Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a grant agreement with Green Columbus for trees that will be planted as a part of the Earth Day celebrations in 2017.
Trees are an important part of every community. They reduce the heat island effect that is caused by pavement and commercial spaces. They reduce runoff after storms by absorbing rainwater and reduce erosion by stabilizing soil. Trees bring energy savings year-round and reduce noise. They benefit residents’ mental and physical wellbeing and are crucial for wildlife habitat.
In 2015, then Mayor Coleman and then-City Council President Ginther launched the Branch Out Columbus initiative to increase the city’s tree canopy from 22% to 27% and committed to the goal of planting 300,000 trees by 2020. Branch Out Columbus relies, in part, on volunteers to plant trees throughout the community, and with their help, the city has already gained 21,500 trees.
Since 2007, Green Columbus and its partners have organized Central Ohio’s largest Earth Day celebration to promote sustainable living and engage the community in tackling environmental challenges. Last year, volunteer groups in coordination with Green Columbus’ Earth Day celebration, planted over 10,000 trees in the City. This year, they plan on planting over 8,000 trees.
Emergency action is requested in order to have funding available for the purchase and distribution of trees in advance of Earth Day on April 22.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available for use in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a grant agreement with Green Columbus; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure of $11,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($11,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Green Columbus and its partners have a proud tradition of engaging the Central Ohio community on environmental issues and sustainable living; and
WHEREAS, since 2007 Green Columbus and other community partners have successfully organized Earth Day celebrations and planted thousands of trees; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, through the Branch Out Columbus initiative, has committed to increasing the city’s tree canopy from 22% to 27% through the planting of 300,000 trees by 2020; and
WHEREAS, this Council deems it an effective use of funds to support Green Columbus and its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable living through the provision of this grant; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a grant agreement with Green columbus in order to have funding available for the purchase and distribution of trees in advance of Earth Day on April 22; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with Green Columbus in support of their Earth Day and tree planting activities.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor be and is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $11,000.00 in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018, to the Department of Public Utilities, in Object Class 03 - Contractual Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
See Attached File: Ord 0686-2017 Legislation Template.xls
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $11,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed pursuant to the actions authorized in SECTION 1, is hereby authorized in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018, in Object Class 03 - Contractual Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
See Attached File: Ord 0686-2017 Legislation Template.xls
SECTION 4. That this contract is awarded pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 329 that relate to not-for-profit service contracts.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this legislation.
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 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.