Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Service to execute agreements with and to accept funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to support work performed as part of the Pedestrian Safety Improvements - SRTS Sidewalks - McGuffey and Duxberry project, PID 100964.
The aforementioned effort will culminate in sidewalk installation along both sides of Duxberry Avenue from Lexington Avenue to Hamilton Avenue and along both sides of McGuffey Road from Duxberry Avenue to the terminus of the existing sidewalk just north of Clinton Street.
The Department of Public Service previously applied to ODOT to secure funding from the Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) program, which aims to improvement safety and mobility of children by encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school, to subsidize construction of the project. ODOT subsequently approved said application and awarded the City up to $492,075.00 for that purpose.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time. The grant will pay 100% of project allowable costs up to a maximum of $492,075.00. The City is responsible for any costs above the capped amount. If necessary, a separate ordinance authorizing the encumbrance and expenditure of capital funds to support any anticipated construction costs in excess of the SRTS award amount will be submitted to City Council at a later time.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to facilitate the execution of requisite agreements and the receipt and acceptance of awarded SRTS program funds as soon as reasonably practicable so as to prevent unnecessary delays in the completion of the project.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to execute agreements with and accept funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation relative to the Pedestrian Safety Improvements - SRTS Sidewalks - McGuffey and Duxberry project; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service is administering the Pedestrian Safety Improvements - SRTS Sidewalks - McGuffey and Duxberry project, PID 100964, which will culminate in sidewalk installation along both sides of Duxberry Avenue from Lexington Avenue to Hamilton Avenue and along both sides of McGuffey Road from Duxberry Avenue to the terminus of the existing sidewalk just north of Clinton Street; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service applied to the Ohio Department of Transportation to secure funding from the Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) program for the project, which aims to improve the safety and mobility of children by encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school; and
WHEREAS, ODOT approved said application and awarded the City up to $492,075.00 for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, this legislation authorizes the Director of Public Service to execute agreements with and to accept funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to support work performed as part of the aforementioned effort; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the execution of requisite agreements and the receipt and acceptance of awarded SRTS program funds as soon as reasonably practicable so as to prevent unnecessary delays in the completion of the project, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Service be and hereby is authorized to enter into agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation to facilitate the acceptance and expenditure of SRTS program funds to support the construction of the Pedestrian Safety Improvements - SRTS Sidewalks - McGuffey and Duxberry project, PID 100964.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor be and hereby is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor be and hereby is authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 4. That at the end of the agreement period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by ODOT hereby is authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which those funds originated in accordance with all applicable agreements.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance hereby is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage of the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.