Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for improvements to Sullivant Gardens Park. This ordinance will also authorize the acceptance and appropriation of the grant funds. The grant amount available for this project being authorized by this ordinance is $100,000.00.
In April of 2025, the Recreation and Parks Department was awarded a NatureWorks grant from ODNR for improvements to the greenspace adjacent to the Sullivant Gardens Community Center. The grant funding will be used for improvements of an existing open field along the east side of the Community Center. The improvements will create a space suitable for recreational sports, open play, parking, a walkway, and fencing. The project is expected to begin design in late 2025 and is intended to be under construction in summer of 2026.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, Building E-2
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Dolores Burlison, (614) 265-6834
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested so the Director can sign the agreement by the deadline grant date of October 1, 2025.
Benefits to the Public: This project will provide recreational play space in one of the city's most at-risk neighborhoods.
Community Input/Issues: Public engagement with the surrounding community and Sullivant Gardens staff was conducted in 2024. Converting the unused greenspace adjacent to the Community Center is considered a top priority.
Area(s) Affected: Franklinton (54)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks’ Master Plan by nurturing an active and healthy community while bringing nature into focus.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance will authorize the appropriation of $100,000.00 in grant funds in the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund 2283. Future legislation will be prepared to expend these funds once the project is ready to move forward.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and accept a grant in the amount of $100,000.00 for improvements to Sullivant Gardens Park; to authorize the appropriation of $100,000.00 in the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($100,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to accept a grant in the amount of $100,000.00 and enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for improvements to Sullivant Gardens Park; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $100,000.00 to the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to sign the agreement by the deadline grant date of October 1, 2025, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and, 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 accept a grant and enter into a contract with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for improvements to Sullivant Gardens Park. The amount of the grant is $100,000.00. Future legislation will be prepared to expend these funds once the project is ready to move forward.
SECTION 2. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, the sum of $100,000.00 is appropriated to the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund 2283 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance. Appropriation effective upon receipt of executed grant agreement.
SECTION 3. That 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 4. 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 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 ordinance.
SECTION 6. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 7. 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 its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.