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 Big Darby Watershed also represents the largest undeveloped area in Franklin County. With the continued growth of Central Ohio, the watershed has experienced increased pressure for development in recent years.
On July 21, 2004, elected officials from jurisdictions that comprise the Big Darby Watershed in Franklin County gathered to discuss the importance of protecting the watershed and the need for a common vision for future development. Each jurisdiction expressed its resolve to work cooperatively on the development of a plan that would protect the Big and Little Darby Creeks for future generations. These communities: Columbus, Grove City, Hilliard, Harrisburg, Franklin County, and Prairie, Brown, Pleasant, Norwich, and Washington Townships have formed an agreement in principle to jointly fund the development of the plan.
Emergency action is requested to so that work on the Accord can begin immediately due to the scheduled expiration of the Big Darby Development Moratorium at the end of 2005.
FISCAL IMPACT: $500,000, with The City of Columbus' share being $179,000 and the remainder being split between the other jurisdictions as described herein.
Title
To authorize the Director of Development to enter into the Big Darby Accord Participation Agreement with Grove City, Hilliard, Harrisburg, Franklin County, and Prairie, Brown, Pleasant, Norwich and Washington Townships to secure their funding commitments to the Contract for Professional Services; to authorize the acceptance of $321,000 from these jurisdictions; to authorize the Director of Development to enter into contract with EDAW, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for planning services related to the development of the Big Darby Accord; to waive the formal professional service contracts process of Ch...
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