Explanation
This ordinance amends various chapters throughout Title 39 and Sections 329.191 and 329.192 in Title 3 of the Columbus City Codes. Title 39 is the portion of Columbus City Codes governing the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. These changes vary in nature from clarifying and specifying certain administrative functions to expansions of the keystone programming under the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
As an overview, the code changes in this ordinance are as follows:
· Replacing the Small Local Business Enterprise certification with the Small Regional Business Enterprise certification. This expands the program to businesses in Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union Counties.
· Removing the citizenship requirement from a business’ eligibility criteria for certification under the Office’s various supplier diversity programs.
· Clarifying that businesses structured with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are not eligible for certification under Section 3903.09 of Columbus City Codes, which pertains to the certification of joint ventures.
· Amending the requirement for business eligibility pertaining to the age of the business. The changes proposed in this ordinance would amend the eligibility to require that businesses be in business for one year, rather than for six months.
· Adding a one-year moratorium on re-applying for certification after a denial. This does not impact the appeal process, which is still in place under the changes proposed in this ordinance.
· Adding a sunset provision for the evaluation and reauthorization of Title 39 programs.
· Making technical changes to correct or clarify the code where needed, including sections of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Codes that reference programs under Title 39 that would change based on the amendments proposed in this ordinance.
These changes will improve the effectiveness of the programs and strengthen the operations of the Office of Diversity and Inclus...
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