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 $500,000.00 for an infrastructure project. March 3, 2023 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 constructing a bike facility for Champion Middle School. This project is on Mt. Vernon Avenue, which is a priority corridor for Champion Middle School, and it would provide improve facilities for students biking to this school.
2. EXPECTED PROJECT
The Department of Public Service plans to submit an application for the following project:
Roadway - Multimodal Corridor - Mount Vernon Avenue - Hamilton Avenue to Winner Avenue: This project will consist of a two-way on-street protected bike facility from Hamilton Avenue to Winner Avenue on the south side of Mt. Vernon Avenue with floating bus stops in various locations and all construction occurring within the existing curb lines. A subsequent phase will construct a shared use path from Winner Avenue to Taylor Avenue on the south side of Mt. Vernon Avenue in order to replace the deteriorating sidewalk in this section and provide a connection to the on-road side path and ultimately to the Alum Creek Trail. The current project cost estimate for this phase is approximately $3,116,733.00.
(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.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department 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. ($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; 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 Roadway - Multimodal Corridor - Mount Vernon Avenue - Hamilton Avenue to Winner Avenue 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 agreements and 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 this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period by law.