Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (FSWCD) for the GreenSpot Backyard Conservation Program for the Fiscal Year 2012.
The program was launched in 2011 through a partnership with the City of Columbus, FSWCD, and watershed groups. Also involved in the program is the manufacturer of the rain barrels EarthMinded. The goal of the program is to improve environmental stewardship and water conservation of the City of Columbus residents through outreach, workshops and educational material.
One of the benefits for residents is the distribution of rain barrels. In order to obtain a rain barrel at a discounted cost ($45) residents had to attend one (1) of 14 in-person rain barrel workshops. In addition, an online option was designed by the FSWCD to allow participants to view a rain barrel installation video, observe information discussing stormwater and water conservation and take a quiz. Residents were also provided with a fact sheet, access to various websites and other backyard conservation tips. The residents were given one rain barrel per household. In 2011 there were 730 rain barrels distributed.
The 2011 program was a success and the message of water conservation and storm water management was well received by the community. The Department of Public Utilities would like to support the program in 2012. A COMPLETE REPORT FROM THE 2011 PROGRAM IS ATTACHED TO THIS LEGISLATION.
In 2012, the program will continue to focus on providing rain barrels, conservation and storm water education, outreach and marketing, working with watershed groups such as Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) and Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT), and the promotion of the City of Columbus GreenSpot and Get Green Columbus Initiatives. Furthermore, 50 rain barrels will be distributed to participants of the City Low Income Program at...
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