Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a grant agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (FSWCD). Pursuant to this agreement FSWCD will develop and implement a backyard conservation program for Columbus residents. Development and implementation of this program is necessary to meet the requirements of the City's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
This grant agreement for the development phase will be from the date of execution by the City of Columbus, through and including December 31, 2015. Upon approval of additional funding in 2016, the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewerage and Drainage, Stormwater Regulatory Management Section will partner with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to move forward with the implementation phase of this program.
SUPPLIER: Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (31-0847446), Non-Profit Organization.
The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
FISCAL IMPACT: $30,175.00 is needed and budgeted for this purchase.
$0.00 was spent in 2014
$0.00 was spent in 2013
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a grant agreement with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District for the Lawn Care Practices Education and Outreach Program Development for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, Stormwater Regulatory Management Section, and to authorize the expenditure of $30,175.00 from the Storm Sewer Operating Fund. ($30,175.00)
Body
WHEREAS, The City has a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates the City's storm sewer system; and
WHEREAS, the MS4 permit requires that the City develop three programs aimed at Columbus residents to reduce stormwater pollution through targeted campaigns that include a message and call to action geared to the appropriate residential audience; and
WHEREAS, one of the campaigns will focus on backyard conservation measures, encouraging residents within the City's MS4 to adopt lawn care practices that will keep yards vibrant and attractive while limiting the amount of nutrients washing into our rivers and streams via the storm sewer system; and
WHEREAS, Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (FSWCD) and its sub-consultant, Bluestem Communications, are experts in the area of developing strategy, messaging, programs and materials that engage large audiences and inspire residents to adopt practices that reduce or eliminate stormwater runoff and pollution from their property; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to this grant agreement FSWCD will conduct research, develop appropriate messaging and communication strategies based on the current research, engage prospective partners and train and support staff who will be implementing the program beginning in 2016; and
WHEREAS, the grant agreement will be from the date of execution by the City of Columbus, through and including December 31, 2015; and
WHEREAS, upon approval of additional funding in 2016, the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewerage and Drainage, Stormwater Regulatory Management Section will partner with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to move forward with the implementation phase of this program; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities is requesting that this Council authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a grant agreement with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District for the Lawn Care Practices Education and Outreach Program Development for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, Stormwater Regulatory Management Section for the 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 Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement for the Lawn Care Practices Education and Outreach Program Development for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, Stormwater Regulatory Management Section in the amount of $30,175.00 with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, 1404 Goodale Boulevard, Suite 100, Columbus, Ohio 43212. This grant agreement will be from the date of execution by the City of Columbus, through and including December 31, 2015.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $30,175.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same hereby is authorized from the Storm Sewer Operating Fund, Fund 675, Department 60-15, to pay the cost of this contract as follows:
OCA: 675002
Object Level 1: 03
Object Level 03: 3407
SECTION 3. 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 4. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.