| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: March 26, 2012 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
HELPING BUSINESS development IN AREA NEIGHBORHOODS: The Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) Program is designed to help stimulate business development in commercial areas surrounding downtown. The program offers technical assistance, loans and matching grants, capital improvements and planning services in conjunction with the established neighborhood businesses. Small & Minority Business Development Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 0419-2012 to authorize the expenditure of $50,000 for the development and strengthening of neighborhood business organizations. The funding will enable business organizations to develop and implement economic development projects as an additional stimulus for the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) Program.
COUNCIL CONTINUING EFFORTS TO COMBAT SCRAP METAL THEFT: Columbus Police will continue to have access to pawnshop and second hand goods transaction information to assist them in the recovery of stolen property. Public Safety & Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 0545-2012 which authorizes the expenditure of $64,400.00 from the General Fund for a contract with Leads Online, LLC for access to the Automated Scrap Materials and Used Goods Transaction Information Management System. The system provides an online electronic reporting system for all pawnshop, secondhand and scrap metal dealers in Columbus and nationwide access to pawn/secondhand transaction information, reports and searches. The company maintains records from all participants operating as licensed scrap metal facilities in the United States and will continue to assist the Division of Police with criminal investigations and combating scrap metal theft.
SUPPORTING VIETNAM VETERANS: Over 3 million United States military troops were deployed to fight in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1975. More than 58,000 members lost their lives and more than 153,000 were wounded in battle. Veteran Affairs Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring resolution 0058X-2012 to support passage of Senate Bill 134, which would designate March 30th as Vietnam Veterans Day in the State of Ohio. The day would honor those who fought, died or are still unaccounted and recognize them for their unselfish devotion and service to the State of Ohio and our nation.
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 0173-2012 to authorize the expenditure of $15,808,700.38 from the Water Systems Operating Fund for the purchase of water treatment chemicals for 2012. The Columbus Division of Power and Water delivers over 140 million gallons of water a day to over one million residents, businesses, and industries in the Columbus area.
2012 Community development block grant (CDBG) FUNDING : The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City of Columbus to prepare a Consolidated Plan to receive funding from HUD programs. The plan includes the planning and application for aspects of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). As a result of new census data, the city was awarded increased funding for current CDBG programs and two new programs. Health & Human Services Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 0542-2012, to authorize the amendment of the 2012 Consolidated Plan to provide supplemental appropriation of $1.4 million for CBDG activities. Programs that will receive additional funding include Land Reutilization, Graffiti Abatement, Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund – Old Oaks Pilot Program, Fair Housing Services, Grants Management and the Columbus Kids: Ready, Set, Learn! Program.
MEETING EMERGENCY HOUSING NEEDS: Council continues the City’s long commitment of support to the Community Shelter Board, which provides emergency shelter and services to thousands of people each year. Beyond a secure and clean place to sleep, all programs provide access to basic services such as showers, meals, healthcare, and material assistance. The shelters also serve as an entry point to supportive, transitional, and other affordable housing. Development Committee Chair Zach M. Klein is sponsoring two pieces of legislation to help end homelessness. Ordinance 0606-2012 will authorize allocate $2,872,304.00 from the General Fund for CSB’s Safety Net Program and ordinance 0610-2012 will authorize the expenditure of $902,734 CSB’s Rebuilding Lives program. The Rebuilding Lives Plan works to end homelessness by meeting both the short and long-term needs of homeless men and women. Services include coordination of social services and referrals to physical and mental health agencies.
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