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Press Release:
COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
December 5, 2011
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER TIMKEN SITE: Brownfield revitalization, which transforms vacant and abandoned properties into job-creating projects, continues to be a top priority for City Council. Development Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring legislation for revitalization efforts in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood. Ordinance 2146-2011 authorizes the city to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Development to accept and administer a Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant of up to $3 million for the environmental cleanup and redevelopment of the former Timken site on Cleveland Avenue. The site was used for manufacturing rail car wheel bearings for nearly 100 years until closing in 2001. It has remained vacant since then and has been a blighting influence for the Milo Grogan community. Wagenbrenner Development recently acquired the site with plans to invest approximately $12 million for environmental remediation and the construction of retail/restaurant and office/warehouse space resulting in approximately 100 new jobs.
ENHANCING CITY TRAFFIC FLOW: The Division of Planning and Operations operates several specialized traffic control computers to ensure that the city’s roadway system provides safe, effective and the efficient movement of people and goods each day. Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1918-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $8,805.00 for software licenses and software upgrades with Transoft Solutions to enhance traffic safety and flow throughout the city. The software will assist the city in signal timing changes, lane assignments, widening, choosing between signals and stop signs, as well as two-way and multi-way stops.
COUNCIL TO CONSIDER LIQUOR PERMIT OBJECTIONS: City Council will consider resolutions objecting to the renewal of certain liquor permits by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control. Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills will introduce resolutions 0328X-2011 through 0336X-2011 as part of the city’s annual liquor objection process. At the end of each year, City Council, the City Attorney, Division of Police, Department of Health, and Department of Development work with community leaders to help advance public safety by presenting the resolutions of objection. The resolutions address liquor permit holders and establishments that have a documented record of liquor, code and health violations, criminal activity, excessive police runs and a shown disregard for neighborhood safety. While state law does not grant cities the authority to revoke or deny the renewal of liquor permits, each year City Council exercises its right to submit formal objections to the Division of Liquor Control for consideration during their annual review of liquor permit applications. The Division has the sole authority to grant a renewal or uphold the city’s objection. Click here to read the Liquor Permit Objection Summaries.
RELOCATING CITYWIDE TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES: As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to be cost effective and utilize city buildings, the Department of Human Resources Citywide Training currently located at 750 Piedmont Road is being relocated. Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 2107-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $310,800.00 for interior building renovations at the Jerry Hammond Center, 1111 East Broad Street. The renovations will provide required office areas and training rooms. Citywide Training provides appropriate workforce training opportunities for all employees that in turn improves work quality and results in excellent product delivery to area residents.
HELPING PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: Health, Housing & Human Services Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring legislation to help protect children from abuse and neglect. Ordinance 2093-2011 authorizes the appropriation of $225,600.00 from the Health Department Grant Fund for the 2012 Family Ties Program at Columbus Public Health. The program is designed to assist and support parents with children from 0 to 3 years old and focuses on preventing child abuse and neglect (emotional and medical), as well as diseases and infections through support and education. The program consists of a registered nurse, licensed social worker and respite officer who help address family challenges by providing growth and development assessments and links to community resources. So far this year, the program has helped 88 children and 65 families.
HONORING THE 125th ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLUMBUS YWCA: For over a century, the Columbus YWCA has touched the lives of more than 40,000 women and families through thoughtfully-planned and critically-needed programs that support and empower women. Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley will be introducing resolution 0313X-2011 to honor the 125th Anniversary of the Columbus YWCA. The organization provides emergency shelter and critical services to help stabilize homeless families in Central Ohio and affordable housing for women in transition many who are beginning their first jobs; recovering from drug-related, alcohol-related, and mental illnesses; or pursuing their education. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
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