Columbus City Council Meeting Highlights: May 5, 2008

For More Information:
John Ivanic, 645-6798

COUNCIL TO VOTE ON 2008 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET: The Capital Improvements Budget (CIB) provides a blueprint for the financing of City assets such as police and fire stations, parks and recreation centers, roads and bridges, computer systems, and sewer and water systems.  As chair of the Finance Committee, President Pro Tem Kevin L. Boyce will put forth the 2008 CIB budget for Council’s consideration. 

O’SHAUGHNESSY ADVANCING HIGH STREET IMPROVEMENTS:  The City is preparing to launch a series of streetscape improvements on the portion of High Street between Lane Avenue and Arcadia Avenue.   Ordinance 0615-2008, sponsored by Public Service Committee Chair Maryllen O'Shaughnessy, will appropriate $13,306,007.75 to begin the project.  This phase includes the widening of Hudson Street between Neil Avenue and East Avenue.  Also included are all side streets to the first alley both east and west of High Street and the sewer outfall that extends west on Dodridge to Neil and to the northern terminus of Neil Avenue.  The improvements will consist of concrete curb and sidewalk replacement along the entire project, pavement milling and overlay, lighting, traffic signals, overhead utility removal, neighborhood entry features at both ends of the project in the form of arches, water line work, sewer separation in the form of new storm drain piping, and landscaping. This project will not change the existing size of traffic lanes or sidewalk except for an additional turn lane at Hudson Street.  Four miles of sidewalk will be replaced and brought to current ADA standards with 182 curb ramps.  New bike racks and additional trees will also be installed.  This is a major transit route and bus pads will be upgraded as part of this project.

SUPPORTING MINORITY RECRUITMENT:  In an effort to support the Columbus Division of Police’s minority recruitment program, Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther has invited Sgt. Anthony Wilson of the Minority Recruiting Unit to brief Councilmembers on the work to attract more minority police recruits.  Sgt. Wilson will highlight the Diversity Recruiting Council, a group of community and business leaders who have pledged to encourage the recruitment of under-represented minority groups by partnering with community and faith-based organizations to increase diversity on the police force.

ASSISTING SENIOR CITIZENS:  Columbus and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging are working together to provide health and wellness opportunities for senior citizens.  Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring ordinance 0703-2008 to appropriate $175,000 for the Senior Farmer's Market and the Chronic Disease Grant programs.  The Senior Farmer’s Market grant will provide participants with up to $50 in coupons, which can be redeemed at various farmers market locations throughout Columbus.  The funds allocated to the Chronic Disease Grant program will be used to train individuals who provide instruction to senior citizens on how to manage chronic pain.

FUNDING ADDICTION SERVICES:  The Columbus Health Department offers a wide range of services to help individuals who are battling drug and alcohol addiction.  Ordinance 0599-2008 sponsored by Health, Housing and Human Services Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares, will direct the Board of Health to accept a grant service contract from the Franklin County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board in the amount of $1,080,840 and to authorize the total appropriation of $1,641,246.  The grant will be used to fund the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Outpatient Program, Adult Prevention Services, Women’s Project, Children & Adolescent Prevention and the Alcohol Other Drug/HIV Prevention programs.

CRAIG SUPPORTING COMMUNITY ACTIVISM:  Judiciary and Court Administration Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig will be a guest at City Year’s annual gala, Starry Starry Night on Thursday, May 8, 2008.  The event will kick off at 6:00 p.m. with a special reception with Limited Brands officials, Bruce Soll and Tom Katzenmeyer at the Bar of Modern Art (583 East Broad Street).  City Year is a non-profit organization that places young people from ages 17-24 in Columbus neighborhoods to serve as tutors, mentors, and role models.

MENTEL DISCUSSES ISRAELI BUSINESS MISSION:  Council President Michael C. Mentel is scheduled to be the featured guest on City Council’s public affairs radio program, Call The Roll.  President Mentel will be discussing his participation in the City of Columbus’ recent trade mission to Israel and the follow-up steps that are being prepared to capitalize on the business opportunities that were developed on the trip.  Call The Roll can be heard every Saturday on 91.5, WHKC-FM at 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.