Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to prepare and execute an application for Safe Routes to School grant funds, accept and expend said funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting is performed.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) annually accepts applications to fund projects using Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program funds. Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) is a federal program, which provides limited funds to states including Ohio. SRTS funds are available to communities as grants to be used to improve the ability of elementary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely. ODOT requires that a designated official be authorized to submit said applications and execute agreements for approved projects. Additionally, ODOT requires that the City of Columbus act as the Local Public Agency (LPA) to manage the project. This is a reimbursement program, meaning that if funds are awarded the LPA must agree to pay the costs associated with the project and submit documentation showing proof of payment to be reimbursed. The LPA must also pay one hundred percent (100%) of the construction cost over and above the maximum amount provided by ODOT for the project. The total funding available statewide is $4,000,000, and a community may be awarded up to $400,000 for an infrastructure project. March 5, 2018 is the deadline for the current application cycle.
The Department of Public Service is preparing an application, with a current focus on constructing a new sidewalk on the west side of Kingsford Road, from Briggs Road to Eakin Road. This project would be in the Greater Hilltop area. This sidewalk would benefit students walking to school at both Eakin Elementary School and Wedgewood Middle School. The Columbus City Schools District-Wide Travel Plan identified the Kingsford Road corridor as a priority corridor for Eakin Elementary School. In 2016, walking was the most common travel mode at Eakin Elementary School, with more than half (53%) of the students walking to school.
2. EXPECTED PROJECT
The Department of Public Service plans to submit an application for the Kingsford Sidewalk from Eakin Road to Briggs Road - West Side project. Work performed on this project would be near Eakin Elementary School. The primary work would be constructing a new sidewalk on the west side of Kingsford Road, from Briggs Road to Eakin Road. The length of the sidewalk would be approximately 1,620 linear feet. The current project cost estimate is $354,580.00.
(This listing is meant to be illustrative and is believed to be accurate and complete; however, last minute project additions and substitutions are at the discretion of the Director of Public Service.)
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 Council's approval to apply for the grant prior to the March 5, 2018, deadline for applications.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service, on behalf of the City of Columbus, to prepare and submit a Safe Routes to School Application to the Ohio Department of Transportation; to authorize the Director of Public Service to execute necessary project agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation for SRTS grants approved by ODOT; to accept and expend project funds; to issue refunds if necessary after final accounting is performed; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Transportation is accepting applications for Safe Routes to School program funds; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service has identified a project that meets the eligibility requirements to be considered for Safe Routes to School program 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 submit an application, execute project agreements, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting for approved projects for the grant prior to the March 5, 2018 deadline for applications, 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, on behalf of the City of Columbus, Department of Public Service, is hereby authorized to prepare, execute, and submit an application for SRTS funds to the State of Ohio, Department of Transportation.
SECTION 2. That Council understands and agrees the Kingsford Sidewalk project is intended to be submitted on the SRTS application, but authorizes the Director of Public Service to change the project submitted and/or to include additional projects on the application at the discretion of the Director of Public Service.
SECTION 3. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to execute agreements and documents necessary to accept SRTS funds if awarded.
SECTION 4. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to accept and expend the funds for the approved projects.
SECTION 5. That if awarded the funds, the City of Columbus agrees to pay one hundred percent (100%) of the construction cost over and above the maximum amount provided by the State of Ohio, Department of Transportation.
SECTION 6. That upon completion of the described Project, and unless otherwise agreed, the City of Columbus shall: (1) provide adequate maintenance for the described Project in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws, including, but not limited to, 23 USC 116; (2) provide ample financial provisions, as necessary, for the maintenance of the described Project; (3) if necessary, maintain the right-of-way, keeping it free of obstructions; and (4) if necessary, hold said right-of-way inviolate for public highway purposes.
SECTION 7. 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 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 passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.