Public Hearing

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL   For Immediate Release:  March 16, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

Council to Discuss the Importance and Impact of the Arts In Columbus

 

WHO:

  Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson

Various Arts Agencies and Representatives from the Department of Development

 

WHEN:

Thursday, March 18, 2010, 5:30 PM

 

WHERE:

City Council Chambers, City Hall

90 West Broad Street

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Development and Recreation & Parks Committees, and boardmember of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, will hold the first of two public hearings on the importance and impact of the arts in Columbus on Thursday, March 18.  The meetings will include discussions on the current levels of public and private financial support for arts and culture organizations and programming. A second meeting will be held on March 25^th also at 5:30 pm. 

 

Representatives from the Department of Development will also be in attendance at the March 18^th meeting to discuss details of the proposed restructuring of the department and the proposed creation of the Department of Building and Zoning Services.

 

Free parking is available in the Gay Street parking lot on the north side of City Hall after 5:00 pm.

 

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Council Highlights 3-8-10

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release:  March 8, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

KEEPING COLUMBUS DRINKING WATER CLEAN AND SAFE: The City of Columbus has three water treatment facilities that serve a 500 square mile service area including Columbus and numerous surrounding suburban communities.  At each plant, drinking water goes through an eight-stage, 24-hour treatment process that includes screening, coagulation & settling, softening, PH adjustment, filtration, taste and odor control, chlorination, fluoridation, and corrosion control.  Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is introducing ordinance 0348-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $1,309,850.38 from the Water Systems Operating Fund for the purchase of water treatment chemicals for 2010. The Columbus Division of Power and Water delivers over 140 million gallons of water a day to an estimated service area population of over 1,083,100.   

 

WEATHERIZING HOMES TO REDUCE ASTHMA AND OTHER HEALTH HAZARDS: The Columbus Healthy Homes Project (CHHP) was funded through grant monies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control.  The project works with IMPACT Community Action to provide physical intervention and weatherization services in Columbus homes most at risk for asthma triggers and injury hazards.  Housing Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring ordinance 0321-2010, which authorizes the expenditure of $110,000 from the Health Department Grant Fund for the continued partnership with IMPACT Community Action for the period of April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011.  The program works with families to eliminate certain triggers that cause asthma attacks by providing free supplies, in-home education and support, minor home repairs, home insulation services, furnace maintenance and repair, and professional pest management.

 

City WORKING to keep Columbus beautiful:  Public Service & Transportation Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0354-2010 to apply on behalf of Keep Columbus Beautiful for a Coca Cola Recycling Bin Grant, which would provide 75 bins to promote the recycling of beverage containers at special events and various locations around the city.  The City of Columbus and Keep Columbus Beautiful also are gearing up for the annual Kick Butt Columbus Highway Ramp Cleanup Event on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Dodge Park, 667 Sullivant Avenue.  The Put It In the Can…Not On the Land program is a City of Columbus community improvement partnership created to remove litter from our highway exit and entrance ramps.  In addition to giving roadsides a blighted look, litter pollutes waterways when swept into rivers and streams.  Litter also can wash into storm sewers, blocking catch basins and pipes, which leads to flooding during heavy rains.

 

GINTHER HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS TEXTING WHILE DRIVING BAN:  Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, chair of the Safety Committee, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss proposed amendments to the Columbus City Code that will address the issue of distracted driving, specifically texting while driving. The ordinance would prohibit texting while driving in an effort to improve roadway safety for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians and all other road users. The proposed ordinance aims to prevent crashes related to texting while driving, and to reduce the associated fatalities, injuries, and property damage that all too often result.

 

MILLER TO JUDGE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS YOUTH OF THE YEAR COMPETITION:  Councilmember A. Troy Miller will serve as a judge for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus’ First Annual Youth of the Year Competition on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. at the Westside Boys & Girls Club, 115 South Gift Street.  The Youth of the Year program is designed to recognize Club members for their outstanding achievements.   Nominees will present a three minute speech and participate in an interview with competition judges.  Candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 18, attend high school and exhibit academic excellence, good character and citizenship, excellent club leadership and perseverance in the face of adversity. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus was founded in 1948.  The organization’s mission is to inspire and empower Columbus' youth to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

 

CELEBRATING THE COLUMBUS CREW:  In 1996, Major League Soccer chose Columbus, Ohio as the home for the Columbus Crew, one of only 10 original teams. Last year, the Crew won the Supporters’ Shield for the best record in MLS. Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring resolution 0021X-2010 to honor and recognize the team on the beginning of their 15^th season in Columbus.  The Columbus Crew begin the 2010 regular season on March 27, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. against Toronto FC at Crew Stadium, the first major-league stadium built specifically for soccer in the United States. 

COUNCIL PRESIDENT WELCOMES CHINESE EDUCATION DELEGATION: City Council President Michael C. Mentel will welcome a delegation of education officials from Columbus’ sister city in China, Hefei (the capital of Anhui Province) to Council Chambers this evening.  Members of the delegation are led by Mr. Wang Yi, Deputy Director General of the Anhui Provincial Education Department, and are visiting to better understand the American education system and exchange ideas and experiences.  They will discuss potential cooperation and partnership among our governments and related institutions.  During their two-week stay, the delegation will visit local high schools and the Ohio State University, where they will observe the world class university facilities and learn about OSU’s sports, arts and education programs as well as student life programs and practices.  The visit is sponsored by Columbus Sister Cities International, Inc.

 

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City Council to hold public hearing on Texting While Driving Ban

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release: MARCH 4, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER BAN ON TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

 

WHO:

  Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther

Columbus City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr.

Columbus Department of Public Safety

 

WHEN:

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

5:00 PM

 

WHERE:

City Council Chambers

City Hall

90 West Broad Street

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, will conduct a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Columbus City Code that will address the issue of distracted driving, specifically texting while driving. Councilmember Ginther intends to introduce a city ordinance to prohibit texting while driving in an effort to improve roadway safety for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians and all other road users. The proposed ordinance aims to prevent crashes related to texting while driving, and to reduce the associated fatalities, injuries, and property damage that all too often result.

 

Public testimony will be accepted. Those wishing to testify should fill out a speaker slip on the day of the hearing between the hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in the lobby entrance located on the Front Street side of City Hall. Free parking is available in the Gay Street parking lot on the north side of City Hall after 5:00 pm.

 

 

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Meeting Reminder

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release: MARCH 3, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

MEETING REMINDER

CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD HEARING ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

IN CENTRAL OHIO

 

WHO:

  Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares

Central Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition

 

WHEN:

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

5:30 PM

 

WHERE:

City Council Chambers

City Hall

90 West Broad Street

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares, chair of the Health & Human Development Committee, will hold a hearing to discuss and raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking and its impact on Columbus residents. Also at the hearing will be representatives of the Central Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition, a group established under the guidance of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist victims of human trafficking. 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Highlights 3-1-10

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release:  March 1, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

IMPROVING CITY STREETS: Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0273-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $3,523,144.98 from the Governmental Build America Bonds Fund for Resurfacing 2010 – Project 1 resurfacing project.  The project involves the reconstruction and resurfacing of 16 city streets and the construction of 152 wheelchair ramps.  The work consists of milling the existing pavement, overlaying with new asphalt concrete, the replacement of curb and sidewalks associated with the installation of ADA wheelchair ramps and partial depth pavement repair where warranted. 

 

HELPING FIGHT CRIME IN CENTRAL OHIO:  Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization working to fight crime in Columbus neighborhoods. Crime Stoppers operates 24-hours a day and enables citizens to report information to law enforcement agencies while remaining anonymous.  Judiciary & Court Administration Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is co-sponsoring ordinance 0271-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $25,397.00 from the General Fund to support the organization. City Council amended the 2010 budget to provide this funding.  In 2009, Crime Stoppers received 2,229 tips, resulting in 132 arrests and 254 criminal charges.  

 

PLANNING THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS: City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, chair of the Finance and Economic Development Committee, will attend the first Downtown Strategic Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Columbus State Conference Center, 315 Cleveland Avenue.  Representatives from the City of Columbus, the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and the planning team from MSI Design will conduct the first of three town hall meetings to gather citizen input on a long-term strategic plan for downtown’s next 10 years of development. The 2010 Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan provides the opportunity to transform the city as a whole, creating a more successful region that is both nationally and internationally competitive.  

 

MILLER SUPPORTING ELECTRONIC JOB APPLICATION SERVICES:  Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0127-2010 to renew an existing agreement for maintenance, support and software license from Governmentjobs.com for the Civil Service Commission’s applicant management database system.  The management database system provides applicant tracking information for test administration, exam grades, certifications, and notifications.  It allows potential candidates to apply on-line for employment vacancies, submit their resume, update their applicant employment profile and job interest information.  The software is currently used by the Division of Police to recruit and track potential police officer candidates.

 

TAVARES HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS HUMAN TRAFFICKING:  Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares, chair of the Health & Human Development Committee, will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss and raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking and its impact on Columbus residents.  Representatives from the Central Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition will also be in attendance.  The coalition was established under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist victims of human trafficking. 

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Council Highlights 2-8-2010

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: February 8, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

CRIME PATROL HELPS KEEP NEIGHBORHOODS SAFE:  For over 18 years, the Community Crime Patrol (CCP) has assisted Columbus Police in monitoring our neighborhoods and watching for signs of potential criminal activity.  Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther continues the City’s annual support of CCP by sponsoring ordinance 0167-2010 to enter into a $278,000 contract for trained staff to patrol the Hilltop, Franklinton, Merion Southwood, and Ohio State University areas, as well as several multi-use trails around the city.  The contract extends through February 28, 2011 and includes $78,000 in additional funding provided by City Council through the budget amendment process.

SUPPORTING LOCAL URBAN PAVEMENT PROJECTS: The Ohio Department of Transportation and the City of Columbus continue to work together to improve local roadways.  Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0135-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $966,107.00 from the Governmental Build America Bonds Fund for the West Broad Street (U.S. 40) Urban Paving project, the East Broad Urban Paving project and the Polaris Parkway Urban Paving project.  The West Broad Street project will repair and resurface approximately 12.4 miles of West Broad Street from the US 42 interchange to east of Galloway Road.  The East Broad Street project will repair and resurface approximately 1.03 miles of East Broad Street (SR-16) from the West Columbus Corporation Line at Gould Road to the East Columbus Corporation Line east of Napolean Avenue as well as the addition or reconstruction of 98 handicap ramps.  The Polaris Parkway project will repair and resurface roadway from South Old State Road to Lyra Drive and the addition or reconstruction of 43 handicap ramps.   

Tavares ENCOURAGING hiv/aIDS awareness:  Preventing and reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS continues to be a high priority in Columbus.  Health and Human Development Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring ordinance 0194-2010, which authorizes the expenditure of $75,000 from a grant from the Ohio Department of Health for health education and risk reduction services related to HIV/AIDS.   The program will provide HIV/AIDS counseling, testing/referral as well as partner counseling and education.  According to the Ohio Department of Health, there are approximately 3,023 men, women and children in Central Ohio living with HIV. Councilmember Tavares will also recognize National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with resolution 0011X-2010.

recreation & parks and development COMMITTEE Public Hearing: Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Recreation & Parks and Development Committees, will convene a public hearing on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss the systematic reopening of specific recreation centers, and various neighborhood and commercial corridor planning efforts.  Those who wish to address City Council are welcome to submit a speaker slip at City Hall on the day of the meeting.

PROVIDING RESIDENTS SAFE DRINKING WATER:  Columbus provides more than one million people with clean, safe drinking water.  Public Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1377-2009 to authorize the expenditure of $300,000 from the Water Systems Operating Fund for the City’s participation in the Lead-Safe Columbus Program.  This program is part of an effort to work with the EPA on strategies to protect the environment and public health.  In 1991, the EPA enacted the Lead and Copper Rule, which requires tap water testing and the replacement of lead service lines at residences that exceed the action level, under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

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Council Highlights 2-1-10

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: February 1, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

HELPING POLICE FIGHT GANGS IN COLUMBUS:  The Columbus Division of Police continues to aggressively fight gangs in Columbus and will receive additional help through a grant from the Department of Justice 2009 Anti-Gang Initiative.  The initiative is supporting a renewal of the on-going anti-gang prevention and enforcement projects.  Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring ordinance 0120-2010 to accept $48,103.75 in grant funding.  The money will be used in a multi-faceted collaborative effort to identify, investigate and prosecute both the individual gang members and the infrastructure of their gangs.

Council Promoting Small Business Development:  The Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) has been instrumental in stimulating the Columbus economy by providing small loans to start-up, newly established, and growing small businesses.  Minority and Business Development Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0142-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $150,000 for the administration of the ECDI’s Microenterprise Revolving Loan program.  ECDI has become a leader in the field of micro lending, providing microenterprise training to underserved populations including minorities, immigrants and low-income recipients.  Since 2005, ECDI has provided over 110 loans to Columbus-based businesses.

HELPING RENEW GREATER LINDEN: The Greater Linden Development Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing long-term planning and economic development to the Greater Linden Area.  The organization impacts the community through activities and programs that provide adequate housing and a robust retail and commercial environment within a safer and more secure Greater Linden area.  Housing Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring ordinance 0160-2010, which authorizes the expenditure of $28,753.00 from the 2010 Community Development Block Grant Fund for revitalization efforts in the Greater Linden area. 

PALEY HELPING REDUCE costs:  In 2009, Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Judiciary and Court Administration Committee, worked with the Franklin County Municipal Court to expand their specialty docket into two programs:  the Changing Actions to Change Habits Program (CATCH) and the Addiction Program Specialty Docket (APSD).  The CATCH Program is designed for those with multiple solicitation arrests and the APSD addresses individuals with alcohol and/or chemical dependencies.  Both programs were modeled after the highly successful Mental Health Specialty Docket which helps ensure that adequate treatment is available for non-violent offenders.  Councilmember Paley’s sponsorship of ordinance 0121-2010 authorizes the appropriation of $691,481.00 from the Franklin County Municipal Court Judges Specialty Docket fund for the programs.  The programs save city tax dollars by providing an alternative to incarceration through an intensive, court-supervised environment that addresses criminal activity and helps offenders become productive members of society. 

 

REVITALIZING COLUMBUS NEIGHBORHOODS:  The Neighborhood Design Center has provided exterior design services and planning activities to commercial property owners and tenants in the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) Districts since 1982.  Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Development Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0161-2010, which authorizes the expenditure of $123,161 from the Community Development Block Grant Fund to improve the physical appearance and boost the economic vitality of these central city neighborhoods.  The Design Center has assisted hundreds of businesses, property owners and community groups develop neighborhood improvement plans, parks, storefront designs, parking facilities and streetscape improvements.

Honoring 2010 rose bowl champion buckeyes:  Columbus City Council members will honor and recognize Ohio State Football Coach Jim Tressel and team members for their outstanding season and winning the 2010 Rose Bowl in Pasadena on January 1, 2010. Coach Tressel and team captains will be presented resolution 0010X-2010 during tonight’s Council meeting.  The Buckeyes defeated Oregon 26-17. 

 

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