Explanation
Background:
The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging of the Recreation and Parks Department is annually awarded Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III funds from the Ohio Department of Aging for the continuation of services to older adults in the Central Ohio area, including Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union Counties. The Ohio Department of Aging requires that a portion of these funds must be utilized to provide Ombudsman services.
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into a not-for-profit service contract with Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio for the provision of Ombudsman services for the period January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
Ohio’s Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman and regional ombudsman programs advocate for people receiving home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. Paid and volunteer staff work to resolve complaints about services, help people select a provider, and offer information about benefits and consumer rights. They work with providers, residents, their families, and other representatives to resolve problems and concerns.
These services will be available to residents age 60 and older in Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union Counties.
BID INFORMATION:
The Ohio Department of Aging requires that the Central Ohio Area on Aging enter into contract with Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio as the Regional Ombudsman program administrator for Central Ohio.
This contract is awarded pursuant to City Code Sections 329 relating to non-profit service contracts, such that the services provided by Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio cannot be provided by existing city employees under the terms of the grant agreement.
Principle Party:
Easterseals of Central and Southeast Ohio
Region 6 Ombudsman
3820 Trueman Court
Hilliard, OH 43026
Phone: 1-800-536-5891
Fiscal Impact:
$151,484.00 is required from the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund to meet the financial obligation of this contract.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION:
Emergency action is requested in order to meet the conditions of the grant so that Ombudsman services may continue without interruption.
This Ordinance is contingent on the passage of Ordinance 2707-2023.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a not-for-profit service contract with Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio for the provision of Ombudsman services to older adults in Central Ohio for the period of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024; to authorize the expenditure of $151,484.00 from the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($151,484.00)
Body
WHEREAS, The Ohio Department of Aging has made Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III funding available to the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging to provide Ombudsman services to older adults in Central Ohio for the period of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS, such expenditure of funds has not been previously accounted for in the 2023 Budget; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks to enter into a not-for-profit service contract with Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio for the provision of Ombudsman services for the period January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into said contracts so there is no interruption of services for older adults, thereby preserving 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 Director of Recreation and Parks is authorized and directed to enter into to enter into a not-for-profit service contract with Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio for the provision of Ombudsman services for the period January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
SECTION 2. That this contract is awarded pursuant to City Code Sections 329 relating to non-profit service contracts. Pursuant to City Code Section 329, the services provided by Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio cannot be provided by existing city employees under the terms of the grant agreement.
SECTION 3. That to pay the cost of said contracts, the expenditure of $151,484.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and is hereby authorized from and within the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund No. 2286, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. 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 5. 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 legislation.
SECTION 6. 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 passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten (10) days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes same.