Explanation
Background: The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) received a grant from the Ohio Lake Erie Commission in late 2009 to develop a balanced growth plan for the Olentangy River Watershed, a portion of which lies within Columbus. During 2010 and 2011, MORPC convened a Watershed Planning Partnership of jurisdictions within the area to undertake the effort. Columbus representatives attended project meetings and provided input on map and text portions of the document. The resulting plan identifies priority areas for agriculture, conservation, and development (see attached plan overview). The plan also identifies tools and programs to protect and enhance Priority Agriculture and Conservation Areas while focusing sustainable development in Priority Development Areas. The plan contains recommendations rather than mandated requirements. However, its success will depend in part on the active participation of the jurisdictions within the watershed. Similar plans are underway for the Upper Scioto and Big Walnut watersheds. This resolution is intended to express support for the completed Olentangy plan. No City funds are obligated by this resolution and the project budget does not contemplate contributions from Columbus or other partner jurisdictions.
Fiscal Impact: No funds are obligated or implied by this resolution.
Title
A Resolution of Support for the Olentangy Balanced Growth Plan.
Body
WHEREAS, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) received a grant from the Ohio Lake Erie Commission to develop a balanced growth plan for the Olentangy River Watershed, a portion of which lies within Columbus; and
WHEREAS, MORPC formed a Watershed Planning Partnership of jurisdictions within the watershed to work collaboratively on the effort, which included opportunities for public input; and
WHEREAS, the balanced growth plan identifies Priority Conservation Areas to protect important ecological, recreational, agricultural, heritage, public access, and other areas, the preservation of which would enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the plan identifies Priority Development Areas within the watershed, where growth or redevelopment should especially be promoted and through which the economy of the region encompassed by the watershed will be enhanced; and
WHEREAS, the plan also identifies Priority Agricultural Areas to conserve valuable farm land, while protecting surface and groundwaters; and
WHEREAS, the plan identifies tools and programs to protect and enhance Priority Agriculture and Conservation Areas while focusing sustainable development in Priority Development Areas; and
WHEREAS, while the balanced growth plan does not impose any mandatory requirements or limitations, its effectiveness in influencing future growth and development in the Olentangy Watershed will benefit from the continuing participation of the jurisdictions with planning authority within the Olentangy Watershed in the Watershed Planning Partnership; and
WHEREAS, no City funds are obligated or implied by this resolution and the project budget does not contemplate contributions from Columbus or other partner jurisdictions; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Mayor and City Council support the Olentangy Balanced Growth Plan and the designated priority areas for the Olentangy Watershed and the City will make good faith efforts to implement applicable recommendations of the balanced growth plan in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio and the wishes of its own citizens.
Section 2. That Columbus will continue to participate in the work of Olentangy Watershed Planning Partnership, subject to available resources.
Section 3. That this resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.