Explanation
Background: Columbus City Council and various City Departments have a need to purchase food and/or beverage items for various programs and events throughout the year. As such, Ordinance 3197-2022 amended the City Purchasing Code by adding sections 329.35 and 329.351. Section 329.35 added code language regarding the purchase of food and beverages for a public purpose and Section 329.351 added code language regarding the purchase of equipment for public purpose. Pursuant to these additions to City Purchasing Code, the Department of Finance and Management enacted a Food and Beverage Policy that provided guidelines to City Departments for the processing of related expenditures. It has become necessary to amend Section 329.35 and the related Food and Beverage Policy to align with best practices and to conform to the intent of the original code language.
Columbus City Council and City departments host employee recognition, training, and staff development events which both recognize and honor employees for work related achievements and train and develop staff for better programmatic and service delivery to the community.
Emergency action is requested to ensure that necessary code and policy revisions align with passage of the 2024 Operating Budget.
Title
To amend Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes and the related Food and Beverage Policy to authorize the purchase of food and beverages for a public purpose; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the health and welfare of residents of the City of Columbus, the public at large, and municipal officers and/or employees is paramount; and
WHEREAS, enhancing public engagement, facilitating public meetings, and providing for the efficient operation of the city serves a public purpose; and
WHEREAS, training, and developing staff for better programmatic and service delivery to the community serves a public purpose; and
WHEREAS, the ability to provide food, refreshments, snacks, meals, meme...
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