Media Release - City Council Increases Transparency with Launch of New Website

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE   For Immediate Release:  October 14, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

City Council Increases Transparency with Launch of New Website

 

(Columbus)--In a continuing effort to improve the accessibility and transparency of city government, the Columbus City Council will soon launch an enhanced website that will allow users to more easily find helpful City Council information.  This project, under development since 2008, will have its launch in the coming weeks and allow residents themselves to access City Council meetings, agendas, legislation with attachments, minutes, and other information in a timely, user friendly format from their computer, phone or tablet device without having to first contact City Council. 

 

“This web site will allow City Council to better connect with our residents and share with them information about their government like never before,” said A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee.  “This transparency is crucial and will lead to a more engaged and better educated public about the issues and policies that we deal with on an ongoing basis.”

 

The improvements to City Council’s current website are expected to be operational within two weeks and will feature the Insite program.  Insite converts legislative information from Legistar, a tracking and information management system used by all city employees to write, process and approves thousands of pieces of legislation each year.   When City Council chose to transition into electronic legislative tracking with Legistar in Columbus in 2003, it immediately increased communication and efficiency between city departments and paid for itself in three years and has saved approximately $500,000 thanks to in house publication of the City Bulletin and other process enhancements.

 

This improved component of our website is the latest in a long list of ways the City Council has adapted to the recent changes in the technology and communications habits of our residents.   Council uses a multi-platform approach to communicate policies and initiatives with the public, including traditional media contacts in TV, print and radio; social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, e-mail news alerts and advisories, Columbus Television Channel 3, and the Call The Roll radio program, a half hour weekly show that airs on 91.5 FM and VOICEcorps.   In addition to the increased outreach effort, City Council has placed a greater importance on one-on-one contact with area residents, which is why Councilmembers held a series of six community meetings this year in every section of the city to listen to neighborhood concerns.

 

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Rec Sports Member Update - Friday, October 14, 2011

Friday, October 14, 2011

1.      Introduction to Kettlebells Clinics

2.      Join Rec Sports at Parent and Family Weekend

3.      Columbus Marathon Will Affect Traffic Sunday

4.      Get Certified to Become a Personal Trainer

5.      Rock Climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Arkansas

6.     Tournament at JOWTC May Affect Reservations

7.      Wi-Fi Access Available at the Jesse Owens South and North

8.     Intramural Racquetball Tournament

9.     Football Saturday Hours for Adventure Recreation Center, Outdoor Adventure Center

10.  Step Up for Stefanie 5K and Two Mile Run/Walk

 

To unsubscribe from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to recsportsmembers-unsubscribe@lists.studentaffairs.ohio-state.edu from the e-mail account to which you are subscribed for this listserv.

 

Introduction to Kettlebells Clinic
Learn how to incorporate kettlebells into your routine at free introductory clinics! Participants will learn about the history and mechanics, as well as proper techniques and exercises. Clinics will be held in the RPAC Room B20 on Friday, October 21 from 1 - 2:15 p.m., Monday, October 31 from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m., and Thursday, November 17, from 3:45 - 5 p.m.

 

Join Rec Sports for Parent and Family Weekend
Join Rec Sports for a day of family programming on Saturday, October 15, during Parent and Family Weekend. Activities include yoga; the Buckeye Fan Festival featuring football skills competitions against former Buckeye football players; ZUMBA®, and a climbing lesson. Visit http://recsports.osu.edu/articles/parent-and-family-weekend-events-schedule/ for more information.

 

Columbus Marathon Will Affect Traffic Sunday

The Columbus Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 18, from approximately 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to the running of the race on campus, several campus streets will be closed at various times throughout the race. Read more at http://recsports.osu.edu/articles/columbus-marathon-affects-campus-streets-access-to-west-campus-parking-bus-service/

 

Get Certified to Become a Personal Trainer
Help people reach their fitness goals by becoming a personal trainer! The Department of Recreational Sports and the World Instructor Training Schools offer personal training certification here on campus. The nine-week, hands on program takes place on Saturdays from January 7 - March 3, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the RPAC. Registration opens November 7. For more information, visit http://recsports.osu.edu/fitness-wellness/personal-training/become-a-trainer

 

Rock Climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Arkansas
Go rock climbing with the Outdoor Adventure Center at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Arkansas from November 10 - 13. The ranch has been rated as one of the best climbing areas east of the Rockies. The beautiful and challenging routes offered will please anyone from beginners to experienced climbers. Trip cost is $325, including a stay in a cabin. Register by Tuesday, November 1. Learn more at http://recsports.osu.edu/forms/outdoor-calendar/outdoor-calendar-details.aspx?ID=178

 

Tournament at JOWTC May Affect Reservations
The Men’s Varsity ITA Regional Tennis Tournament takes place at the Jesse Owens West Tennis Center (JOWTC) today and tomorrow.  If this tournament has affected your reservation time, please contact Jason Percival (percival.8@osu.edu) to reschedule.

 

Wi-Fi Access Available at the Jesse Owens South and North
Wi-Fi access is available for users on the Ohio State network at Jesse Owens South and North.

 

Intramural Racquetball Tournament
Put your skills to the test at the intramural sports racquetball tournament on Sunday, October 23, from noon - 4 p.m. at RPAC racquetball courts 1-4. The tournament costs $5 to enter. The first 40 participants to enter receive a T-shirt, and the winner receives an intramural championship T-shirt. Register in the Intramural Office in the RPAC Office Suite.

 

Football Saturday Hours for Adventure Recreation Center, Outdoor Adventure Center

The Adventure Recreation Center (ARC) and Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) will alter their operating hours on home football game days. The home football hours for these buildings are:
Noon Kick-Off:  5 – 10 p.m.

3:30 p.m. Kick-Off: 8 a.m. – noon
8 p.m. Kick-Off:  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Step Up for Stefanie!
Be part of the First Annual Step up for Stefanie 5K and two mile run/walk, presented by Panera on Sunday, October 23, at 10 a.m. at Ohio Stadium. Pre-registration and special rates end October 21. Visit http://stepupforstefanie.org to register.

 

 

*************** IMPORTANT CONTACTS ****************

RPAC Welcome Center – 292-7671

ARC Front Desk – 247-8686

Comments to the Director – Don Stenta, stenta.1@osu.edu, 688-4738

Adapted Recreational Sports – Lindsay Bond, bond.217@osu.edu,688-3693

Adventure Recreation Center & Jesse Owens Centers – Diane Jensen, jensen.8@osu.edu, 688-3988

Aquatic Center – Kurt Carmen, Carmen.7@osu.edu, 688-3587

Community Programs – Marci Hasty, hasty.11@osu.edu, 292-5328

Facility/Meeting Room Scheduling - Andrea Hall, hall.794@osu.edu, 292-6481

Group Fitness Classes and Massage – Scott Holmes, holmes.508@osu.edu, 292-8755

Intramural Sports - Ken Hill, hill.521@osu.edu, 292-5292

Lockers, Sport Shop, and Welcome Center Operations - Rob Jech, jech.2@osu.edu, 688-8788

Marketing - Emily Howard, howard.778@osu.edu, 688-4185

Membership - Kris Myers, myers.785@osu.edu, 688-8461

Ohio State Swim Club – Kyle Goodrich, goodrich.89@osu.edu, 292-1303

Outdoor Adventure Center - Steve Hawkins, hawkins.264@osu.edu, 247-8063

Personal Training - John Katsares, katsares.1@osu.edu, 292-5153

Racquetball and Squash Reservations - 292-8590

Recreational Sports Learning – Brendan Greisberger, greisberger.5@osu.edu, 688-3297

RPAC Operations – Dave DeAngelo, deangelo.1@osu.edu, 247-6009

Special Assistant to the Director – Marci Shumaker, shumaker.98@osu.edu, 688-3983

Sponsorship – Kristin Smith, smith.1424@osu.edu, 688-4619

Sport Clubs – Charles Anderson, anderson.1859@osu.edu, 688-3879

Web Site – Katie Thomas, thomas.2407@osu.edu, 292-5287

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Media Release - City Council Targets Adult Gaming Parlors

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE  For Immediate Release:  October 13, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Columbus City Council Targets Adult Gaming Parlors

(Columbus)--The Columbus City Council is announcing a 180 day moratorium on the opening of new adult gaming parlors, an unregulated form of gaming that has crept into numerous Columbus neighborhoods because of a loophole in state gaming laws.  The businesses allow customers to play a slot-machine-like device in return for a prize or item of value.  City Councilmembers say the moratorium is necessary because of the lack of state guidelines to protect neighborhoods and legal quagmire facing Ohio cities because of that failure. 

“These businesses are taking advantage of the state’s failure to regulate adult gaming parlors to prey upon our residents,” said Councilmember Zach M. Klein, chair of the Development Committee, who was joined by Councilmember Michelle M. Mills at the announcement in front of a former gaming parlor in the Mount Vernon Plaza.  “The moratorium will protect neighborhoods from new adult gaming parlors while the state considers uniform laws, like those provided for other types of gaming in Ohio.”

The legislation Council will soon consider will instruct the Director of Building and Zoning Services to impose a moratorium on the acceptance or approval of any application for any permit needed for location where an internet sweepstakes device is proposed. 

“This is clearly not the economic development that community leaders are searching for when they talk about revitalizing our neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Mills, chair of the Safety and Judiciary Committee.   “We need to make sure that businesses are helping to promote strong and safe neighborhoods, not operations that take advantage of a gaming loophole and operate with little or no state regulation.”

Councilmembers hope the moratorium will give state leaders and the courts the time to better define the laws and license requirements of this portion of the gaming industry.  Councilmembers will also work with the City Attorney and the Administration to craft local regulations if the state fails to act.

 

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Media Advisory - Council Announces Graffiti Removal Program

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ADVISORY   For Immediate Release:  October 7, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Columbus City Council Announces Graffiti Removal Program 

       

(Columbus) The Columbus City Council has unveiled a proposal to help residents and business owners fight graffiti, a plan that includes the option of removal at no cost to the property owner.   The graffiti abatement initiative was arrived at after multiple community meetings and public hearings to discuss the matter.  The plan will help clean graffiti as quickly as possible while holding property owners accountable if the vandalism is not removed in a timely manner. 

 

“This plan will help fight crime and improve economic development in our neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Zach M. Klein, chair of the Development Committee.  “By helping residents and businesses remove this blight in a reasonable, cost effective manner, we are helping to build a safer, more business friendly Columbus.”

 

The City Council proposal will do two things – add “failure to control graffiti” to the municipal code and require all property owners to remove graffiti within 30 days of receiving a notice from code enforcement.  The property owner will have the option of removing the vandalism themselves or signing a waiver to allow a city contractor to remove the graffiti at no cost to the property owner.  

 

“Our goal with this legislation is to provide a way to remove the graffiti quickly in a way that is not punitive to the property owner, who already has been a victim of crime,” said Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Safety and Judiciary Committee.  “Numerous studies have shown the faster graffiti is removed, the less likely it is to reappear.”

 

Residents and business owners can report graffiti to the city’s 311 call center or by using the MyColumbus app for their mobile phone or tablet device.  The City of Columbus will competitively bid for removal services and require companies to photograph, geo-tag and share photos with the City Attorney’s office to add in prosecution efforts. 

 

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Media Alert

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release:  October 6, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

Columbus City Council Announces Proposed Graffiti Removal Program

 

 

WHO:

Councilmember Zach M. Klein

Councilmember Michelle M. Mills

Local Business Owner and Resident

 

WHEN:
Friday, October 7, 2011
10:30 am

 

WHERE:

Café Del Mondo

659 North 4^th Street

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Council Zach M. Klein, chair of the Development Committee, and Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair Safety and Judiciary Committee, will announce a proposal that will protect neighborhoods and improve economic development opportunities by removing graffiti from Columbus properties in a timely and cost effective manner.

 

 

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Media Release

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE   For Immediate Release:  October 5, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 or Dan Williamson, 645-5300 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

  Council, Mayor Launch Effort to Review Funding for Jobs, Human Services, Arts and Tourism

 

The Columbus City Council and Mayor Michael B. Coleman have launched a joint effort to review current, future and potential non-income tax revenue, and the way the City funds economic development, human services, cultural arts and the promotion of travel and tourism. This effort will be shaped by recommendations made by the recently created Funding Review and Advisory Committee.

 

The Committee consists of community leaders who represent the cultural arts, human services, travel and tourism, and business communities, as well as experts in municipal finance, economic development, and public policy.  The committee will be chaired by Tom Katzenmeyer, Senior Vice President of The Ohio State University.  City Councilmembers Priscilla R. Tyson, Hearcel F. Craig and Zach M. Klein will serve as ex-officio members of the committee, and various City staff will support their work. The committee is expected to hold its first meeting later this month or early November, and hopes to conclude their work in 6-12 months.

 

“We recognize there is more we can do as a community to create jobs, bring new people to our city, raise our quality of life with access to public art, and serve those most in need,” Mayor Coleman said. “This committee is made up of great community leaders who will help us determine the best way to accomplish these goals.”

 

“I am thankful our partners in the human services, business, arts and travel and tourism communities have stepped up to help the Mayor and Council chart a sustainable path forward,” said Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “Each of these areas are critical to the continued success of Columbus, and we must maximize our investment to promote economic development, meet the needs of the least among us and ensure Columbus remains a vibrant place to live, work and visit.”

 

The committee will be encouraged to study all aspects of city finances not directly connected to the City’s income tax, and is expected to operate in a similar fashion to the Columbus Economic Advisory Committee, a group that studied and ultimately made recommendations to city leaders that has Columbus on track to reduce government spending and save an estimated $144 million by 2019.  

 

In preparation for the first Committee meeting representatives of the Mayor and Council will be meeting with key stakeholders to better understand varying perspectives, and to ensure the success of the group as it prepares to make recommendations for long-term, sustainable strategies that will maintain core city services, promote economic development, and support human services, the cultural arts and the travel and tourism industry.

 

A roster of current committee members is attached.

 

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Rec Sports Member Update - October 4, 2011

Member Update

October 4, 2011

1.      Outdoor Adventure Center Sidewalk Sale

2.      Wi-Fi Access Available at the RPAC

3.      Join Rec Sports for Parent and Family Weekend

4.      Scarlet and Gray Football Saturdays

5.      Football Saturday Hours for Adventure Recreation Center, Outdoor Adventure Center

6.     Step Up for Stefanie 5K and Two Mile Run/Walk

7.      Caving at Sloan’s Valley Cave, Kentucky

8.     The Long Scarlet Line One-Mile Run

 

To unsubscribe from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to recsportsmembers-unsubscribe@lists.studentaffairs.ohio-state.edu from the e-mail account to which you are subscribed for this listserv.

 

Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) Sidewalk Sale
Get a bargain on an array of used outdoor equipment at the OAC Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, October 8, 8 a.m. – noon. Equipment includes: KONA mountain bikes; Coleman stoves and lanterns; Therm-a-rest pads; Sleeping bags (North Face®, Sierra Designs®, ALPS), Tents (North Face®, Sierra Designs®, ALPS), and more! The OAC is located on West Campus, 855 Woody Hayes Dr., in the Adventure Recreation Center (ARC).

 

Wi-Fi Access Available at the RPAC
Wi-Fi access is now available at the RPAC! Just log into the AT&T Wi-Fi link on your computer or phone.

 

Join Rec Sports for Parent and Family Weekend
Join Rec Sports for a day of family programming on Saturday, October 15, during Parent and Family Weekend. Activities include yoga; the Buckeye Fan Festival featuring football skills competitions against former Buckeye football players; ZUMBA®, and a climbing lesson. Visit http://recsports.osu.edu/ for more information.

 

Scarlet and Gray Football Saturdays
Enjoy a football game in Ohio Stadium while your children, currently enrolled in kindergarten to 12 years old, are left in the caring hands of the Community Programs staff at the RPAC. Drop your kids off at the RPAC Welcome Center (next to the stadium) up to 60 minutes prior to kickoff and pick them up within 30 minutes of the game clock expiring. Cost is $25 per child for members. Register by 5 p.m. the Wednesday of each home game.

Football Saturday Hours for Adventure Recreation Center, Outdoor Adventure Center

The Adventure Recreation Center (ARC) and Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) will alter their operating hours on home football game days. The home football hours for these buildings are:
Noon Kick-Off:  5 – 10 p.m.

3:30 p.m. Kick-Off: 8 a.m. – noon
8 p.m. Kick-Off:  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Step Up for Stefanie!
Be part of the First Annual Step up for Stefanie 5K and two mile run/walk, presented by Panera on Sunday, October 23, at 10 a.m. at Ohio Stadium. Pre-registration and special rates end October 21. Register by October 12 and receive a dri-fit T-shirt. Visit http://stepupforstefanie.org to register.

 

Caving at Sloan’s Valley Cave, Kentucky

Venture into places most people never trek with the Outdoor Adventure Center caving adventure October 21 - 23 in Sloan's Valley Cave, Kentucky. There will be much to see in the caves, like albino fish, glowing fungus, stalactites and stalagmites. Trip cost is $150, and register by Tuesday, October 11. Learn more and register online at http://recsports.osu.edu/forms/outdoor-calendar/outdoor-calendar-details.aspx?ID=177

 

The Long Scarlet Line One-Mile Run

Become a part of Ohio State's newest tradition!

 

Join in the one-mile run on Friday, October 14, that will serve as the final sendoff to all participants in the 2011 Nationwide Insurance Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon.  The run, open to all Ohio State students and staff, will begin at Larkins Plaza by the RPAC at 8 a.m. (check-in begins at 7 a.m.) and will wind around the Horseshoe through a sea of scarlet-clad cheer zones and supporters!

 

All participants will receive a free Nike T-shirt and will experience a run they will never forget!

 

For more information on the run, visit www.facebook.com/NikeOSU

 

*************** IMPORTANT CONTACTS ****************

RPAC Welcome Center – 292-7671

ARC Front Desk – 247-8686

Comments to the Director – Don Stenta, stenta.1@osu.edu, 688-4738

Adapted Recreational Sports – Lindsay Bond, bond.217@osu.edu,688-3693

Adventure Recreation Center & Jesse Owens Centers – Diane Jensen, jensen.8@osu.edu, 688-3988

Aquatic Center – Kurt Carmen, Carmen.7@osu.edu, 688-3587

Community Programs – Marci Hasty, hasty.11@osu.edu, 292-5328

Facility/Meeting Room Scheduling - Andrea Hall, hall.794@osu.edu, 292-6481

Group Fitness Classes and Massage – Scott Holmes, holmes.508@osu.edu, 292-8755

Intramural Sports - Ken Hill, hill.521@osu.edu, 292-5292

Lockers, Sport Shop, and Welcome Center Operations - Rob Jech, jech.2@osu.edu, 688-8788

Marketing - Emily Howard, howard.778@osu.edu, 688-4185

Membership - Kris Myers, myers.785@osu.edu, 688-8461

Ohio State Swim Club – Kyle Goodrich, goodrich.89@osu.edu, 292-1303

Outdoor Adventure Center - Steve Hawkins, hawkins.264@osu.edu, 247-8063

Personal Training - John Katsares, katsares.1@osu.edu, 292-5153

Racquetball and Squash Reservations - 292-8590

Recreational Sports Learning – Brendan Greisberger, greisberger.5@osu.edu, 688-3297

RPAC Operations – Dave DeAngelo, deangelo.1@osu.edu, 247-6009

Special Assistant to the Director – Marci Shumaker, shumaker.98@osu.edu, 688-3983

Sponsorship – Kristin Smith, smith.1424@osu.edu, 688-4619

Sport Clubs – Charles Anderson, anderson.1859@osu.edu, 688-3879

Web Site – Katie Thomas, thomas.2407@osu.edu, 292-5287

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