Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the transfer and appropriation of $101,266.00 within the general fund to support the Franklin County Municipal Court’s Pretrial and Probation Service’s Specialized Enforcement and Response Team (SERT) and the Environmental Court’s Environmental Specialists.
This ordinance also authorizes the Fleet Management Division on behalf of the Administrating and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to establish a purchase order for one vehicle from Ricart Properties Inc. This vehicle will be utilized by the Franklin County Municipal Court’s SERT Unit to conduct fieldwork.
The Court's SERT Unit was established as part of the Blueprint for Safety initiative. In its inception, the Court collaborated with the Columbus Police Department (CPD) and Franklin County's Sheriff's Office (FCSO) to undertake field supervision and execute warrant checks. The primary mandate of the SERT Unit is to oversee individuals considered to be at the highest risk for domestic violence and violent offenses. This responsibility encompasses conducting field visits to the residences, workplaces, and other relevant locations of these offenders to ensure the safety of both victims and the community.
In close coordination with Victim Assistants, the SERT Unit further extends its reach by conducting in-person field interactions with all associated victims monthly or as circumstances dictate, thereby guaranteeing their well-being and compliance with the Court's directives. The SERT Unit is staffed with a team comprising one supervisor, one assistant supervisor, and five dedicated SERT Probation officers, making for a total of seven officers serving within the unit. This funding will provide materials and services to maximize their safety while allowing them to interact with the offenders, victims, and the community.
The Environmental Court Specialists perform field investigation services for the Environmental Division as part of their duties, as well as any other duties that the Environmental Division Judge prescribes. Conducting field investigation services routinely places Environmental Specialists in exceptionally dangerous circumstances. These situations include but are not limited to investigating properties used for illegal felony drug manufacturing and distribution, violent activity, organized crime, human trafficking, deployment of dangerous animals, and public nuisance activities. This funding will provide materials to maximize their safety when engaged in these inherently dangerous situations.
The funding provided will ensure safety for the community and for the SERT Unit and Environment Specialists while also better mobilizing the SERT Team for interaction with the offenders, victims, and the community. The intent of these funds is to provide for one vehicle and the purchase of materials, supplies, and services.
FISCAL IMPACT: The funds are available in the 2023 general fund budget.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Auditor to transfer $101,266.00 within the general fund; to authorize the Fleet Management Division on behalf of the Administrating and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to establish a purchase order for one vehicle from Ricart Properties Inc; to authorize the expenditure of up to $40,000.00 from the general fund; and to declare an emergency. ($141,266.00) (AMENDED BY ORD. 2996-2023 PASSED 11/13/2023) BA
Body
WHEREAS, the Court's SERT Unit was established as part of the Blueprint for Safety initiative; and
WHEREAS, the primary mandate of the SERT Unit is to oversee individuals considered to be at the highest risk for domestic violence and violent offenses; and
WHEREAS, this funding will provide an additional vehicle, and materials and services to maximize their safety while allowing them to interact with the offenders, victims, and the community; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Court Specialists perform field investigation services for the Environmental Division as part of their duties; and
WHEREAS, the funding provided will ensure safety for the community and for the SERT Unit and Environment Specialists while also better mobilizing the SERT Team for interaction with the offenders, victims, and the community; and
WHEREAS, a transfer of funds is necessary in order for the enhancement of safety for the community, the Specialized Enforcement and Response Unit and the Environmental Court Specialists; and
WHEREAS, the Fleet Management Division on behalf of the Administrating and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court intends to purchase one (1) Ford vehicle; and
WHEREAS, Ricart Properties Inc successfully bid and was awarded contract PA004555 - Pre-Owned Vehicle; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Franklin County Municipal Court, in that it is immediately necessary to enter into contract for the purchase of an additional vehicle, and the purchase of materials, supplies, and services to increase the mobilization of the SERT team, and provide for the safety of the community, SERT Team, and Environmental Specialists, all for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer $101,266.00 within the general fund per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That the Fleet Management Division on behalf of the Administrating and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court, is hereby authorized to establish a purchase order for the acquisition of one (1) 2022 Ford vehicle from Ricart Properties Inc for use by the Municipal Court’s Specialized Enforcement and Response Team.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $40,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized and approved from the Municipal Court General Fund, in Object Class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachment to the ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the monies in the foregoing Sections shall be paid upon order of the Administrating and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court, and that no order shall be drawn or money paid except by voucher, the form of which shall be approved by the City Auditor.
SECTION 6. 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 7. That for 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.