Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Service to enter into an agreement with the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) in support of the Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children (MOMCC) Art Memorial Installation, a community-driven effort to honor the lives of children lost to violence in the City of Columbus.
Upon completion and final acceptance, and pending approval by GCAC, the City will assume ownership of the Artwork and incorporate it into the City’s public art collection. This ordinance also authorizes the Director of Public Service to accept such ownership, ensuring seamless transition for maintenance and conservation responsibilities.
The Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children organization has been a steadfast voice of advocacy, healing, and awareness, uplifting families impacted by senseless homicide. The proposed art memorial installation will serve as a public space for remembrance, reflection, and education, symbolizing the City’s commitment to supporting families, preventing future violence, and fostering community unity.
GCAC, in partnership with MOMCC, will lead the artistic planning, community engagement, and installation design. The memorial will feature works created by artist, with a priority focus on local Columbus artists.
In addition to funding, the Department of Public Service will contribute space within the public right-of-way for the installation and support necessary maintenance efforts to preserve the integrity and visibility of the memorial.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $50,000.00 for this expenditure is available in the Street Construction, Maintenance and Repair Fund, Fund 2265. Transfer of appropriation is necessary from Object Class 03 to 05.
Funding in the amount of $30,000.00 for this expenditure is available in the General Revenue Fund, Fund 1000, funds are appropriated.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to allow the Department of Public Service to facilitate the execution of the contribution in early 2026 so necessary funds are available and to ensure timely development and installation of the memorial.
Title
To authorize the transfer of appropriation within the Street Construction, Maintenance and Repair Fund; to authorize the Director of Public Service to enter into a contribution agreement with the Greater Columbus Arts Council in support of the Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children Art Memorial Installation; to accept, on behalf of the City, title and ownership of the completed Artwork and add it to the City’s public art collection upon final acceptance and required approvals; to authorize the expenditure of up to $80,000.00 within the Street Construction, Maintenance, and Repair Fund and General Revenue Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($80,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children (MOMCC) organization has committed to honoring children lost to violence and supporting impacted families across Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the proposed art memorial installation will create a permanent, public-facing tribute that elevates community awareness, fosters healing, and memorializes the lives of those whose deaths have deeply affected their families and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the Greater Columbus Arts Council is sponsoring and coordinating the creation of the memorial, engaging local artists to design an installation reflective of the resilience, hope, and transformative power of the Columbus community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus recognizes the importance of public art as a tool for education, healing, and social impact, especially in areas disproportionately affected by trauma and violence; and
WHEREAS, upon completion and approval of the MOMCC memorial artwork, the City intends to accept ownership of the Artwork, include it in the City’s public art collection, and assign long-term stewardship and maintenance responsibilities to the Department of Public Service; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service intends to contribute $50,000.00, space within the public right-of-way, and labor for long-term maintenance to ensure the memorial remains accessible and well-preserved; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to transfer appropriation between Object Classes within the Street Construction, Maintenance and Repair Fund; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the execution of a contribution agreement between the Department of Public Service and GCAC to advance this important community initiative; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of up to $80,000.00 from the Street Construction, Maintenance and Repair Fund and the General Revenue Fund for this important community initiative; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to execute the agreement to facilitate timely creation and installation of the memorial; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the transfer of appropriation is hereby authorized within Fund 2265 (Street Construction, Maintenance and Repair Fund), from Object Class 03 (Purchased Services) to Object Class 05 (Other) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. The Director of Public Service is hereby authorized to enter into a contribution agreement with the Greater Columbus Arts Council for the Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children Art Memorial Installation and to accept, on behalf of the City, title and ownership of the completed Artwork and add it to the City’s public art collection upon final acceptance and required approvals (including the Columbus Arts Commission), and to execute any related documents necessary to carry out the intent of this ordinance
SECTION 3. That an expenditure of $50,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized from Fund 2265 (Street Construction, Maintenance, and Repair Fund), Dept-Div 5901 (Director’s Office), Object Class 05 (Services), per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance for the purposes provided for in SECTION 2 associated with the installation of the memorial in the public right-of-way.
SECTION 4. That an expenditure of $30,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized from Fund 1000 (General Revenue Fund), Dept-Div 2001 (City Council), Object Class 05 (Other), per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. Funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures and transfers authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble, this ordinance is hereby declared 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.