Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) annually accepts applications to fund projects using Safe Routes to School Program funds. The Safety Program Committee has reviewed the applications submitted previously and has made decisions on funding projects. These grants do not require a minimum local match (0.00%).
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to execute project agreements for approved projects, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting is performed.
2. AWARDED PROJECTS
The Department of Public Service has received notification of grant awards for the following projects:
FRA CR 556 0.440 SRTS (PID 106396): This project will perform work around two elementary schools: Sullivant Elementary School and Trevitt/Beatty Park Elementary School. Work around Sullivant Elementary Schools consists of (1) constructing a buffered two-way bike lane on the east side of S. Souder Avenue, from Sullivant Avenue to Mound Street; and (2) adding a 5’ wide sidewalk on the west side of the Buchanan Drive/Van Buren Drive loop. Work around Trevitt/Beatty Park Elementary School consists of adding a 6’ wide sidewalk with integral curb on the south side of Toronto Street, from Trevitt Street to N. Champion Avenue. Funding for this project has been approved - and capped - at $378,256.00 in funds for construction in SFY 2021.
3. FISCAL IMPACT
No financial participation is required at this time. City funds will be approved in the form of design contracts, right of way acquisition, and/or construction contracts that will be submitted for Council's approval.
4. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to provide necessary funding for necessary design and construction services and prevent unnecessary delays in the Department of Public Service’s SRTS - Souder and Toronto project.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service, on behalf of the City of Columbus, to execute grant agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting for approved projects; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Transportation has awarded the City Safe Routes to School Program grant funds for the following projects:
FRA CR 556 0.440 SRTS (PID 106396): This project will perform work around two elementary schools: Sullivant Elementary School and Trevitt/Beatty Park Elementary School. Work around Sullivant Elementary Schools consists of (1) constructing a buffered two-way bike lane on the east side of S. Souder Avenue, from Sullivant Avenue to Mound Street; and (2) adding a 5’ wide sidewalk on the west side of the Buchanan Drive/Van Buren Drive loop. Work around Trevitt/Beatty Park Elementary School consists of adding a 6’ wide sidewalk with integral curb on the south side of Toronto Street, from Trevitt Street to N. Champion Avenue. Funding for this project has been approved - and capped - at $378,256.00 in funds for construction in SFY 2021.
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to execute grant agreements, accept and expend grant funds and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting for approved projects; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to execute grant agreements so that funding can be made available for necessary design and construction services for the SRTS - Souder and Toronto project, thereby preserving 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 Service be and is hereby authorized to execute grant agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation, on behalf of the City of Columbus, Department of Public Service, for the Safe Routes to School Program and to accept and expend the funds for the projects.
SECTION 2. 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 3. At the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 4. 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.