Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of Development to enter into an agreement with the Neighborhood Design Center (NDC). The services to be provided by the NDC include expanded services to owners and tenants, corridor branding or moniker concepts, and expanded NCR Business Association Services within Columbus' commercial corridors that have been designated as NCR Districts including the Hilltop, Franklinton and others. NDC will continue to work closely with the Business Associations that represent these corridors, assisting with their outreach efforts through websites, social media and public engagement.
The Neighborhood Design Center is a non-profit, community-based corporation. The City has funded the Neighborhood Design Center since November, 1982, and in conjunction with the Ohio State University since 1986. Since that time, this organization has undertaken work for numerous clients within all the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) districts. They have provided design assistance to the business associations, their members, and non-members. The Neighborhood Design Center also carries out planning activities as well as assists with financial alternatives within the CDBG service area.
In addition, the Neighborhood Design Center provides exterior design services to any commercial property owner or tenant on the NCR strips. A minor amount of design assistance may well stimulate investment and create a quality business built upon good design. This legislation will authorize the expenditure of $120,000.00 for the above-mentioned purpose.
Emergency action is requested to begin providing expanded services in the NCR Areas without delay.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for the Neighborhood Design Center will consist of $120,000.00 from the 2013 Jobs Growth Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract with the Neighborhood Design Center to provide expanded services and planning activities within the NCR and CDBG service areas; to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of $120,000.00 from the Jobs Growth Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($120,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program encourages the aesthetic improvement of exterior building facades; and
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Design Center has been established to promote the role of the architect in the development process to provide training for architecture students, to encourage good design in redevelopment and to generate participation in the City's commercial revitalization efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Design Center also carries out planning activities and provides financial assistance to the businesses in the NCR areas and the CDBG service area; and
WHEREAS, NDC shall provide expanded NCR services to owners and tenants, corridor branding or moniker concepts, expanded NCR business association services and Mile on High services; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Development desires to enter into a contract with the Neighborhood Design Center in order to provide expanded NCR services to owners and tenants, corridor branding or moniker concepts, expanded NCR Business Association services, and Mile on High services; and
WHEREAS, said non-profit corporation requires funding in order to carry out the above purpose; and
WHEREAS, emergency action is necessary to allow the Neighborhood Design Center to provide expanded services to the NCR Areas without delay; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to continue the administration of said activity, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized and directed to enter into contract with the Neighborhood Design Center for the purpose of providing expanded NCR services, corridor branding or moniker concepts, expanded NCR Business Association services, and Mile on High services.
Section 2. That from the unappropriated monies in the Jobs Growth Fund, Fund 015 and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any all sources for the period ending December 31, 2013, the sum of $120,000.00 is hereby appropriated to the Department of Development, Division No.44-02, Object Level One-03, Object Level Three-3337, OCA Code 440215.
Section 3. That the expenditure of $120,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be expended from the Jobs Growth Fund, Fund 015, Development Department, Economic Development Division, Division 44-02, Object Level One-03, Object Level Three 3337, OCA 440215.
Section 4. That this contract is awarded pursuant to Section 329.15 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959 as amended.
Section 5. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
Section 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.