Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a Participation Agreement with Prairie Townships for the procurement and payment of professional consulting services in connection with the implementation of the Darby Town Center. Prairie Township (the Township) and the city of Columbus (the City) are both local jurisdictions within the Franklin County portion of the Big and Little Darby Creeks' Watershed and have been involved in the Big Darby Accord planning process, a process that is intended to protect the water quality and other natural resources of this planning area, within the context of a balanced development approach and respecting the rights of property owners. The Big Darby Accord Watershed Master Plan of 2006 designates that the development of a Town Center be a large consideration in the preservation of the Watershed in Franklin County. The Township and the City both have a direct interest in the successful development and creation of the Town Center and desire to bring it closer to implementation.
The cost for hiring the consultant for this initiative is estimated to be approximately $100,000. The City's portion shall not exceed $50,000 (50%). The cost of hiring the consultant will be shared by both jurisdictions and both have agreed to provide funds to finance a portion of the costs of the consultant. It is understood that additional funding may be required and that other Darby Town Center partners may join in an amended participation agreement in the future. The funds will be provided to the Township as the financial agent for the parties hereto, to pay such costs. The willingness of the Township and the City to both participate in this initiative and provide a proportionate share of funding assistance is based upon the understanding and condition that all parties adhere to each and every element and principle contained in this Agreement.
Emergency action is requested in order to ...
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