Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Big Darby Watershed is one of the most biologically diverse aquatic systems in the Midwest and is among the top warm freshwater habitats in the nation. The jurisdictions that comprise the Big Darby Watershed in Franklin County have formed a partnership to develop a plan to protect the Big and Little Darby Creeks for future generations. A consultant team was selected and work on this effort began in April 2005. At a December 6, 2005 elected leaders meeting of the Accord partners, a set of plan principles was presented which was intended to reflect the direction and intent of the planning effort. Columbus City Council adopted those principles on December 12, 2005 as a statement of support for the plan. Subsequent discussions among Accord partners have resulted in a need to revise those principles to more accurately reflect the current project direction. This resolution is intended to express the support of the City of Columbus for the progress and direction of the Big Darby Accord through adoption of these revised Plan Principles. The resolution is presented as emergency due to the June 30, 2006 moratorium deadline and the corresponding project schedule.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact of this legislation.
Title
To resolve to approve the revised Big Darby Accord Plan Principles; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Big Darby Accord is being developed collaboratively by the jurisdictions within the Big Darby Watershed in Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, significant progress has been made by the jurisdictions in the development of the plan; and
WHEREAS, at a December 6, 2005 elected leaders meeting of the Accord partners, a set of plan principles was presented which was intended to reflect the direction and intent of the planning effort; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council adopted those principles on December 12, 2005 as a statement of support for the plan; and
WHEREAS, subsequent discussions among Accord partners have resulted in a need to revise those principles to more accurately reflect the current project direction; and
WHEREAS, the revised plan principles are based upon a mission statement developed by the ten jurisdictions at the beginning of the planning process; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate and important that the City of Columbus demonstrate continued commitment to the completion of the Accord and the success of the collaborative effort; and
WHEREAS, the Big Darby Accord Plan Principles are:
· Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas
· A preliminary land use plan that balances environmental protection and responsible growth.
· A preliminary land use plan that recognizes existing sewer and wastewater treatment capacities, while taking into account the rights accorded watershed landowners under current zoning.
· Growth areas will be served by adequate public facilities, particularly central sewer.
· A Development Policy that provides for mechanisms to acquire environmentally sensitive areas.
· A memorandum of understanding (MOU) among Accord members to implement the agreed upon plan.
· Development without the condition of annexation.
· Mechanisms for cooperative revenue sharing among Accord members.
· Water quality, biological integrity, and adaptive management; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City of Columbus, in that it is immediately necessary to adopt the revised Big Darby Accord Plan principles to preserve the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. The City of Columbus approves the revised Big Darby Accord Plan Principles.
Section 2. These revised principles supersede and replace the Big Darby Accord principles adopted on by Columbus City Council on December 12, 2005.
Section 3. The Clerk is hereby directed to send a copy of this resolution to each of the other participating jurisdictions in the Big Darby Accord.
Section 4. That it is found and determined that all formal actions of this City Council concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Council and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal actions were in meetings open to the public in compliance with all legal requirements including Sections 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Section 5. That for 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 ten days after adoption if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.