Councilmember Tyson Holds Bond Package Hearing

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL ALERT   For Immediate Release: June 24, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

 

Councilmember Tyson Holds Bond Package Hearing

 

WHO:

Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson

 

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 26, 2013
5:00 pm

 

WHERE:

Columbus City Council Chambers

90 West Broad Street

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee, will hold a hearing to discuss the 2013 voted bond package.  Voters are being asked to approve four issues on the November ballot worth a combined $842 million.  The funds would be used to invest in neighborhoods by building new roads and bridges, purchasing fire and police equipment, and improving recreation centers and playgrounds.    The meeting will be broadcast live on CTV, Columbus’ government television channel 3 on local cable systems.   Speaker slips will be accepted on the day of the hearing until 5:00 pm and the general rules of speaking before Council will apply.

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

Columbus City Council Highlights June 17, 2013

 

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: June 17, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

CARING FOR VETERANS:  Councilmember Hearcel F.  Craig, Vietnam-era veteran of the U. S. Army, is sponsoring ordinance 1293-2013, to authorize up to $250,000 from the general capital improvement fund to the Department of Development, Housing Division for targeted distribution through the Better Municipal Care for Veterans Home Fund.  The program, part of a capital budget amendment from Councilmember Craig in 2012, will increase funding up to $20,000 for home improvements to veterans or homeowners with an eligible veteran who permanently resides in their household.  The program currently offers up to $15,000. 

 

HOMES IN THE HILLTOP:  Development Committee chair Zach M.  Klein is also supporting a home improvement program, for residences in the Hilltop.  Ordinance 1286-2013 authorizes up to $500,000 from the Housing Preservation Fund portion of the 2013 Capital Improvement Budget for distribution of City Council's Property Renovation Funds through the Hilltop Home Repair Program.  The funds will provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners for exterior home improvements in a targeted area within the Hilltop neighborhood.  The Department of Development, Housing Division will partner with Homes on the Hill CDC (HOTH), a non‑profit community development corporation dedicated to creating a community that welcomes and cares for all people.  HOTH will work with the Housing Division to market the program, identify potential grant recipients and coordinate the application process with the applicants. 

 

GET ACTIVE!:  The Institute for Active Living works to improve the health of Columbus residents by promoting a variety of programs year-round.  Ordinance 1401-2013, sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee chair Priscilla R.  Tyson, allows the city to accept a $27,865 grant from the Foundation for Active Living through the Columbus Foundation.  A portion of the funding, provided by Medical Mutual of Ohio, will support the Kids Cycle Columbus program, a new program that provides bikes, helmets and safety instructions to underprivileged youth. 

 

PARTNERING WITH ODOT: The Ohio Department of Transportation's ongoing I-70/I-71 Columbus Crossroads Project will reduce congestion in and out of Columbus and make the freeways safer.  Public Service and Transportation Committee chair Eileen Y.  Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1396-2013, to provide additional city funds needed for the city's partnership with ODOT to improve portions of Interstate 70.  Construction is anticipated to begin in July 2013, and be completed in October 2014.

COMMUNITY MEETING:  The Columbus City Council will be holding another community meeting this Wednesday, June 19, at the Marion Franklin Recreation Center, 2801 Lockbourne Road, from 5:30-7:00 pm.  Council President Andrew J.  Ginther will deliver opening remarks, and residents will be able to sit down with councilmembers and city staff to discuss matters in an informal setting.

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

{SPAM} City Council Highlights June 3, 2013

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: June 3, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

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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Statement from Columbus City Council President Andrew J. Ginther Regarding Columbus City Schools

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   May 22, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Statement from Columbus City Council President Andrew J. Ginther

Regarding Columbus City Schools

 

 

“I applaud the Columbus Board of Education for voting to support recommendations made by the Columbus Education Commission,” said Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “Board President Carol Perkins and board members should be commended for taking action to align the Board's goals with those of the community, and for placing the district on a path to success that will improve the education of all children in Columbus.  I look forward to continuing to work with the Board to implement the Commission's recommendations”

 

 

 

JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

Councilmember Tyson Honored by Amethyst, Inc.

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT April 18, 2013 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

(Columbus)—Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Health & Human Services Committee, will be named the 2013 Purple Heart Award winner by Amethyst, Inc. at the group’s annual fundraiser, the Portraits of Recovery Luncheon, on Friday, April 19, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown Hotel.   Councilmember Tyson, who also chairs the Workforce Development Committee, is receiving the honor to recognize her years of advocacy and support for women and families in recovery. 

 

“I want to thank the leadership at Amethyst for this great honor,” said Councilmember Tyson.  “Amethyst is a champion for women who are working to improve their lives and it is important that the Columbus community recognize them and support them in their work.  Amethyst is helping to build stronger, safer, more loving neighborhoods.”

 

For nearly three decades, Amethyst has provided a long-term drug, alcohol, mental health, and trauma treatment center for women and women with children.   Amethyst’s programming includes a sober supportive housing component.   Their mission is to foster a culture of recovery, empowering women and families in a safe, sober community.

 

“Councilmember Tyson is a partner with Amethyst when it comes to supporting the treatment programs we offer to help women transition from a life of addiction to a productive life free of substance abuse,” said Virginia O’Keeffe, Amethyst CEO.  “We appreciate her support and the support of the entire Columbus City Council.”

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

April 15, 2013 Highlights

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: April 15, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

TECHNOLOGY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH: Columbus Public Health’s Environmental Health Division works to prevent disease or injury associated with food, water, air, animals, vectors, hazardous materials and hazardous waste. Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Technology Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0805-2013, to renew a contract with Decade Software Company, LLC for EnvisionConnect software. This software helps Columbus Public Health operate the Environmental Health unit by supporting important services like information management associated with health inspections, the tracking of sanitation standards data, vector control for mosquitoes, and environmental reviews.

 

SUPPORTING MEDICAID EXPANSION: Ohioans who do not have health insurance often lack access to preventative healthcare services. As a result, they rely on expensive emergency room visits to treat illnesses that could have been prevented. Councilmember Zach M. Klein is sponsoring resolution 0081X-2013, to support the expansion of the Medicaid program in Ohio. The Ohio General Assembly is currently considering the expansion, which would increase the number of adults with health insurance by nearly 70,000 in Franklin County and allow more residents to access mental health, addiction treatment, preventative care, and other important health services.

 

TRAINING TOOLS FOR POLICE: Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0790-2013 to fund training for our police officers. The Police Training Fund is used to invite speakers and experts to conduct law enforcement training sessions, and to purchase training materials and supplies. These resources help our police officers keep our neighborhoods safe. Revenue for the fund comes from fees charged to law enforcement agencies for the renting of classroom space, police videotapes, and other materials.

 

BOOSTING SMALL BUSINESS: Support for small businesses remains a high priority for Columbus City Council, as evidenced by Council’s amendments to the 2013 General Fund Budget. Administration Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0856-2013 to support one of those amendments, the Small Business Training Services Pilot Program. The program will allow eligible small businesses to receive workforce development training at the Citywide Training facility in the Jerry Hammond Center. Councilmember Craig partnered with Workforce Development Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson on the amendment to help create a better-trained workforce in our community.

 

MINORITY HEALTH MONTH HEARING: Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, will host a public hearing to discuss Minority Health Month and the health challenges facing minority communities in Columbus. Staff from Columbus Public Health will be present to discuss the unique issues faced by minority communities in Columbus, and the programs and services that are available to our residents. The hearing begins in Council Chambers at 5:30pm on Thursday, April 18. Public testimony will be accepted. Anyone wishing to address the committee on this matter must fill out a speaker slip on the day of the hearing. The meeting will broadcast live on CTV, Columbus' cable access channel 3.

 

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{SPAM} CCS News - Stories and News from Columbus City Schools

April 12, 2013     2013 Columbus Board of Education   Front, l-r: Hanifah Kambon; Carol L. Perkins, Pres.; and Ramona Reyes. Second Row, l-r: Mike Wiles; Gary L. Baker II; W. Shawna Gibbs, Vice Pres.; and Bryan O. Steward.     Click here    for scheduled meeting dates, podcasts and how to contact CCS Board of Education members.       Mark Your Calendar! KEY UPCOMING CCS DATES Apr. 15 - 19 – Year-round schools on Intersession - Limited Attendance Apr. 16 –  Board of Education Meeting April 22 – Year-round schools - All Students Report April 23  – OAA Reading Exam Grades 3 - 8 April 24 – OAA Math Exam Grades 3 - 8 April 25 – OAA Science Exam Grades 5 & 8 April 25 –  Board of Education   Audit & Accountability Committee Meeting May 1 – Elementary School Chess Tournament at Columbus Museum of Art May 7 – National Teachers Day May 7  –  Board of Education Meeting May 8 – National School Nurses Day May 10 – ECLIPSE Battle of the Books at Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch May 10 – Middle School Debate Competition May 11 – Special Olympic Columbus Sports Classic at Whetstone High School For a full list of upcoming public meetings - click HERE       We want to hear from you. Please send your feedback and story ideas to: e-News@columbus.k12.oh.us Printable Version

CAHS Student Qualifies for National Chemistry Olympiad Columbus Alternative High School student Owen Oesterling finished in the top 11 out of 159 students in the local round of the National Chemistry Olympiad. Sponsored by the American Chemical Society, the competition tests the students knowledge and skills in chemistry. Owen will take the national exam in the coming days. Four CCS Staff Finalists for Columbus Parent Teacher of the Year Award Columbus Parent magazine will name their Teachers of the Year in May and four Columbus City Schools teachers are among the finalists for the honor. Nominated by their principals were Lynne Blake, Hilltonia MS, Theresa Lipp, Ecole Kenwood K-8, Pamela Reed, Buckeye MS, and Sequoia Temple, Maize ES. While a panel of judges will pick one winner in each category (elementary, middle and high school), online voting will determine the People's Choice Award. Voting is underway at www.ColumbusParent.com/teachers and runs through noon on Friday, May 3. Show your support by casting your vote. Congratulations to all the nominees.   Fort Hayes Career Center Compete in State Competition Auto Tech Program students Anastasia Salyer and Bryan Gearheart have qualified to compete in the state level of the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition. Salyer, from Walnut Ridge, and Gearheart, from Briggs, finished in the top 10 out of 700 applicants in Ohio. The state competition takes place May 10, at Owens Community College, in Toledo.   District Recognized for Professional Development Efforts   In a recent edition of Race to the Top News and Views, a publication of the Ohio Department of Education, Columbus City Schools was recognized for its efforts to train teachers as Formative Instructional Practices (FIP) Facilitators. By the end of this school year, CCS will have trained two-to-five teachers in nearly 100 buildings as FIP Facilitators. The article notes that this training "is quite an accomplishment for professional development in a large urban school system over a one-year period." Read the full article HERE . National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C., in May.   CCS Special Olympics Basketball Teams Dominate at State Championships The Columbus City Schools Comets brought home the top honors in one team division, earned a second place finish in two other team divisions, and garnered six individual gold medals in the recent Special Olympics State Basketball Championship. The Comets Gray won gold in the Women's Division 1 beating out six-time champion Henry County. Comets Gold won silver in School Age Division 1 while Comets White took a silver in Men's Division 5. In the Basketball Individual Skills competition, the Comets brought home 6 golds, 2 silvers and 5 bronze medals. Go Comets! Are you on Social Media? Be sure to Follow CCS on Twitter (@ColsCitySchools) and Like us on Facebook (ColumbusCitySchools) Are you receiving a pass along copy of the E-News Bulletin? Click here to sign up for your own subscription    Read a previous edition of the E-News Bulletin

 
 
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