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COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
October 3, 2011
PROTECTING JOBS AND ENSURING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE ARENA DISTRICT: Nationwide Arena is a critical component to the economic and community development success of the Arena District, surrounding neighborhoods, and business districts. Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 1596-2011 to authorize the Department of Finance and Management to enter into a lease and sublease agreement on behalf of the City among Franklin County, the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (CFA) and the City, and any other necessary agreements, for the purpose of facilitating part of the financing necessary for the CFA to purchase, operate and maintain Nationwide Arena. The acquisition of Nationwide Arena will protect over 10,000 jobs in the Arena District, create thousands more over the next three years and allow for the Arena District to continue as one of the City's most successful economic development performers. Annual appropriations for a percentage of the casino tax revenue will be used for the acquisition, requiring no general fund dollars from the City. The Arena District and Nationwide Arena generate $29.6 million annually in state and local income tax revenue which help fund critical safety services like police and fire protection in Columbus neighborhoods.
FIGHTING INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN: The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded an FY-10 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to fund overtime and training costs to locate, arrest and prosecute child sexual predators. Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills is sponsoring ordinance 1563-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $48,166.00 from the General Government Grant Fund for the Division of Police to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to participate in a collaborative Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to reduce and prevent child endangerment and protect the community from sexual predators. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office will provide grant funded reimbursement for overtime costs and specialized training expenditures. The Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force was formed in 2009 and has resulted in the arrest of over 233 sexual predators.
PROTECTING CITIZENS: Columbus Public Health is responsible for the long-term continuing health protection and terrorism preparedness for Central Ohio residents. Health, Housing & Human Services Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1405-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $301,354.23 for Columbus Public Health to enter into a contract with Franklin County Public Health to maintain the Public Health Emergency Preparedness/Emergency Response System for the period of August 10, 2011 through August 9, 2012. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness program establishes the Franklin County/City of Columbus support network that would be required in the event of bioterrorism activity in Franklin County.
RECOGNIZING A COMMUNITY LEADER: Columbus City Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring resolution 0262X-2011, to recognize Joyce Garver Keller for her 20 years of service as the Executive Director of Ohio Jewish Communities. Ohio Jewish Communities works to enhance the Jewish community's ability to serve vital human needs through securing funds, educating and maintaining relationships with government officials and encouraging sound public policy. Ms. Garver Keller has been a tireless advocate for the needs of Jewish people throughout the State of Ohio, a staunch defender of Israel and its safety and a liaison between Jewish agencies and governmental entities.
COLUMBUS MARATHON: Each year, thousands people visit Columbus to participate in the Columbus Marathon, generating millions of dollars in tourism for the city. Development Committee Chair Zachary M. Klein is sponsoring resolution 0263X-2011 to honor the runners, walkers and volunteers who will be participating in the 32nd annual Nationwide Insurance Columbus Marathon on Sunday, October 16th. The marathon has been designated by Runner's World as one of the Top 20 marathons in the nation and by USA Today as one of the top 10 Fall marathons. This year, over 17,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair participants will be staying in our hotels, enjoying local restaurants and visiting local retail establishments, which is expected to generate over $3 million in tourism.
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