Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks for the Audubon Park Improvements project and to provide the necessary match funds per grant requirements. If awarded funding, a separate piece of legislation will be submitted at a later date to enter into a grant agreement and allocate the local funds. The grant amount is anticipated at $165,000 from the NatureWorks Grant Program (ODNR) with the City of Columbus being responsible for a match amount of $55,000 from CIP Funds.
The NatureWorks Grant is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to assist Ohio public entities in the acquisition or development of public outdoor recreation areas. This grant will be used for the construction of an open shelter, loop walk, and playground at the existing Audubon Park located between Hudson Street and Weber Road, East of I-71. These improvements will serve residents of the North Linden Area by providing a needed and easily accessible neighborhood recreation space.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, E-2, Columbus, OH 43229
Mary Fitch 614-265-6477
CC#: 31-6402047
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested to apply for this grant as the application must be submitted by May 1st, 2017.
Benefits to the Public: Improving Audubon Park will benefit the surrounding community by providing a neighborhood park within walking distance of a large portion of the North Linden Area. Applying for funding through the NatureWorks Grant will benefit the City by reducing the capital burden of the park development while also meeting the goals of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in its administration of the grant.
Community Input Issues: Beginning in 2016, Planning and Design staff began working with the community to develop a master plan for Audubon Park. This coordination included multiple meetings with the North Linden Area Commission as well as meetings with park neighbors held on site. Input gathered at these meetings was used to create and refine the plans for park improvements. As the project moves forward, the community will continue to be engaged as plans are refined and finalized.
Area(s) Affected:
Planning Area 11
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by making facilities within a park accessible to pedestrians, locating neighborhood parks within one half mile of all neighborhoods, and updating a minimum of five parks per year.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance requires no City of Columbus Funds. If awarded the grant, future legislation will accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as identify a City match. The grant amount is anticipated at $165,000 from the NatureWorks Grant Program (ODNR) with the City of Columbus being responsible for a match amount of $55,000 from CIP Funds.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Fund for the Audubon Park Improvements project and provide the necessary match funds per grant requirements; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Fund is accepting applications; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for a grant for the Audubon Park Improvements project; and
WHEREAS, future legislation would accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as identify a city match; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to apply for said grant to meet application deadlines; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Fund for the Audubon Park Improvements project and provide the necessary match funds per grant requirements.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only and is not a commitment to expend city funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation and expenditure of funds.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Fund.
SECTION 5. 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.