Explanation
This ordinance authorizes a grant agreement with Central Community House to sustain its TRANSIT ARTS program.
The Near East (43205) has been identified as having one of the largest concentrations of youth vulnerability and one "where investments have the potential to impact the greatest number of our most vulnerable youth." In order to build and sustain strong neighborhoods, Central Community House (CCH) ensures youth are viewed through their assets, and challenged to express and appreciate their culture through artistic endeavors at CCH’s TRANSIT ARTS Program (TA). Simultaneously, youth build deep connections to their community and receive support needed to succeed in school and adulthood.
The COVID-19 pandemic has critically impacted CCH’s ability to deliver TRANSIT ARTS programming to the standard group settings. This funding will facilitate delivery of programming by providing for small-group meetings. Through rapport building, organic engagement, and surveys, TA artists will deepen their knowledge about burdens faced by girls historically, and currently due to COVID-19. A cohort of 24 will be intentionally and thoughtfully chosen based on common experiences, maturity, and short/medium/long-term goals. These 24 girls will be split into 4 groups of 6. These small groups in place will allow for more intimate support groups, while also providing flexibility to conduct socially distant workshops due to current health concerns related to COVID-19.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the CARES Act fund.
Emergency action is requested to avoid any delay in providing the resources necessary to respond to the increased demand as a function of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Central Community House in support of its TRANSIT ARTS program; to authorize an expenditure within the CARES Act fund; and to declare an emergency. ($56,483.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Near East has been identified as having one of the largest concentrations of youth vulnerability and one where investments have the potential to impact the greatest number of our most vulnerable youth; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has critically impacted CCH’s ability to deliver TRANSIT ARTS programming to the standard group settings; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic requires that the needs of vulnerable populations are seen in a way that is consistent with public health guidelines and social distancing requirements; and
WHEREAS, expenditure of CARES Act funding to support Central Community House is necessary to address the elevated demand caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, such expenditure of funds has not been previously accounted for in the 2020 Budget; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a grant agreement with Central Community House in support of its TRANSIT ARTS program to avoid any delay in providing the resources necessary to respond to the increased demand as a function of the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby preserving the public health, safety and welfare; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with Central Community House in support of their TRANSIT ARTS program.
SECTION 2. That per the action authorized in Section 1 of this ordinance, the expenditure of $56,483.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized 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 for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared an emergency measure and shall take effect and be enforced from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.