Explanation
BACKGROUND:
Extreme weather brought on by climate change is affecting the Columbus region, primarily through increased precipitation and hotter temperatures. In the past, City Council has paid Franklin County Historical Society dba COSI Columbus and Gateway Film Foundation dba Gateway Film Center to serve as cooling centers for people seeking refuge. This year, Council has decided to reimburse COSI, Gateway Film Center, and Community Development for All People, all non-profit corporations, and all of which served as cooling centers during the heat wave that occurred during the week of June 17, 2024.
The Community Development for All People extended its hours of operations to serve the community as a cooling center Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. the week of June 17, 2024.
COSI allowed the first 2,000 individuals free entry on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
Gateway Theater offered free film screenings on Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20 from 1pm - 6pm.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, subfund 100018.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into grant agreements with Gateway Film Foundation dba Gateway Film Center, Franklin County Historical Society dba COSI Columbus, and Community Development for All People for their services as cooling centers during the week of June 17, 2024; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($71,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, The City of Columbus is experiencing hotter summers and increased rainfall as a result of climate change, thereby placing residents in greater danger of health risks such as heat stroke; and
WHEREAS, The City has partnered with Gateway Film Center and COSI Columbus in the past to provide residents with cooling centers at no cost to residents; and
WHEREAS, City Council is developing a plan to establish a protocol for future funding of cooli...
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