Title
Notice/Advertisement Title: Operating budget hearing: Neighborhood, Recreation & Parks Minutes
Contact Name: Jacob Dilley
Contact Telephone Number: 614-645-5292
Contact Email Address: JADilley@columbus.gov
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Columbus City Council
NEIGHBORHOODS, RECREATION, AND PARKS 2026 PROPOSED
OPERATING BUDGET HEARING AGENDA
Thursday- January 29.2025 1:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers
Call to Order: 1:06 PM
Chair: Nancy Day-Achauer
Explanation: Overview of Departments’ role in neighborhoods, recreation, and parks
Present: Councilmember Nancy Day-Achauer, Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche, Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy, Marwah Warsame, Jacob Dilley, Director Bernita Reese, Director Yakima Douglas, Sam Dueling, Carmen Duckens, Brad Barrett (Fiscal Manager)
Introduction
Chair Nancy Day-Achauer:
● Highlighted importance of recreation and enrichment for community well-being, mental health, and crime prevention.
● Discussed fiscal constraints and need for departments to be fiscally responsible while improving quality of life.
Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche:
● Expressed appreciation to departments for their work and preparation, especially in responding to community needs.
Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy:
● Thanked directors for their preparation and looked forward to presentations and budget discussions.
Presentation: Department of Neighborhoods
Director Yakima Douglas:
● Neighborhoods as "the front door and bridge of the city," connecting all residents to government services regardless of language or background.
● Celebrated 10 years of the Department of Neighborhoods and 20 years of the 311 Customer Service Center.
● 311 requests increased nearly 50% over three years; 39% handled through digital channels.
● Emphasis on efficiency, accountability, and community engagement via Area Commissions (300+ meetings, 500 participants, 10 trainings in 2025).
● Community planning initiatives such as Eastland for Everyone: 1,800 residents engaged, 5,400 website visits, 720 attendees at public meetings.
● Rise Up Cbus: 33 events reaching 5,000 residents.
● Partnerships with local organizations and outreach to residents in their communities.
● Personal narratives via video from Student Success Stories, NALA graduates, Families Flourish, and Girls LEAP.
Councilmember Questions & Discussion: Department of Neighborhoods
CM Day-Achauer:
● Asked about reduced staff positions and potential layoffs.
Director Douglas:
● No layoffs: savings came from vacant positions. 311 staffing partially restored to address snowstorm response.
CM Day-Achauer:
● Concerning 311 tickets marked "closed" instead of "referred" and software improvements.
Director Douglas:
● Working with vendors and Department of Technology to modernize system with messaging/response models.
Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche:
● Asked about 311 call performance targets and alternative contact avenues.
Carmen Duckens, Assistant Director of Operations:
● Multiple channels: app, email, neighborhood centers; coordinated with departments and area commissions for public messaging.
Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche:
● Translation services and budget allocation clarified; budget covers citywide services.
● Asked about light and illegal dumping line item.
Director Douglas:
● CEO (Center for Employment Opportunity) contract complements DPS, employs returning citizens, addresses alleys/narrow areas, and tackles illegal dumping hot spots.
CM Nancy Day-Achauer:
● Highlighted importance of properly routed 311 tickets and AI solutions to improve efficiency.
Director Douglas:
● AI integration is a priority across departments; vendor discussions underway.
Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy:
● Thanked directors and staff for thoughtful budget considerations.
Presentation: Department of Recreation & Parks
Director Bernita Reese:
● Fiscal Manager Brad Barrett presented the 2026 operating budget.
● Highlighted programs connecting children, older adults, and residents with nature, wellness, and recreation.
● Video presentation showcased department impact across neighborhoods and programs in 2025.
CM Nancy Day-Achauer:
● Emphasized youth programming and job readiness programs across city.
● Discussed C-WOW (Center Without Walls) program expanding access to neighborhoods without physical facilities.
Councilmember Christopher Wyche:
● Asked about utility costs and sustainability measures.
● Inquired about overnight warming shelters during extreme cold.
Director Bernita Reese:
● HVAC and lighting improvements underway; ongoing coordination for warming/cooling centers.
CM Nancy Day-Achauer:
● Asked about urban tree canopy and Climate Action Plan.
Director Bernita Reese:
● Urban tree canopy goals being met annually; nursery expansion in progress to increase tree planting.
Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy
● Asked about an 8% Aquatics program cut and potential impact on staffing or pool availability.
Director Reese:
● No personnel cuts: adjustments managed through partnerships (YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, other nonprofits).
Closing Remarks
CM Day-Achauer:
● Thanked directors, staff, and council members for participation.
● Highlighted importance of neighborhood engagement, area commissions, and partnerships.
● Encouraged continued fiscal responsibility and focus on community impact.
Meeting Adjourned: 2:49