Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into an agreement with Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio (LSS), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The funds provided by the agreement will be used to undertake the construction of a new shelter for survivors of domestic violence through the LSS program known as CHOICES.
This new shelter will replace the existing facility which shows major signs of aging, is inefficient and has a design that is not large enough to meet community demands. A study team comprised of local elected officials, law enforcement, corporate supporters and regional domestic violence experts helped to establish design expectations.
Amenities for the project will include: housing capacity for 120 residents (with flexibility for future expansion if needed); bed rooms accommodated in a more intimate “neighborhood” design; and a central dining room with full kitchen for meal preparation. Total square footage of the facility is 46,530. Construction timeframe: estimated at 12 months.
Emergency action is necessary to allow for LSS to continue the development process in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT: A total of $500,000 will be expended from the Special Income Tax Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Lutheran Social Services to provide funding for costs associated with the construction of a new shelter for survivors of domestic violence; to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of $500,000.00 from the Special Income Tax Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($500,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, this legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio ("LSS"); and
WHEREAS, the funds provided by the grant agreement will be used to assist LSS in the construction of a new shelter for survivors of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a grant agreement with the Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio and to expend said funds to continue the development process in a timely manner, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and 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 to enter into a grant agreement with Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio to provide funding for costs associated with the construction of a new shelter for survivors of domestic violence.
SECTION 2. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, the sum of $500,000 is appropriated in the Special Income Tax Fund 4430, sub-fund 443001 in object Class 06 Capital Outlay, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $500,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, in regard to the purpose stated in Section 1, is hereby authorized and approved from the Special Income Tax Fund 4430, sub-fund 443001 in object Class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That this contract is awarded in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code Chapter 329 relating to not-for-profit service contracts.
SECTION 5. That, 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 6. 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 7. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding sources for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this Ordiance.
SECTION 8. 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 approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.