Explanation
This ordinance modifies the service agreement with Columbus Next Generation Corporation originally authorized by ordinance 1268-2021 and modified by ordinances 3315-2021, 2279-2022, and 2156-2023 for administration of the program providing exterior home repair to address code violations.
Columbus Next Generation (“NextGen”) has been working with The City of Columbus, Office of the City Attorney, and the Franklin County Environmental Courts to assist homeowners throughout the city that are elderly and/or disabled to repair code violations on their homes that are in the court systems (and have been) since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Repairs range from roof repair to new roofs, gutters, painting, sewer line work, porch/foundation work, cutting down dead trees, overgrown high weeds, branches and grass. The homeowners do not have the financial means or physical ability to do such repairs. Their incomes are very limited. In July 2021, City Attorney Zack Klein’s office requested and received grant money in the amount of $100,000 to start the Home Repair Program. NextGen works with local contractors and encourages minority participation as much as possible. All contractors are licensed, bonded, have BWC insurance and are registered with the City of Columbus as a contractor (in order to pull necessary permits, if needed, for repairs). Once repairs are complete, NextGen contacts the City Code Officer that referred properties to the court system to make sure the repairs meet the requirements to close out the current code violations.
This ordinance authorizes an increase of the available funding by $220,000.00 from the General Fund, the current contract term date of December 31, 2024, is to remain unchanged.
Columbus Next Generation Corporation, FID: 46-2621229 CC#: CC008637, expires 5/30/2025
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the General Fund.
Title
To authorize the City Attorney to modify an existing contract with Columbus Next Generation Corporation; and to authorize an expenditure of $220,000.00 within the General Fund. ($220,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus Next Generation has been working with the City of Columbus Office of the City Attorney and the Franklin County Environmental Courts to assist homeowners throughout the city that are elderly and/or disabled to repair code violations on their homes; and
WHEREAS, repairs range from roof repair to new roofs, gutters, painting, sewer line work, porch/foundation work, cutting down dead trees, overgrown high weeds, branches and grass; and
WHEREAS, the homeowners do not have the financial means or physical ability to do such repairs; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the of the City Attorney's Office to authorize a contract modification with Columbus NextGen to continue the exterior home repair program; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Attorney is hereby authorized to modify an existing contract with Columbus Next Generation Corporation, originally authorized by ordinance 1268-2021, by adding $220,000.00 of available resources.
SECTION 2. That per the action authorized by Section 1 of this ordinance, the expenditure of $220,000.00 within the General Fund, fund 1000, subfund 100010, is hereby authorized per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.