Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (FSWCD) for the GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program for the Fiscal Year 2013.
In 2011, a pilot rain barrel program was expanded through a partnership established by Mayor Michael B. Coleman with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, local watershed groups, and EarthMinded (a subsidiary of Greif, Inc.). The goal of the program is to improve environmental stewardship and water conservation of the City of Columbus residents through outreach, workshops and educational material.
One of the benefits for residents is the distribution of rain barrels. In order to obtain a rain barrel at a discounted cost, residents were required to attend one (1) of 21 in-person rain barrel workshops. In addition, an online option was designed by the FSWCD to allow participants to view a rain barrel installation video, observe information discussing stormwater and water conservation and take a quiz. Participants were provided with a fact sheet, access to various websites and other backyard conservation tips. The participants were given one reduced-cost rain barrel per household. In 2012, Franklin Soil and Water and partners were successful in dispensing 964 rain barrels.
The 2012 program was a success and the message of water conservation and storm water management was well received by the community. The Department of Public Utilities would like to support the program in 2013. A COMPLETE REPORT FROM THE 2012 PROGRAM IS ATTACHED TO THIS LEGISLATION.
In 2013, the program will continue to focus on providing rain barrels, conservation and storm water education, outreach and marketing, working with watershed groups such as Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) and Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT), and the promotion of the City of Columbus GreenSpot and Get Green Columbus Initiatives. Furthermore, 50 rain barrels will be distributed to recipients of the City's Low Income Discount Program at no charge. The GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program will also reach out to other communities and make efforts to tie into the Columbus Neighborhood Pride program and Area Commissions. Furthermore, project partners will explore methods to reach economically disadvantaged communities and investigate grant opportunities.
SUPPLIER: Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (31-0847446)-Non-Profit Organization
FISCAL IMPACT: $48,000.00 is budgeted for the program within the operating budgets of the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, Stormwater and Regulatory Management Section and the Division Water. In 2011 the program was limited to City of Columbus residents only. Beginning in 2012, the program was expanded to serve residents of surrounding communities.
$40,500.00 was spent in 2012
$20,000.00 was spent in 2011
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District for the 2013 GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, Stormwater and Regulatory Management Section and the Division Water, and to authorize the expenditure of $24,000.00 from the Water Operating Fund and $24,000.00 from the Storm Sewer Operating Fund. ($48,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Utilities wishes to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (FSWCD) for the 2013 GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program, and
WHEREAS, the goal of the program is to improve environmental stewardship and water conservation of the City of Columbus residents and surrounding communities, and
WHEREAS, the FSWCD will continue to provide education workshops, provide rain barrels at a discounted cost, and work with various watershed groups to promote the program, and
WHEREAS, the program will promote the GreenSpot and Get Green Columbus initiatives as well as providing residents with education on water conservation and stormwater runoff, and
WHEREAS, 50 rain barrels will be distributed to participants of the City's Low Income Program at no cost to the resident, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities wishes to continue supporting the GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program for the Fiscal Year 2013; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to provide the 2013 GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program to the residents of the City of Columbus and surrounding communities for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, Stormwater and Regulatory Management Section and the Division of Water.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $48,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and the same is hereby authorized as follows:
FUND: 675
OCA: 675002
OBJECT LEVEL 1: 03
OBJECT LEVEL 3: 3407
AMOUNT: $24,000.00
FUND: 600
OCA: 601849
OBJECT LEVEL 1: 03
OBJECT LEVEL 3: 3407
AMOUNT: $24,000.00
TOTAL: $48,000.00
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.