Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (FSWCD) for the GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program for the Fiscal Year 2012.
The program was launched in 2011 through a partnership with the City of Columbus, FSWCD, and watershed groups. Also involved in the program is the manufacturer of the rain barrels EarthMinded. The goal of the program is to improve environmental stewardship and water conservation of the City of Columbus residents through outreach, workshops and educational material.
One of the benefits for residents is the distribution of rain barrels. In order to obtain a rain barrel at a discounted cost ($45) residents had to attend one (1) of 14 in-person rain barrel workshops. In addition, an online option was designed by the FSWCD to allow participants to view a rain barrel installation video, observe information discussing stormwater and water conservation and take a quiz. Residents were also provided with a fact sheet, access to various websites and other backyard conservation tips. The residents were given one rain barrel per household. In 2011 there were 730 rain barrels distributed.
The 2011 program was a success and the message of water conservation and storm water management was well received by the community. The Department of Public Utilities would like to support the program in 2012. A COMPLETE REPORT FROM THE 2011 PROGRAM IS ATTACHED TO THIS LEGISLATION.
In 2012, the program will continue to focus on providing rain barrels, conservation and storm water education, outreach and marketing, working with watershed groups such as Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) and Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT), and the promotion of the City of Columbus GreenSpot and Get Green Columbus Initiatives. Furthermore, 50 rain barrels will be distributed to participants of the City Low Income Program at no charge. The program will also reach out to other communities and well making efforts to tie into Columbus Neighborhood Pride program and Area Commissions. Furthermore project partners will explore methods to reach economically disadvantaged communities and investigate grant opportunities.
SUPPLIER: Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (31-0847446)-Non-Profit Organization
FISCAL IMPACT: $40,500.00 is budgeted for the program within the operating budgets of the Division of Sewerage and Drainage and the Division of Power and Water (Water). In prior years the program was only offered to City of Columbus residents. The additional funding for the 2012 Fiscal Year is due to the fact that the program will reach out to surrounding communities and additional promotion of the program.
$20,000.00 was spent in 2011
$20,000.00 was spent 2010
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District for the 2012 GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage and the Division of Power and Water (Water), and to authorize the expenditure of $20,250.00 from the Water Operating Fund and $20,250.00 from the Sewerage System Operating Fund. ($40,500.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Utilities wishes to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Soil Water and Conservation District (FSWCD) for the 2012 GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program, and
WHEREAS, the goal of the program is to improve environmental stewardship and water conservation of the City of Columbus residents and surrounding communities, and
WHEREAS, the FSWCD will continue to provide education workshops, provide rain barrels at a discounted cost, and work with various watershed groups to promote the program, and
WHEREAS, the program will promote the GreenSpot and Get Green Columbus initiatives as well as providing residents with education on water conservation and stormwater runoff, and
WHEREAS, 50 rain barrels will be distributed to participants of the City's Low Income Program at no cost to the resident, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities wishes to continue supporting the GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program for the Fiscal Year 2012; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to provide the 2012 GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program to the residents of the City of Columbus and surrounding communities for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage and the Division of Power and Water (Water).
Section 2. That the expenditure of $40,500.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and the same is hereby authorized as follows:
FUND: 675
OCA: 675002
OBJECT LEVEL 1: 03
OBJECT LEVEL 3: 3337
AMOUNT: $20,250.00
FUND: 600
OCA: 601849
OBJECT LEVEL 1: 03
OBJECT LEVEL 3: 3337
AMOUNT: $20,250.00
TOTAL: $40,500.00
Section 3. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.