Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Energy and Environment, Brightening Ohio Communities Fund Program. The Brightening Ohio Communities Fund Program is accepting applications for funding to implement cost-effective, energy efficiency lighting improvements. If awarded, the funding will be used to replace existing exterior park lighting with high-efficiency LED lighting.
The Ohio Department of Development is accepting grant applications for the Brightening Ohio Communities Fund Program. The grant is expected to be around $400,000.00. The grant offers assistance to governmental agencies in to provide streetlight upgrades that will help local government agencies realize energy savings. Grant applications are due December 15, 2023. The notification of the grant acceptance will be awarded in the winter of 2023, and all project work must be completed by May 31, 2026.
The application requires an ASHRAE level II energy audit, which will be completed by Ameresco under an existing contract for grant application assistance. The energy audit will include the costs of replacement for exterior park lights and sports court lighting at Antrim Park. The estimate construction cost for the lighting replacement at Antrim Park is $400,000.00, which will be a portion of the 2024 Lighting Improvements project intended to be completed in 2024.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Development - Office of Energy and Environment
77 South High Street, 29th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Lydia Mihalik, (800) 848-1300
Contract Compliance Number: 006219
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: N/A (State of Ohio Agency)
Benefits to the Public: The replacement of exterior park lighting will reduce the amount of energy used, helping the City meet its climate goals, and providing a positive impact on the quality of life for current and future generations.
Community Input/Issues: The community has been extensively involved in the City’s efforts to reduce its energy needs by 45% by 2030.
Area(s) Affected:
Northwest (34)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving operations.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time. Future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Energy Efficiency Block Grant (EECBG) Program. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from t the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Brightening Ohio Communities (BOC) Program which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which will be used to replace exterior park lights and sports court lighting at Antrim Park; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance shows the City of Columbus' support for all application requirements; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is necessary to authorize the Director to apply for grant funding with the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Brightening Ohio Communities Program for the Antrim Park Lighting Improvements Project; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department be and is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Brightening Ohio Communities (BOC) Program which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This grant, if awarded, will be used to replace exterior park lights and sports court lighting at Antrim Park. This Council hereby supports this action.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only and is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Brightening Ohio Communities (BOC) Program.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.