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COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
For Immediate Release: January 25, 2010
IMPLEMENTING A NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM: The City is continuing its efforts to create a new central traffic signal system based upon the Columbus Computerized Traffic Signal System study of 2005. In order to begin the next phase of this project, Public Service and Transportation Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0100-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $2,500,000 from the Fed-State Highway Engineering Fund for the Division of Design and Construction. This allocation will be used to complete Phase B of the Columbus Traffic Signal System (CTSS) installation. Once finished, the project will provide a centralized control system of Columbus traffic signals using new hardware, software, and fiber optic cable infrastructure.
PRESERVING GREEN SPACE: City Council is committed to preserving valuable green space in Columbus. Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0022-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $365,100 from the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund and the Voted 1999/2004 Voted Bond Fund for the Alum Creek South Corridor Preservation-Macedonia Church Site Project. The funding will be used to acquire property in the Alum Creek corridor to preserve the wetlands habitat and maintain a natural buffer in the flood plain to aid in flood abatement.
NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION DOLLARS HELPING COLUMBUS NEIGHBORHOODS: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded Columbus $23,200,773 in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2. The funds, provided for in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, will provide for the acquisition, rehabilitation, redevelopment or demolition of foreclosed, abandoned and vacant properties. Housing Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring ordinance 0035-2010 to appropriate $12,083,000 to help create stronger neighborhoods in weak real estate markets in Columbus and Franklin County.
GINTHER FORMALLY SUBMITS BUDGET AMENDMENTS: City Council will take the next formal step in passing the 2010 General Fund budget by amending Mayor Coleman’s proposal originally submitted in November. Last week, Finance & Economic Development Chair Andrew J. Ginther announced more than $4.7 million in amendments, including funds for a new fire recruit class scheduled to begin training in June. Per City Charter requirements, Council will table the amended appropriations ordinance for one week and are expected to pass the budget at the February 1 meeting. Click here for a complete list of Council budget amendments.
TECHNOLOGY IMPROVING THE COURT SYSTEM: Alcohol monitoring devices are cost effective tools to ensure compliance with a court order while maintaining needed jail space for other offenders. Ordinance 0058-2010, sponsored by Judiciary & Court Administration Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, authorizes the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into a $70,000 contract with Alcohol Monitoring Systems, Inc. for monitoring services associated with the use of secure continuous remote alcohol monitor (SCRAM) devices. The SCRAM unit is a non-invasive, tramper-resistant device that measures blood alcohol concentration automatically, 24 hours a day, regardless of the individual’s location. The monitoring services will be paid for by offenders and not taxpayers, with money coming from two funds, the electronic alcohol monitoring and indigent driver alcohol treatment funds
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