Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into grant agreements with the Columbus Urban League to provide the Victim's Assistance Program and the African-American Male Initiative for a twelve-month period.
The Victim's Assistance Program serves high-risk and minority populations. Services include assuring the rights of victims to participate in the justice system, the right to restitution from offenders, and the access to social services including housing, employment and education.
The African-American Male Initiative evolved as a result of issues raised concerning the increasing rates of homicide among young African-American males and how to develop strategies to address underlying factors, during the African-American Male Summit held in January 2006 by Mayor Coleman and Columbus City Council. Through collaboration with existing programs, services and organizations within the community, the Initiative works to address the issues and circumstances that have hindered many African-American males.
This legislation represents programs funded following the Emergency Human Services application process. The legislation targets a social service agency that will provide help to families and households through educational and/or health programs by assisting with the operating needs of the individual agency. In addition, the city supports programs and activities so that the greater population is assured access to other community assistance. This funding will allow the process to continue much needed services.
Emergency action is necessary to avoid causing interruptions in the delivery of program services.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $94,283.00 from the Emergency Human Services Fund. In 2009, a total of $2,100,000 has been allocated to fund social service programs through the Emergency Human Services Fund. Companion legislation authorizes the expenditure of the balance of these funds.
Title
To approve the grant applications of the Columbus Urban League seeking financial assistance to address an emergency human service need pursuant to Columbus City Codes, 1959; to authorize the Director of Development to execute grant agreements with the Columbus Urban League to support the Victim's Assistance Program and the African-American Male Initiative; to authorize the expenditure of $94,283.00 from the Emergency Human Services Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($94,283.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Columbus Urban League has submitted grant applications seeking financial assistance for Emergency Human Service Funds; and
WHEREAS, City Council has reviewed the grant applications and hereby declares that the agency has articulated a need for Emergency Human Services operating funds that is sufficient to justify approval of said grants; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Development desires to enter into grant agreements with the Columbus Urban League for the continued provision of social services and these programs include, but are not limited to, youth services, resettlement programs, intervention activities, information and referral efforts, material assistance, community mediation, resource centers and neighborhood activities; and
WHEREAS, City Council is authorized to allocate funds annually to assist social service agencies in the city with the operating costs of delivering programs; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to enter into grant agreements with the Columbus Urban League to avoid causing interruptions in the delivery of program services, all for the preservation of 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 grant applications of the Columbus Urban League seeking financial assistance to address an emergency human service need pursuant to Section 371.02 (c) of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby approved.
Section 2. That the Director of the Department of Development be and is hereby authorized to enter into grant agreements with the Columbus Urban League for program development and service delivery efforts for a one-year period.
Section 3. That the expenditures authorized herein are in accordance with Section 371.02 (c) of the Columbus City Codes, 1959.
Section 4. That for the purpose as stated in Section 2, the expenditure of $94,283.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and is hereby authorized to be expended from the Emergency Human Services Fund, Department of Development, Department No. 44-01, Fund 232, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3337, OCA Code 499043, as follows:
AGENCY PROGRAM AMOUNT
|
Columbus Urban League |
African-American Male Initiative |
$84,300.00 |
|
Columbus Urban League |
Victim's Assistance |
$ 9,983.00 |
|
|
|
$94,283.00 |
Section 5. 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.