Explanation
Background:
The applications are for grant funds to be used for natural area protection of Dysart Run and Big Walnut Creek. These projects will acquire 41.5 acres along Dysart Run and 36 acres along Big Walnut Creek of mature forests and stream corridor habitat. The projects will provide over 2,000 l.f. of protection for the city's waterways. The grants require a 25% local match.
Big Walnut Creek and Dysart Run are two of the city's most high quality waterways. The Big Walnut Creek project will protect a key segment of the stream corridor near Nafzger Park and Refugee Road. The Dysart Run project will preserve a critical stand of forest and headwaters along a tributary of Blacklick Creek, on the city's far east side near Broad Street and Wagoner Road. Both of these projects provide natural area preservation of high quality habitat in dense urban neighborhoods.
Emergency action is requested so the legislation can be included in the grant application package. The application deadline is February 3, 2014.
Fiscal Impact:
None. A future ordinance will address appropriation of matching funding.
Title
To authorize and support the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit grant applications to the Ohio Public Works Commission, District 3 Natural Resource Advisory Committee, for Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Round 8 grants to be used for natural area protection; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Public Works Commission, District 3 Natural Resource Advisory Committee is accepting applications for for natural area protection; and
WHEREAS, a Resolution of Support from City Council, included in the grant applications, is required by the grantor in order for the application to be complete; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for said funding for natural area protection of Dysart Run and Big Walnut Creek.; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to apply for said grant funding for the public health, peace, property, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Columbus City Council supports the Department of Recreation and Parks' application to the Ohio Public Works Commission, District 3 Natural Resource Advisory Committee for natural area protection of Dysart Run and Big Walnut Creek.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution authorizes an application only and does not obligate the Department to expend city funds.
SECTION 3. That this Resolution is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety of the City, and it is necessary to include this Resolution, along with the application for funding for this project, in order to meet the criteria established by the Ohio Public Works Commission.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its adoption and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after adoption if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.