Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) annually accepts applications to fund projects using Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program funds. 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. The total funding available statewide is $4,000,000, and a community may be awarded up to $400,000 for an infrastructure project. March 4, 2019 is the deadline for the current Safe Routes to School application cycle. ODOT also accepts low-cost applications for funding from its Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) throughout the year. These low-cost applications have the same local match requirements (10%) as applications submitted during ODOT’s semi-annual HSIP application process.
The Department of Public Service is preparing a Safe Routes to School application, with a current focus on constructing three new sidewalks: (1) Ann Street from Stewart Avenue to Whittier Street, (2) Ann Street from Frebis Avenue to Mithoff Street, and (3) 17th Street from Markison Avenue to Frebis Avenue. This project would be in the Columbus Southside area. This project has already received design funding from City Council as part of Public Service’s Operation Safewalks. This project would benefit students walking to schools in the area, including Lincoln Park Elementary School. The Columbus City Schools District-Wide Travel Plan identified the Ann Street and 17th Street corridors as priority corridors for Lincoln Park Elementary School. Walking is a significant mode at Lincoln Park Elementary School, with 40% of students walking to school. As part of its SRTS application, Public Service is intending to request additional HSIP funding.
2. EXPECTED PROJECT
The Department of Public Service plans to submit an application for the following project:
Operation Safewalks - Ann St and 17th St: This project will perform work along priority corridors for Lincoln Park Elementary School. The primary work would constructing three new sidewalks: (1) Ann Street, from Stewart Avenue to Whittier Street (approximately 990 linear feet); (2) Ann Street from Frebis Avenue to Mithoff Street (approximately 1,030 linear feet); and (3) 17th Street from Markison Avenue to Frebis Avenue (approximately 1,580 linear feet). The current project cost estimate is $1,710,000.00.
While no other projects are planned for submission for this grant funding, changes and substitutions may be made 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 4, 2019, deadline for applications
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to prepare and submit Safe Routes to School and Highway Safety Improvement Program applications to the Ohio Department of Transportation; to accept and expend grant funds if awarded; 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 (SRTS) program funds; and
WHEREAS, the deadline for submitting applications for this round of Safe Routes to School program funds is March 4, 2019; and
WHEREAS, ODOT also accepts low-cost applications for funding from its Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) throughout the 2019 calendar year; and
WHEREAS, for the 2019 program year it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to submit applications, execute grant agreements, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary for approved projects for SRTS and HSIP funding; 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 submit applications and execute grant agreements so that funding can be made available for necessary design and construction services for the Safe Routes to School projects, 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 applications for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funds and Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds for the 2019 program year to the State of Ohio, Department of Transportation.
SECTION 2. That Council understands and agrees the Operation Safewalks - Ann St and 17th St 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 Council understands and agrees no projects are currently identified to be submitted for HSIP application program funding in the 2019 program year, but authorizes the Director of Public Service to submit projects for this program funding at the discretion of the Director of Public Service if projects are identified that meet the criteria for the funding.
SECTION 4. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to execute agreements and documents necessary to accept SRTS/HSIP funds and/or other ODOT funds if awarded.
SECTION 5. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to accept and expend the funds for the approved projects.
SECTION 6. That if awarded SRTS/HSIP 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 7. 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 8. 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 9. 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.