Media Alert

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release:  November 10, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

Columbus City Council Holds

Rate Adjustment Hearing

 

 

WHO:

Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley

 

WHEN:

Wednesday, November 16, 2011
5:00 pm

 

WHERE:

City Council Chambers

Columbus City Hall

90 West Broad Street

 

WHAT:

Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, Chair of the Public Utilities Committee, will conduct a public meeting to discuss proposed 2012 water and sewer rates, the Low Income Discount Program, the Senior Citizen Discount as well as other related issues. Tatyana Arsh, P.E., Director of the Columbus Department of Public Utilities, and staff will present recommendations to the committee. Public testimony will be accepted and the meeting will be broadcast live on CTV, Columbus’ government television channel 3 on local cable systems.

 

 

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Meeting Highlights 11-7-11

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

 

NEW police crime lab: The Columbus Division of Police Crime Lab analyzes thousands of pieces of evidence through forensic science each year. Although the lab accepts requests for analysis from any Central Ohio law enforcement agency, 95 percent of analyses are performed for Columbus Police cases.  Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 1635-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $2 million from the Department of Public Safety’s Voted Bond fund for the planning and design of a new, larger facility on Woodrow Avenue.  Currently, the lab has 14 Forensic Scientists performing analysis for drug identification, firearms, forensic biology/DNA, latent fingerprint development and questioned documents. In 2010, the lab received 10,800 requests for analysis and 9,850 requests so far this year.  The new facility will be 30,000 sq ft and replace the current 6,300 sq ft facility on King Avenue.      

 

ENSURING CITY RECORDS AND DATA REMAIN SECURE:  The City of Columbus utilizes technology equipment each day to ensure the efficiency of daily city operations.  As the City updates this equipment or disposes of obsolete or worn out equipment, the secure removal and destruction of this equipment is necessary.  Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1772-2011 to authorize the Finance and Management Director to enter into a contract with Round2, an electronics recycler, for the secure removal and destruction of, or testing, sanitizing and return of used technology equipment as needed.   The contract will provide for the secure handling and tracking of equipment that may contain sensitive information, testing, sanitizing and return of equipment if desired, certification of wiping and/or destruction of equipment and the assurance that all items are 100% recycled with no waste going to landfills.

 

HELPING WORKING FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS: Instituted by Congress in 1975, The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families. The Franklin County EITC Coalition is a group of nonprofit, business, community, labor, immigrant, and religious organizations and was created in 2002 to  encourage qualified working families to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit and to provide free tax preparation services to those with a household income up to $50,000 per year.

Health, Housing and Human Services Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1759-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $10,000 from the Emergency Human Services Fund for a grant agreement with the United Way of Central Ohio for the coordination of the 2011 tax season Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program.   Since 2007, The Coalition helped income-eligible households complete and file 12,363 tax returns. These taxpayers have claimed over $14.8 million in refunds and benefited from an estimated $3 million in savings on tax preparation fees and loans.

 

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.  Development Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 00957-2011, which authorizes the expenditure of $68,300 for a grant agreement with Heapy Engineering for sustainable construction of office facilities at Heapy Engineering, 1800 Watermark Drive.  The grant award is pursuant to the Green Columbus Fund which was established in 2010.  The fund represents the City’s commitment to foster sustainable building through LEED certification and to foster sustainable Brownfield assessment and redevelopment. The program will produce economic, environmental and social benefits for Columbus and its residents.

 

IMPROVING CITY BUILDINGS:  Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 1794-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $201,000 for the replacement of the cooling tower at the city’s Carolyn Avenue facility.  The current cooling tower is leaking water and chemicals, leading to additional maintenance costs.   Failure to replace this unit in a timely manner could lead to the total failure of the unit and uncomfortable building temperatures for employees and visitors. The facility houses the city’s Department of Building and Zoning Services and Citywide Training and Development Center for employees. 

 

MAKING CITY STREETS SAFER: In an effort to promote pedestrian safety and expedite vehicular traffic flow, the City of Columbus is responsible for roadway pavement marking along the City’s roadway system.  Public Service Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1731-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $405,941.00 from the Street and Highway Improvement Fund for the purchase of pavement marking materials and reflective glass spheres.  The marking materials will be used for lines to mark traffic lanes, turn arrows, and wording to describe the pattern of traffic for a specific lane such as ONLY (as in right turn only).  The reflective glass spheres are used on top of the pavement markings to make them reflective to be seen at night.

 

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Rec Sports Member Update - Friday, October 28, 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

1.      Rec Sports Halloween Events

2.      Battle Against Hunger

3.      Second-Half Quarter Group Fitness Passes Available

4.      Homecoming Parade Traffic Alert

5.      Registration for Winter Community Programs Starts November 21

6.     Jesse Owens South to Close December 12 – 16

7.      ARC Cleaning Initiative May Affect Equipment Use

8.     Introduction to Kettlebells Clinic

9.     Get Certified to Become a Personal Trainer

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

11.  Book Your Holiday Celebration at the Ohio Union

 

 

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.

 

Rec Sports Halloween Events
Rec Sports is hosting two Halloween events this year! On Sunday, October 30, between 3 and 5 p.m., bring the family for a FREE Family Halloween Program in the RPAC Meeting Rooms 1 and 2.  Families can enjoy various Halloween crafts, pumpkin decorating, and a costume contest at 4:30 p.m. for the children. Prizes will be awarded! 

 

On Monday, October 31, Rec Sports will host a variety of Halloween activities including a “Thriller” dance lesson; costume contest; fun run; activities and snacks; and “Jaws” movie showing in the pool. Stay tuned to http://recsports.osu.edu for details!

 

Battle Against Hunger
Every year, the Ohio State community participates in Battle Against Hunger, a food drive competition between Ohio State and Michigan. The goal of this competition is to collect more pounds of nonperishable items to donate to local food banks than Michigan.  The Battle Against Hunger takes place this year November 1 - 22.    Drop boxes will be available in the RPAC lobby.

 

Second-Half Quarter Group Fitness Passes Available

First half-quarter class passes expire on Friday, October 28. Make sure to purchase your second-half quarter group fitness pass now! Second-half passes begin on Sunday, October 30, and are available for purchase at the Welcome Center for $30.

 

Homecoming Parade Traffic Alert

In support of the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 28, several roads, including portions of Cannon Drive, Woodruff Avenue, High Street, and 12th Avenue, will be closed beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Because of the road closures, CABS Service (with the exception of the Med Center Express and Handivan) will be suspended from approximately 5:30-7:30 p.m. Roads will reopen once the parade has finished. Anticipate significant traffic delays in the area during this time. 

 

Registration for Winter Community Programs Starts November 21

Community Programs’ registration will open on Monday, November 21.  The new Let’s Play Sports program offers basketball, soccer, aikido, gymnastics, tennis, yoga, and much more to all kids aged 3-14.  Check out http://www.recsports.osu.edu/community-programs/youth-family-programs/lets-play-sports for more information or go to http://www.recsports.osu.edu/community-programs to learn about birthday parties, Learn-to-Swim, camp, adapted recreation, adult instructional programming, and more!

 

Jesse Owens South to Close December 12 – 16

A new state of the art fitness floor will be installed at Jesse Owens South (JOS) over the holiday break. To facilitate this installation, JOS will be closed December 12 - 16.  Any questions regarding the fitness floor or building hours can be directed to Jason Percival at percival.8@osu.edu.

 

ARC Cleaning Initiative May Affect Equipment Use

Modeled after a recent program initiated at RPAC, the ARC has begun a weekly cleaning initiative that will take place Wednesday mornings.  Each week a different area of the fitness floor, the carpet, and mats under cardio equipment will be cleaned thoroughly, as well as the equipment itself.  We apologize in advance for the short-term unavailability of the areas, but hope you find the results worthy of the time.

 

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 Monday, October 31 from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m., and Thursday, November 17, from 3:45 - 5 p.m.

 

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

 

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.

 

Book Your Holiday Celebration at the Ohio Union
The holiday season is quickly approaching and the Ohio Union wants to help you celebrate! Let the Ohio Union plan your end-of-the-year holiday party that will make your event extraordinary. The Union offers 318,000 square feet of flexible space, perfect for any size events. The Ohio Union Culinary and Event Team can assist in every step of the planning process to make your holiday celebration festive. Visit http://ohiounion.osu.edu  for information.

 

*************** 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

***************************************************

 

 

Media Alert - Safety Committee Holds Two Public Hearings

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT For Immediate Release:  October 26, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Safety Committee Holds Two Public Hearings

(Columbus)--Columbus City Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, will hold two public hearings next week.  The first will be held Tuesday, November 1 and discuss a proposal to strengthen enforcement of traffic laws to prevent trucks carrying hazardous materials from traveling through downtown Columbus.   The proposal will give police greater enforcement capabilities and increase the fines for drivers who are disobeying traffic laws and put the public at risk.

The second, to be held Thursday, November 3 will discuss a fuel quality testing program for Columbus.   Last May, Councilmember Mills instructed the Public Safety Department to research the possible implementation of a fuel testing program.  The goal if the program is to protect consumers by making sure that they are getting the correct quality of a fuel when they make a purchase.  Columbus already tests for fuel quantity.  

Both meetings will be held at 5 pm and will be broadcast live on CTV, Columbus government channel 3 on local cable providers.   Public comment will be accepted at both meetings per rules of Council. 

 

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Rec Sports Community Programs Halloween Celebration at RPAC on Sunday, October 30

 

 

 

{SPAM} Meeting Highlights 10-24-11

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: October 24, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

MILLS HELPING PROVIDE NEW AERIAL LADDER TRUCKS: Columbus Firefighters respond to over 100,000 calls for emergency assistance each year.  In the ongoing effort to ensure the Division of Fire has the updated equipment they need to respond to these calls, Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 1606-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $2,905,106 from the Department of Public Safety’s Governmental Build America Bonds fund to purchase three new, custom built heavy duty aerial tiller ladders from Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. to replace existing ladders that are beyond their useful life and have high maintenance costs. 

 

PROTECTING NEIGHBORHOODS FROM ADULT GAMING PARLORS: The City of Columbus has experienced a proliferation of Adult Gaming Parlors that utilize computer terminals or stand alone machines also referred to as "sweepstakes terminal devices." These devices allow a participant to play a game in return for a prize or item of value.  Currently, there is no state regulation or oversight of these types of businesses, allowing them to exploit a glaring loophole in state gambling laws. Development Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 1761-2011 to impose a moratorium of 180 days on the processing or approval of any application for a certificate of zoning clearance, building occupancy permit, or any other permit or approval required under the Zoning or Building Code, for any premises or building in which, any Adult Gaming Parlor and sweepstakes terminal device is or proposed to be located.  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.

 

PURCHASING NATURAL GAS REFUSE TRUCKS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS: In 2008, the city of Columbus received a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to help reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles.  Public Service Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1553-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $445, 194 for the purchase of three CNG single axle dump trucks for the Public Utilities Department, Divisions of Power and Water and Sewers and Drains.  The new dump trucks will replace older units that are beyond their useful life.  CNG vehicles produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and toxic and carcinogenic pollutants.  Natural gas is readily available, clean-burning and costs less than gasoline or diesel fuel. The city will save 46% in fuel costs while operating the new vehicles.   

 

SUPPORTING LOCAL FOODS: the City of Columbus remains committed to promoting healthy eating and active living as part of its comprehensive plan to tackle the obesity epidemic and other chronic diseases.  Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring resolution 0281X-2011 to declare October 24, 2011 as “Local Food Day” in the city of Columbus.  Residents are encouraged to change the way they think about food and eat healthy food grown by local family farmers, gardeners, civic agriculturists, restaurants, chefs, farmers’ markets, grocers, and consumers to help create sustainability and improve the health of the Columbus community and economy. 

 

MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT:  The City of Columbus' current custom-developed payroll/personnel system was implemented in the 1980s and is outdated and inefficient for the city’s daily operations.  A new human resources information system with updated technology and new programming options is needed.  Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1631-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $600,000 from the Department of Technology, Information Services Division, Capital Improvement Bond and the Build America Bond Fund for a contract modification for the Columbus Human Resources Information System (CHRIS) project. When completed, the new system will improve the efficiency of daily operations such as employee selection, payroll, compensation management, benefits administration, occupational safety, and training. 

NORTHEAST CORRIDOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS: Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee is sponsoring ordinance 1689-2011 to authorize the issuance of limited tax notes in the amount of $2.1 million for the Preserve District project improvements for residential development in northeast Columbus. The Preserve District is located east of Hamilton Road, north of Morse Road and follows the Columbus city limits east to the village of New Albany. Infrastructure improvements will include the widening of Thompson Road east of Hamilton Road to the bridge over Rocky Fork Creek and bridge replacement and the widening of Morse Road from Hamilton Road to the U.S. 62/Morse Road Roundabout and roundabout enhancements. 

 

CELEBRATING THE COLUMBUS CLIPPERS:  Since its establishment in 1977, the Columbus Clippers franchise has been a treasured member of our community.  Council President Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring resolution 0300X-2011 to honor and recognize the team for their 2011 International League Governors’ Cup Championship and Triple-A National Championship.  The Clippers became the second team to claim back-to-back titles in the six-year history of the Triple-A National Championship.  General Manager Ken Schnacke will be in attendance to accept the resolution.    

 

 

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Media Release - Councilmember Craig Supports Veteran-Owned Businesses

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE   For Immediate Release: October 18, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

Councilmember Craig Supports Veteran-Owned Businesses

 

(Columbus)--It has been a little more than a month since announcing the creation of the Veterans Affairs Committee for Columbus City Council and already the chair of the committee, Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, is proposing a significant change to the Columbus City Code that will assist veteran-owned businesses compete for city contracts.  Craig, a Vietnam era U.S. Army veteran himself, says the legislation will add veteran-owned businesses to those enterprises certified and tracked by the Equal Business Opportunity Commission Office (EBOCO). 

 

The change, announced at the annual Veteran’s Stand Down event held at Veteran’s Memorial, will allow those businesses to better compete for city contracts in the same manner as minority or female owned businesses currently participate in the bid process.   The change also provides veteran-owned businesses with bid counseling and start-up assistance from EBOCO.

 

“By increasing our services for veteran-owned businesses, the City of Columbus once again is demonstrating its commitment to helping those who protected the very freedoms we enjoy as Americans,” said Craig.   “This is a business friendly initiative that will help position these firms to expand their opportunities to do work for the city.”

 

Craig has also committed to exploring the feasibility of awarding credits against cost for bids submitted by certified veteran-owned businesses.  This policy would mirror existing credits for local workforce and local businesses.

 

Columbus City Council recently passed ordinance 1325-2011, legislation that extends for another year military leave with pay to City employees currently serving on active duty, including the health and life insurance benefits for their family members.  City Council also supports the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Committee and takes part in numerous activities thought the year supporting our servicemen and women.

 

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