Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Department of Public Service is seeking Council approval to pursue grant funding from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). The Department of Public Service intends to apply for up to $300,000 of said grant monies to fund consultant studies of the City of Columbus’ recycling program and, if possible, illegal tire dumping and prevention activities.
The Department of Public Service is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) through the City’s Vendor Services site soliciting information on the costs of (1) a consultant study of the City’s recycling program, and (2) a consultant study of illegal tire dumping and prevention activities in the City of Columbus and Central Ohio region. SWACO requested the City issue this RFI to gather cost information that will shape the City’s final proposal to SWACO for the grant funding.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to formally apply for funding from the SWACO Grant Program and, if awarded, to accept the award on behalf of the Department of Public Service, to execute those documents necessary to accept the grant, to administer the grant funds, and to refund any unused funds to SWACO after the grant period ends if final accounting determines a refund is owed. Separate legislation will be submitted to Council to expend awarded grant funds.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
No financial participation is required at this time. Approval of this legislation will allow the Department of Public Service to apply for a grant award from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. If the grant is awarded and accepted, a 25% local match (monetary or in-kind) would be required.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to allow the Department of Public Service to apply for SWACO Grant Program funds by the end of 2017 calendar year, per SWACO’s request.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to apply for Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio Grant Program funding to fund consultant studies of its recycling program; to execute those documents necessary to accept the grant funds if awarded; to repay any unused grant funds at the end of the grant period; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio has grant program funding available; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service intends to apply for grant monies from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio to fund consultant studies of its recycling program and, if possible, illegal tire dumping and prevention activities; and
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to execute documents accepting awarded grant funds; 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 of Public Service to apply for the grant monies to meet the timeline SWACO has requested, 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 apply for Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio Grant Program funding, to accept said grant if awarded, to execute any documents necessary to effectuate said application, acceptance and agreement on behalf of the Department of Public Service, to administer awarded grant funds and to seek reimbursement from SWACO for grant expenses.
SECTION 2. 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 3. That the funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures and transfers authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
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.