Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) annually accepts applications to fund projects using Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program funds. SRTS funds are available to communities as grants to be used to improve the ability of elementary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely. A community may be awarded up to $400,000 for an infrastructure project. March 4, 2022 is the deadline for the current Safe Routes to School application cycle.
The Department of Public Service is preparing a Safe Routes to School application, with a current focus on completing pedestrian connections serving Mifflin Middle School and Cassady Alternative Elementary School. This project is on priority corridors for Mifflin Middle School and Cassady Alternative School, and it would provide improved facilities for students walking and biking to these schools. ODOT requires the submission of an ordinance if the application is successful and selected to receive grant funding.
2. EXPECTED PROJECT
The Department of Public Service plans to submit an application for the following project:
Pedestrian Safety Improvements - SRTS Mifflin Middle and Cassady Alternative Elementary Schools Pedestrian Connections: This project will fill multiple sidewalk and shared-use path gaps. The project will fill a gap in sidewalk on the east side of Sunbury Road, from the intersection of Sunbury Road at Agler Road to the existing facilities north of Mifflin Middle School. It will extend a shared-use path on the south side of Agler Road from its current terminus to the intersection of Sunbury Road at Agler Road. The project will also add sidewalks on both sides of Cassady Avenue, from the intersection of Cassady Avenue at Agler Road to the existing facilities on either side. The current project cost estimate is approximately $1,120,000.00.
(This listing is meant to be illustrative and is believed to be accurate and complete; however, last minute project additions and substitutions are at the discretion of the Director of Public Service.)
3. FISCAL IMPACT
No financial participation is required at this time. City funds will be approved in the form of design contracts, right of way acquisition, and/or construction contracts that will be submitted for Council's approval.
4. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to provide Council's approval to apply for the grant prior to the March 4, 2022 deadline for applications
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service, on behalf of the City of Columbus, to prepare and submit a Safe Routes to School Application to the Ohio Department of Transportation; to authorize the Director of Public Service to enter into grant agreements with ODOT, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting is performed; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Transportation is accepting applications for Safe Routes to School program funds; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to submit an application, execute grant agreements, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting for approved projects; 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 submit applications and execute grant agreements so that funding can be made available for necessary design and construction services for the Safe Routes to School projects, 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, on behalf of the City of Columbus, Department of Public Service, is hereby authorized to prepare, execute, and submit an application for SRTS funds to the State of Ohio, Department of Transportation.
SECTION 2. That Council understands and agrees the Pedestrian Safety Improvements - SRTS Mifflin Middle and Cassady Alternative Elementary Schools Pedestrian Connections project is intended to be submitted on the SRTS application, but authorizes the Director of Public Service to change the project submitted and/or to include additional projects on the application at the discretion of the Director of Public Service.
SECTION 3. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to execute grant agreements and other documents necessary to accept SRTS funds and/or other ODOT funds if awarded.
SECTION 4. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to accept and expend the funds for the approved projects.
SECTION 5. That, if awarded the funds, the City of Columbus agrees to pay one hundred percent (100%) of the construction cost over and above the maximum amount provided by the State of Ohio, Department of Transportation.
SECTION 6. That upon completion of the described Project, and unless otherwise agreed, the City of Columbus shall: (1) provide adequate maintenance for the described Project in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws, including, but not limited to, 23 USC 116; (2) provide ample financial provisions, as necessary, for the maintenance of the described Project; (3) if necessary, maintain the right-of-way, keeping it free of obstructions; and (4) if necessary, hold said right-of-way inviolate for public highway purposes.
SECTION 7. That, at the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 8. 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.