business Opportunity Commission Office will implement the Responsible Contracting Outreach Project to provide businesses with helpful information on access to health insurance, retirement plans, licensing, bonding, employee training, and other important services.
HOME CARE FOR SENIORS: The Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today (PASSPORT) and Assisted Living Medicaid programs provide home care and assisted living services to an estimated 4,500 older adults in the Columbus area. Ordinance 1204-2013, sponsored by Recreation and Parks Committee chair Zach M. Klein, authorizes an appropriation of $24,000,000 in grant funds from the Ohio Department of Aging for the continued operation of these programs through June 30, 2014. PASSPORT provides home care services as an alternative to nursing home admission for Medicaid-eligible clients. Services include case management, adult day care, homemaker, meals, personal care, respite, transportation, and emergency response.
NEW CNG VEHICLES: The Department of Public Service’s Division of Planning and Operations is responsible for snow and ice removal and for maintaining the city's roadway system. Public Service and Transportation Committee chair Eileen Y. Paley is supporting their work with ordinance 1010-2013, which will improve the reliability of our fleet by replacing older trucks that are beyond their useful service lives. The fourteen new single-axle dump trucks will be powered by compressed natural gas, continuing the city’s commitment to building a greener, more fuel-efficient fleet.
HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETS: Veterans Affairs Committee chair Hearcel F. Craig will welcome to Council Ron Lebsock, vice president of housing choice vouchers at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, to share information about a voucher program that will help homeless veterans in our community find places to live. On May 29, Councilmember Craig held a public hearing to discuss the programs and services that are available to veterans in Central Ohio.
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