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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Council President Praises Casino Announcement

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL   For Immediate Release: January 19, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

 

 

COUNCIL PRESIDENT HAILS CASINO ANNOUNCEMENT

Mentel Praises Penn National’s New Proposal

 

COLUMBUS—After nearly two months of discussions, Penn National’s decision to work with neighborhood and area business leaders on an alternative casino location is being called a responsible compromise.

"I would like to commend Penn National for listening to our concerns and working with our community to consider more viable alternatives for the casino location," said Council President Michael C. Mentel.  "While our region overwhelmingly opposed Issue 3 last year, the fact remained that this was a statewide constitutional amendment that passed.”

 

“Penn’s decision to consider other sites, and ultimately choosing the former GM Delphi plant, showed their willingness to seek support from residents and business leaders who would welcome the economic redevelopment opportunities brought about by a casino in their area.  I will continue to encourage Penn National and other casino supporters to work with key members of the legislature such as State Senator Jim Hughes and State Representatives Ted Celeste and Cheryl Grossman on gaining bipartisan support for a new constitutional amendment.”

 

 

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2010 Columbus City Council Communications

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

 

 

 

Dear Friends,

As the meeting calendar for the Columbus City Council begins for 2010, I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the many ways you and your organization can stay connected with the legislative branch of city government. 

Each week, the Office of Communications issues various community alerts and press releases.  As a member of Council Outreach, many of you automatically receive the City Council Highlights, a weekly summary of the major ordinances and resolutions before Council.  City Council Highlights are circulated on Monday afternoons and serve as a quick reference guide to the substantial agenda items City Councilmembers are considering. 

In mid-2009, under the leadership of Council President Michael C. Mentel, City Council began utilizing the social networking sites to publish press releases, agenda highlights and podcasts of our weekly radio program.  Please take a moment to visit City Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  I think you will find them to be additional resources that will help keep you and your community members informed of the legislative actions of City Council.  Becoming a “friend” or “follower” is easy with links to our pages and website found at the top of this release. 

And as always, please feel free to contact me via e-mail or telephone if you have questions regarding an agenda, event or issue dealing with the Columbus City Council.

Thank you for your time, support and service to the citizens of this great city!

 

John 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Highlights 1-11-2010

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: January 11, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

IMPROVING WATER QUALITY IN THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:  The Ohio Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF), part of the federal stimulus bill, provides funding for pollution mitigation projects.  Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is introducing ordinance 1722-2009 to appropriate $85,339.66 from the WPCLF for the modification of a construction contract for the Reservoir Pollution Reduction Project.  The modification is necessary to receive additional stimulus funding.  The project will provide water quality enhancement of storm water before it enters the drinking water supply at the Griggs, Hoover and the O’Shaughnessy Reservoirs.

RECOGNIZING A COMMUNITY LEADER:  City Councilmembers Charleta B. Tavares and Priscilla R. Tyson are co-sponsoring resolution 0003x-2010, recognizing Michelle M. Mills for receiving the 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Columbus Education Association.  Ms. Mills will be presented the award during the 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Dinner on January 14^th at the Hyatt Regency.   Ms. Mills is President and CEO of the St. Stephen’s Community House and co-chair of the Linden Area Education Design Team.  In 2007 she received the Empowered Woman Award from the Columbus Post and was recognized by Business First as one of Columbus’ “40 Under 40” emerging leaders.

MAINTAINING CITY STREETS AND ROADWAYS:  As the new year begins, city staff members are preparing for dozens of projects that will help build and maintain our streets and roadways.  Public Service and Transportation Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0013-2010 to appropriate $3,298,750 from the Municipal Motor Vehicle License Tax Fund for road construction projects, salt purchases, improvements to traffic signs and signals, as well as other priorities.  Per state law, Columbus residents pay into the fund when they register a motor vehicle.

ENCOURAGING BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT IN COLUMBUS:  Brownfield revitalization, which transforms vacant and abandoned properties into job-creating projects, continues to be a top priority for City Council’s economic development strategy.  Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring ordinance 0031-2010 to authorize an application for a Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant of up to $3 million through the Ohio Department of Development.  The legislation also authorizes the city to receive and administer the grant in order to clean and redevelop the former Kimball Midwest site at 580-582 West Goodale Blvd.  Wagenbrenner Development Company is scheduled to invest $9 million to redevelop the site.

REDUCING CITY COMMUNICATION COSTS:  In an effort to save taxpayer dollars, the city of Columbus continues a large scale overhaul of its communications system.  Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1535-2010 to establish purchase orders for equipment and professional services associated with Metronet's telephone services voice over internet protocol (VOIP) project.  The equipment will be used at various city facilities around Columbus and will allow for the replacement and conversion of approximately 489 Centrex phones with VOIP phones.  This conversion is expected to significantly reduce monthly phone costs for the city.

 

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UTILITIES COMMITTEE BUDGET BRIEFING RESCHEDULED

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

 

UTILITIES COMMITTEE BUDGET BRIEFING IS RESCHEDULED

 

(Columbus)—Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Utilities Committee, will hold a Utilities Committee Budget briefing Tuesday, January 12, 5:00 PM in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 90 West Broad Street.  This meeting was originally scheduled for Thursday, January 7, but was cancelled due to the weather emergency. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting Cancellation

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release: January 7, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

(Columbus)—Due to weather conditions, Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley has cancelled tonight’s Utilities Committee Budget briefing.  When a new date and time is selected, the media and community will be notified. 

 

 

 

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