| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: November 15, 2010 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
COUNCIL ACTING ON PLEDGE TO REPLENISH RAINY DAY FUND: The Economic Stabilization Fund, more commonly known as the “Rainy Day Fund,” was established by the city of Columbus in 1988 to provide for the continuation of basic services during times of economic recession or unexpected revenue loss. Due to the recent economic crisis, the city was forced to utilize these funds, leaving the balance less than optimal. Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, chair of the Finance & Economic Development Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1606-2010 to transfer $7.5 million from the city’s general fund to the economic stabilization fund as part of City Council’s commitment to replenish the fund. Last year, Council adopted resolution 0178X-2009, which formally expressed the city’s intent to set the goal of achieving a $50 million balance in the fund by the end of 2014 and plan responsibly for future fiscal challenges.
MILLER HOLDING PUBLIC HEARING ON CITY HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES: Columbus City Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers on proposed legislation to allow the City of Columbus to comply with all federal and state health insurance guidelines. The hearing will also provide opportunity to discuss proposed language to offer health insurance coverage to eligible dependents of Columbus city employees. The meeting will be broadcast live on city government television channel C-TV.
ENCOURAGING EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS GROWTH IN COLUMBUS: The Central Ohio Minority Business Association (COMBA) is a non-profit agency which provides entrepreneurial development assistance and high-end business consulting free of charge to start-up and emerging business owners on a non-discriminatory basis. Minority and Small Business Development Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1591-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $30,000 to enter into an agreement with the Central Ohio Minority Business Association to increase employment opportunities and business growth in Columbus. During the last three years, COMBA has provided consulting services to over 3000 business people, resulting in the creation of 240 new jobs and the retention of 481 jobs.
TAVARES RECOGNIZING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH: Health and Human Development Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring resolution 0153X-2010 to honor and recognize the Central Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and promote awareness of the disease during National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. NBC4 Anchor Colleen Marshall will accept the resolution and discuss her upcoming special “I Want to Go Home…A Journey through Alzheimer’s.” The program features her personal experiences in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and will air on NBC4 on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
preserving land near CITY RESERVOIRS: The city of Columbus owns land along the shorelines of the city’s three reservoirs, Griggs, Hoover and O’Shaughnessy. The property borders more than 1,200 landowners and neighbors. Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 1553-2010 to appropriate $31,637 from the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund and to authorize the transfer of those funds from the Parks Improvement Fund to the Waterways Nature Preserve Fund to provide access for both Columbus Recreation and Parks and the Department of Public Utilities to continue purchasing supplies for the protection, restoration and enhancement of city reservoir properties.
PALEY CONTINUING TO PROTECT VICTIMS: In 1988, the City Attorney’s Office created the Stalking Unit within the Domestic Violence Unit to investigate stalking complaints and support victims. Judiciary and Court Administration Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1610-2010 to authorize funds from the Witness Assistance Program Database and Domestic Violence Advocate Grant Funds for the City Attorney to continue the services of a stalking investigator through December 31, 2010. This position assists in the investigation of stalking cases, assists victims, and serves as a liaison with area police departments to share information and maintain data. Stalking occurs when a person engages in a pattern of conduct that knowingly causes the victim to believe the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress to them. Menacing by stalking is a crime under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.211 and a first degree misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and/or $1,000 fine. A fifth degree felony may be filed if there is a previous stalking conviction.
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