Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Childhood League, Inc. in an amount up to $50,000.00 to provide permanent infrastructure improvements to existing facilities. Approval is also requested for reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to execution of the purchase order, starting March 1, 2023, which expenses include various building structural repairs including (among others) roof leaks, compressor board replacements, etc. The grant agreement will include an advancement of funds on a pre-determined schedule.
Mayor Ginther’s vision for Columbus, America’s Opportunity City, is to create access to a high-quality pre-kindergarten education for every 4-year-old. Addressing early childhood learning means bringing awareness and resources to a critical learning stage in childhood development. Children who come to school ready to learn are more likely to succeed academically and in life.
Children who participate in high-quality pre-kindergarten experiences significantly improve their early literacy, language, and math skills. Ample evidence shows that children who enter school unprepared fall farther and farther behind. Students who get a poor start in their earliest years are likely to struggle in high school and subsequently, fail to graduate.
Quality facilities are a fundamental cornerstone in delivering high-quality pre-kindergarten education. A well-maintained facility not only enhances the physical safety of the children but also contributes to their overall well-being and engagement. Upkeep also extends the longevity of equipment and infrastructure, making it a cost-effective investment in the long run. By prioritizing the maintenance and enhancement of pre-kindergarten facilities, we are making a commitment to the future of our children, providing them with an optimal setting for early development and learning.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding is available within the General Permanent Improvement Fund.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: the vendor number is 017168 and contract compliance is pending.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Childhood League, Inc.; to authorize the expenditure of $50,000.00 from the General Permanent Improvement Fund; to authorize the advancement of funds on a pre-determined schedule during the term of the agreement; and to authorize the reimbursement of expenditures incurred prior to the establishment of a purchase order. ($50,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Development seeks to enter into a Grant Agreement with Childhood League, Inc. in an amount up to $50,000.00 to provide permanent infrastructure improvements to existing facilities; and
WHEREAS, approval is also requested for reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to execution of the purchase order, starting March 1, 2023, and for the advancement of funds on a pre-determined schedule; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Ginther’s vision for Columbus, America’s Opportunity City, is to create access to a high-quality pre-kindergarten education for every 4-year-old; and
WHEREAS, quality facilities are a fundamental cornerstone in delivering high-quality pre-kindergarten education; and
WHEREAS, by prioritizing the maintenance and enhancement of pre-kindergarten facilities, we are making a commitment to the future of our children, providing them with an optimal setting for early development and learning; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a Grant Agreement with Childhood League, Inc. to provide funding for permanent infrastructure improvements to existing facilities, thus enhancing the safety of children and their overall well-being, in an amount of up to $50,000.00; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is authorized to enter into a grant agreement with Childhood League, Inc. beginning March 1, 2023, in an amount up to $50,000.00 to provide funding for permanent infrastructure improvements to existing facilities, to authorize the advancement of funds on a pre-determined schedule during the term of the agreement, and to authorize the reimbursement of expenditures incurred prior to the establishment of a purchase order which expenditures include various building structural repairs including (among others things) roof leaks, compressor board replacements, etc. which are hereby determined to be a valid public purpose.
SECTION 2. That for the purpose as stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $50,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized in fund 7748 (General Permanent Improvement Fund), Project P440153-100001, Dept. 44-10 (Housing), in Object Class 06 (Capital Outlay) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. 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 5. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.