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COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
May 23, 2011
CONTINUING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER COLUMBUS COATED FABRICS SITE: The city of Columbus continues its promise to assist in the redevelopment the former Columbus Coated Fabrics site in the Weinland Park Neighborhood with housing, green space and improved roadways. Public Service & Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 0615-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $994,332.65 to enter into a guaranteed maximum cost agreement with Wagenbrenner Development for public infrastructure improvements and construction inspections on and around the site. The project consists of improvements to City water and sanitary sewer infrastructure. The sanitary sewer improvements consist of approximately 1,200 linear feet of new 8" sewer pipe at a lower elevation in alley west of Grant Avenue between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue. The water improvements consist of the installation of approximately 2,000 feet of 6-inch and 8-inch water lines on Sixth Street and Eighth Avenue. These water improvements will provide for general rehabilitation of the area distribution system including construction of new water lines, new fire hydrants, and transferring water services.
MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT: In an ongoing effort to make City government more efficient, save taxpayer dollars and improve access to public information, Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 0807-2011 which will allow Council to upgrade its electronic legislative tracking software, Legistar. The program is used to write and submit legislation, create and maintain Council Agendas, record Council votes, and assist in the production of the City Bulletin. The software upgrade will offer enhancements, support, better security and enable Council to operate more efficiently. The city has saved over $120,000 per year in the City Clerk’s office alone since the inception of the Legistar system ten years ago.
FINANCE COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING: Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee, will host a public hearing on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers to review the city’s first quarter finances. Finance Director Paul Rakosky will present a report on the First Quarter Financial Review. Those who wish to address City Council are welcome to submit a speaker slip at City Hall on the day of the meeting.
CRIME PATROL TO HELP KEEP DOWNTOWN SAFE: For over 19 years, the Community Crime Patrol (CCP) has assisted Columbus Police in monitoring our neighborhoods and watching for signs of potential criminal activity. Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 0731-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $80,000.00 to modify the current contract with the Community Crime Patrol for trained staff to patrol the Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile and the North Bank Park. These downtown areas are in addition to the current patrolled areas in the Hilltop, Franklinton, Merion Southwood, and Ohio State University areas, as well as several multi-use trails around the city. The contract extends through February 28, 2012.
EXPANDING PARKLAND: In 1997, the City of Columbus acquired parkland in the vicinity of Spindler Road and Summerlawn Drive, and commonly known as Spindler Park, for the purpose of providing an active recreation area to the surrounding community. The property located at 2085 Spindler Road remained and currently divides the park. In an effort to consolidate the park properties, relieve possible proximity issues with residential homes, and improve park programming, Recreation & Parks Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 0690-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $299,803.35 from the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund for the acquisition of the remaining property located at 2085 Spindler Road. The Spindler Road Park is located on the city’s Westside and features athletic fields, parking, and a lighted woods and wildlife area.
CRAIG TO ADDRESS 2011 OHIO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FAIR: Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig has been invited to speak at the 2011 Ohio Business Opportunity Fair (OBOF) Opening Reception on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (350 N High Street). White House Staffer Michael Blake will serve as the keynote speaker. Blake is the Director of African American and minority business outreach and the Deputy Associate Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for The White House Office of Public Engagement.
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