Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to enter into a grant agreement with St. Mary School, Inc. for infrastructure improvements located at St. Mary School.
St. Mary School has experienced unprecedented growth over the last five years, increasing from 244 to nearly 400 students in pre-K through 8th grade for the 2020-2021 year. With increased enrollment comes crowded classrooms, well-worn facilities, and waitlists. However, as our enrollment grows, so does the opportunity to expand our impact.
The new campus will expand the elementary school by 10,000 sq. ft.; improve teaching and learning spaces with the latest technology and systems; provide outdoor learning environments; and provide dedicated space for partners to deliver programs and services.
Improving rights of way and critical infrastructure such as sidewalks in historic neighborhoods is in alignment with the investments the city has made to improve and maintain essential and historic city assets. Columbus City Council deems it to be a public purpose to facilitate these infrastructure improvements, utility repairs and upgrades, and to provide for additional educational and recreation opportunities for residents. Columbus City Council also previously approved this intended expenditure via approval of the 2022 Capital Improvements Budget.
The total campaign goal is $20 million and, to date, more than $18.7 million has been raised. All except the $500,000 commitment from the City is private philanthropic support. The public investment of the City is leveraged by an unprecedented level of community support.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: The vendor’s contract compliance number is pending.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Development Taxable Bond Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with St. Mary School, Inc.; to authorize the expenditure of $500,000.00 from the Development Taxable Bond Fund and to allow for expenditures prior to the Purchase Order. ($500,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, St. Mary School has experienced unprecedented growth over the last five years, increasing from 244 to nearly 400 students in pre-K through 8th grade for the 2020-2021 year; and
WHEREAS, with increased enrollment comes crowded classrooms, well-worn facilities, and waitlists; and
WHEREAS, St. Mary School desires to expand the elementary school by 10,000 square feet; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus desires to provide a capital grant for improvements benefiting the school and neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, improving rights of way and critical infrastructure such as sidewalks in historic neighborhoods is in alignment with the investments the city has made to improve and maintain essential and historic city assets; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize a grant agreement in order to help St. Mary School, Inc. achieve success on its capital campaign for the improvements needed at St. Mary School in an amount up to $500,000.00; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Development be and is hereby authorized to enter into a Grant Agreement, in an amount up to $500,000.00 with St. Mary School, Inc. to provide a capital grant supporting expansion of the facility and to reimburse construction costs expenses and professional services costs expenses associated with the planning, design and completion of the permanent improvements as of January 1, 2023 incurred prior to the purchase order which costs are hereby determined to be a valid public purpose.
SECTION 2. That for the purpose as stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $500,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized in fund 7739 (Development Taxable Bonds), Project 200027-100000, Dept. 44-01 (Administration), in Object Class 06 (Capital Outlay) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.