Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Big Darby Watershed is one of the most biologically diverse aquatic systems in the Midwest and is among the top warm freshwater habitats in the nation. The elected officials from jurisdictions that comprise the Big Darby Watershed in Franklin County collectively retained a team of consultants to develop a multi-jurisdictional plan that will protect the watershed and provide a common vision for future development.
The final Big Darby Watershed Master Plan was completed and presented to the partner jurisdictions in June 2006. The plan's general land use map and other provisions work to balance development and conservation objectives and underscore the primary goal of safeguarding the Big Darby for future generations.
The participating jurisdictions have developed a Memorandum of Understanding to guide the implementation of the Big Darby Watershed Master Plan. The Memorandum of Understanding addresses issues such as implementation of the general land use map, the provision of utility services, revenue generation and next steps.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact of this legislation.
Title
To express support for the Big Darby Accord Memorandum of Understanding by the Mayor and City Council; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Big Darby Accord Watershed Master Plan was developed collaboratively by the jurisdictions within the Big Darby Watershed in Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, the Big Darby Accord Watershed Master Plan's general land use map and other provisions work to balance development and conservation objectives and underscore the primary goal of safeguarding the Big Darby for future generations; and
WHEREAS, a memorandum of understanding was identified by the partner jurisdictions as an important complement the Big Darby Accord Watershed Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus has worked with the other Big Darby Accord jurisdictions to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to guide the implementation of the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the city also encourages the other nine jurisdictions participating in the Accord process to support this Memorandum of Understanding as a guide for implementation of the Plan in their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Memorandum of Understanding includes the following provisions:
· Implementation of the Master Plan, including the formation of a Big Darby Accord Advisory Panel, which will provide zoning recommendations to the jurisdictions;
· Recommendations for the provision of water and sewer service in the territory;
· A commitment to preserving open space;
· Tools to generate and share revenue, including the establishment of a community authority and developer contributions;
· Recognition that the Master Plan should be reviewed and revised over time;
· A commitment to interim implementation steps;
· Planning for the Town Center and rural conservation developments; and
· A schedule for the steps necessary to fully implement the Master Plan.
WHEREAS, it is appropriate and important that the City of Columbus demonstrate continued commitment to the implementation of the Plan and the success of the collaborative effort; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City of Columbus, in that it is immediately necessary to support this Memorandum of Understanding in order to ensure that development in the area is consistent with the Big Darby Master Plan; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. The Mayor and City Council of Columbus express support for the Big Darby Accord Memorandum of Understanding.
Section 2. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its adoption and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after adoption if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.
Section 3. That staff is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to each of the Accord partner jurisdictions.