Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Recreation and Parks to issue a Block Party permit for more than five (5) days by waiving the provisions of Section 923.03(D) of the Columbus City Code for the purpose of allowing the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation to again host Winter Park activities involving set-up of an ice hockey rink in McFerson Commons Park from January 3-March 4, 2016. Closure of McConnell Boulevard between Spring Street and New Public Way is needed for placement of ice support equipment.
Capitalizing on the success of the 2015 NHL All Star Winter Park, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has entered into agreement with Marketing Activations Group (MAG) to organize a similar fan experience for 2016. McFerson Commons Park will again host a regulation ice rink, locker rooms, discount skate rental operation, and guest hospitality area during open hours. CBJ seeks to extend rink operations which served over 10,000 skaters in 10 days (2015), and to program the rink with additional public skate times, diversity programs, private events and to host more team practice times and recreational/competitive amateur hockey experiences. Rink operations will be from January 21-February 22, 2016.
To facilitate the extensive set-up that is involved with constructing an elevated rink in McFerson Commons Park an appropriate, hard-surface lay down area is required. John McConnell Blvd (from Spring to New Public Way) served as the location in 2015 and closure is again required as 24 hour access is needed to an existing fire hydrant located on the west side of John McConnell Blvd. City Code prohibits the closure of a public street for more than 5 days for recreational purposes, therefore, Recreation and Parks is unable to issue a Block Party Street Closure Permit for this function without a Council variance.
This request speaks to the focus area of the 2014 Master Plan which is to enhance community opportunities through public/private partnerships.
Emergency Justification: An emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary that passage by City Council must occur in December 2015 to allow for sufficient time to install support equipment necessary for the ice rink.
Benefits to Public: Allow a Downtown Columbus street to be the host site for a family event.
Community Input/Issues: This legislation has the support of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation that will benefit from its passage. Event coordinator will still need to secure street closure signatures from adjoining property owners.
Fiscal Impact: This will be of no cost to the Recreation and Parks Department.
Title
To waive Section 923.03(D) of the Columbus City Codes and to authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to issue a Block Party Permit for the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation for more than (5) consecutive days once their street closure application has been approved; and be declared an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to waive Section 923.03(D) of the Columbus City Codes; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to issue a Block Party Permit for the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation for more than (5) consecutive days once their street closure application has been approved.
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to waive Section 923.03(c) of the Columbus City Codes to authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to issue a Block Party Permit for the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation for more than (5) consecutive days once their street closure application has been approved, to allow for sufficient time to install support equipment necessary for the ice rink thereby preserving the public health, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Section 923.03(D) of the Columbus City Codes is hereby waived and the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized to issue a Block Party Permit for the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation for more than (5) consecutive days once their street closure application has been approved.
SECTION 2. 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 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.