April 21, 2008

For More Information:

John Ivanic, 645-6798

MAKING COLUMBUS STREETS SAFER:  Under the leadership of Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, chair of the Public Service Committee, City Council has funded a variety of traffic calming efforts aimed at improving the safety of Columbus streets and neighborhoods.  Tonight, Councilmember O’Shaughnessy will be sponsoring legislation to help the City’s Transportation Division and Department of Public Safety work together on a comprehensive strategy to reduce speeding.  Ordinance 0486-2008 will appropriate $109,830 to purchase ten speed awareness trailers that advise motorists of their speed while also collecting important traffic data.  These new trailers have the capacity to gather and store information on traffic speed and volume; once collected, the data will be shared with the Department of Public Safety to help focus enforcement resources and the Transportation Division to prioritize streets for future permanent traffic calming features.

**Meeting of note: Councilmember O’Shaughnessy will hold a public hearing to discuss ordinances 0354-2008, 0573-2008 and 368-2008 on Wednesday, April 23 at 5:30 PM.  Click here and scroll to the bottom of the screen for more information**

TYSON IMPROVING CITY POOLS:  With warm weather fast approaching, the City is stepping up efforts to get public pool facilities prepared for the summer crowds.  Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring two pieces of legislation that funds upgrades to some of Columbus’ most popular aquatic centers.   Ordinance 0641-2008 appropriates $40,000 to enhance the swimming pool bath houses, pump houses and open shade structures at the Marion Franklin and Lincoln pools.  Ordinance 0633-2008 appropriates $155,975 for the installation of lockers at the following pool facilities:  Blackburn Park; Dodge Park; Fairwood Park; Glenwood Park; Lincoln Park; Marion Franklin Park; Maryland pool house at Saunders Park; and Windsor Park.

SUPPORTING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS:  Continuing his efforts to provide critical equipment to our first responders, Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring legislation to purchase the latest communication technology for the region’s safety forces.  Ordinance 0606-2008 will authorize the use of a $137,719 Homeland Security grant for 35 mobile radios to support first responder agencies throughout the Central Ohio region in their daily operations and in the event of an emergency or disaster situation.

BUILDING BETTER NEIGHBORHOODS: Working to build stronger communities, the City of Columbus offers assistance to developers with grants and loans for projects designed to either increase or preserve the supply of safe and affordable housing for low income families.  Health, Housing and Human Services Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring ordinance 0560-2008 to appropriate $250,000 from the HOME program to provide funding for various approved 2008 initiatives.  The City receives income from prior year investments of HOME funds in various rental and homeownership housing developments.  These funds are then reinvested in HOME-eligible activities.

SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY:   In his ongoing effort to develop support for small businesses in Columbus, Minority and Small Business Development Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig will soon be announcing the first in a series of pubic hearings dedicated to issues impacting local entrepreneurs.  The public hearings will focus on expanding economic opportunities for minority and small business owners, while exploring incentive options to assist this vital segment of our economy.

Audubon Groundbreaking:  President Pro Tem Kevin L. Boyce and Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson will participate in a ground breaking ceremony at the site of the future Audubon Nature Center located at the new Whittier Metro Park in the Brewery District Tuesday, April 22, at 2:00 PM.  Once completed, the Audubon Center at Whittier Peninsula will offer residents an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Columbus’ unique native wildlife.

PRESIDENT MENTEL WELCOMES AIR NATIONAL GUARD:  Council President Michael C. Mentel has invited Brigadier General Thomas M. Botchie, commander of the 121^st Air Refueling Wing, Ohio Air National Guard to speak before City Council this evening.  Brigadier General Botchie will provide members of Council with a brief overview of the 121^st and their operations at Rickenbacker International Airport, as well as the economic impact the organization has on Columbus.

**Please note there will be no City Council Meeting on Monday, April 28, 2008.  The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, May 5, 2008. **