Explanation
The Open Streets concept allows communities to embrace new public space, drive economic recovery, and allow for a range of car-free activities that support local businesses. Open streets transforms streets into public space open to all. These transformations allow for a range of activities that promote economic development, support small businesses, and provide new ways for residents to enjoy cultural programming and build community.
The Short North Alliance (SNA) is excited to host one of the very first open streets locations in the city. The Short North Alliance will be transforming its legacy event, Holiday Hop, into an amazing holiday experience for pedestrians to enjoy the fabulous Short North. SNA will have one of the largest vendor markets in Columbus, performances, and other holiday programming occurring all on one of the city’s main corridors, High Street.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any delay in providing the resources necessary to allow for proper street closures and security for the Open Streets Holiday Hop that will take place on December 2, 2023.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Service to enter into a grant agreement with the Short North Alliance to support the Short North Alliance Open Streets Holiday Hop; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($15,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Open Streets concept allows communities to embrace new public space, drive economic recovery, and allow for a range of car-free activities that support local businesses; and
WHEREAS, these transformations allow for a range of activities that promote economic development, support small businesses, and provide new ways for residents to enjoy cultural programming and build community; and
WHEREAS, the Short North Alliance (SNA) is excited to host one of the very first open streets locations in the city; and
WHEREAS, creating spaces that allow residents to gather, socialize, walk, run, bike, skate, dance, or participate in other activities on streets creates a deep sense of community; 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 Director to enter into a grant agreement with Short North Alliance in order to avoid any delay in providing the resources necessary to allow for proper street closures and security for the Open Streets Holiday Hop that will take place on December 2, 2023, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Service is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with the Short North Alliance in support of the 2023 Open Streets Holiday Hop.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $15,000.00 in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $15,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed pursuant to the action authorized in SECTION 1 of this ordinance is hereby authorized in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. 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 5. 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 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby 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 if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.