| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: March 5, 2012 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
FUNDING SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES: The City of Columbus partners with a number of highly dedicated social service agencies that help thousands of Columbus residents. Health & Human Services Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring legislation that will provide funding for 38 organizations as they work to meet the needs of their clients. Ordinance 0398-2012 authorizes the Department of Development to enter into contracts worth over $3.3 million. The legislation targets social service agencies that provide help to families and households through access to day care, substance abuse prevention programs, refugee and resettlement programs, senior care, mediation services, services for the disabled, material assistance and food programs, workforce development, and youth programs. The legislation authorizes the expenditure of $1,153,036.00 from the Emergency Human Services Fund and $2,233,265.00 from the General Fund for a total of $3,386,301.00.
Columbus police reserve unit: For over 60 years, Reserve Officers have assisted the Columbus Division of Police by providing an additional source of law enforcement officers to assist the force of full-time police officers in their regular duties and in times of emergencies. Public Safety & Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 0347-2012 to authorize the appropriation of $9,500.00 from the Special Purpose Fund to provide partial funding for the costs associated with the Columbus Police Reserve Unit. The funds are received from donations and will be used for memberships, third party insurance and uniforms. Reserve Officers receive over 650 hours of classroom and practical training and certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council While on duty, the Reserve Police Officer has the same authority, arrest power, and responsibility as a full-time police officer. Their time is spent working in a police cruiser alongside a full-time police officer and / or working parades and special events.
ENSURING CITY BRIDGES ARE SAFE: The city of Columbus performs routine rehabilitation to existing, city-owned bridges to ensure safety, minimize maintenance costs and prolong the life of the bridges. Public Service & Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 0360-2012, which authorizes the expenditure of $720,324.94 from the Streets and Highways G.O. Bond Fund for the design and construction of the Bridge Rehabilitation – Riverbend Over Scioto Big Run Contract. Rehabilitation will consist of complete superstructure replacement, substructure rehabilitation and minor approach pavement, drainage and guardrail work for the existing bridge on Riverbend Road over the Big Run Creek as well as the addition or reconstruction of a 6-foot wide sidewalk.
PROVIDING NUTRITION FOR COLUMBUS SENIORS: The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program allows low income seniors in Central Ohio to obtain locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Participants receive vouchers which can be redeemed at local organized markets including the North Market. Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Zach M. Klein is sponsoring two pieces of legislation to help ensure local seniors stay healthy. Ordinance 0392-2012 authorizes the expenditure of $201,000 from the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund to collaborate with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging for the 2012 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Last year the program provided over 40,000 coupons to over 4,264 individuals. Ordinance 0401-2012 will authorize the expenditure of $202,150 for LifeCare Alliance to provide vouchers to approximately 4,000 seniors for the program. Over 120 farmers and markets participate in the program that runs from April through October.
CAPITAL CROSSROADS SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (SID): Councilmember, A. Troy Miller, chair of the Minority, Business & Workforce Development Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0387-2012 to appropriate the expenditure of $1.9 million from assessments levied from property owners in the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District for the implementation of services for the District Plan. The Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District was created in 1999 by property owners in the downtown area to help make downtown the cleanest, safest, and best place to live, work and play in central Ohio. Once established through a voluntary petition process, Special Improvement Districts are geographically defined areas where property owners agree to fund public improvements and services through assessments.
WELCOMING THE FAR EAST AREA COMMISSION: Columbus City Council established area Commissions in the early 1970s to act as a liaison between neighborhood groups, property owners, residents, developers and city officials. Residents on the Far East Side will now have the opportunity to express their concerns and accomplishments regarding their neighborhood through the Far East Area Commission. Council President Andrew J. Ginther will officially swear-in 10 Commissioners with the newly established Commission during the Council meeting this evening. The new Commission will represent approximately 19,833 residents and homes within almost 15 square miles. Click here to view a map outlining the Far East Area Commission boundaries.
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