Explanation
1. BACKGROUND:
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Service to enter into a contributuion agreement with the Scioto Peninsula Association, Inc. (SPA), a non-profit entity, to contribute funding for various security enhancement initiatives within the Scioto Peninsula development area for fiscal year 2026. Scioto Peninsula Association, Inc. (SPA) is a non-profit entity managed by Downtown Columbus, Inc.
In order to facilitate security enhancements in the Scioto Peninsula area, the City of Columbus, Department of Public Service has agreed to partner with the SPA to implement security enhancement programs. Intended to increase safety for all user groups and to support the growth and development of the Scioto Peninsula, these programs include the staffing and management of security personnel who will provide foot patrols and tours through the public and private areas of the development including the area streets, Dorrian Green Park, and the area parking facilities, establishing a visible presence in the area. Additionally, they will engage in the promotion of safety initiatives to employees and visitors to the development.
The annual expenses are estimated at approximately $270,000.00 for 2026. Contributions are not to exceed fifty (50%) of the costs for those services, estimated at up to $135,000.00 for 2026, and will be made to the SPA to fund the security enhancements. Future modifications may be submitted if more funding is needed.
2. CONTRACT COMPLIANCE:
The contract compliance number for the Scioto Peninsula Association, Inc. is CC050859, which expires November 4, 2026. The organization also has an active status as a corporation for non-profit with the Ohio Secretary of State.
3. FISCAL IMPACT:
This legislation authorizes the appropriation, transfer, and expenditure of $135,000.00 from the Mobility Enterprise Operating Fund, Fund 6500.
4. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency legislation is requested in order to facilitate execution as quickly as possible in order to prevent interruption in the delivery of needed safety services in the Scioto Peninsula to ensure the safety of the travelling public and prevent delays in the development area.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Service to execute a contribution agreement with the Scioto Peninsula Association, Inc. to provide funding for various security enhancement initiatives within the Scioto Peninsula development area; to authorize the transfer of appropriation of funds within the Mobility Enterprise Fund; to authorize an expenditure in an amount up to $135,000.00 from the Mobility Enterprise Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($135,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Downtown Columbus, Inc., in conjunction with the Scioto Peninsula Association, Inc. (SPA), is overseeing the redevelopment of the Scioto Peninsula; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service has agreed to partner with the SPA to implement security enhancement programs intended to increase safety for all user groups and support the growth and development of the Scioto Peninsula; and
WHEREAS, the security enhancement programs include the staffing and management of security personnel who will provide foot patrols and tours through the public and private areas of the development including the area streets, Dorrian Green Park, and the area parking facilities establishing a visible presence in the area; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus intends to provide financial support in the form of a contribution agreement in an amount of up to $135,000.00 to the SPA in fiscal year 2026 for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of up to $135,000.00 to the Scioto Peninsula Association, Inc. in support of security enhancement programs; and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the competitive bidding requirements of Columbus City Code is required to enter into a contribution agreement with the Scioto Peninsula Association, Inc. to facilitate security enhancements in the Scioto Peninsula area; 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 contribution agreement with the SPA to provide funding for various security enhancement initiatives within the Scioto Peninsula development area in order to prevent interruption in the delivery of needed safety services, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property and safety; 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 contribution agreement with the Scioto Peninsula Association, Inc., and provide funding in an amount up to $135,000.00 for the purpose of supporting the implementation of various security enhancement programs within the Scioto Peninsula.
SECTION 2. That City Council finds that it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the formal competitive bidding requirements of City Code Chapter 329.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $135,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed is hereby authorized in Fund 6500 (Mobility Enterprise Operating Fund), Subfund 650001 (Mobility Enterprise), Dept-Div 5906 (Public Service - Parking Services), in Object Class 03 (Services), per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. Funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures and transfers authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance 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.