Explanation
This ordinance is to amend Section 913.02 of the Columbus City Code and will authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to authorize third party vendors to conduct commercial activity in City of Columbus controlled waterways via written permission rather than bid and contract. This will include the rental of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and similar vessels.
Background: Changes were recently made to Section 921.01-9 (Ord. 0521-2019) to authorize third party vendors to conduct commercial activity in City of Columbus controlled waterways via written permission rather than bid and contract. This will include the rental of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and similar vessels. Allowing permission to be issued in a manner similar to a park use permit will expedite the process. Any and all qualified vendors may be granted permission as long as they meet the qualifications. Strict rules, guidelines, and qualifications will be developed to ensure the community receives a high level of service.
Emergency Justification: Emergency Action is requested to ensure that adequate time is available to finalize policies with vendor and City Attorney’s Office input and allow concessions to take place as early as March 2019 when boating season begins.
Benefits to the Public: Concession of paddlecraft is a regular request by citizens. The City, not being equipped to manage the concession operation currently has no alternatives to offer. Once a permitting process is in place, we will be able to direct the public to a list of approved vendors while making no recommendations or endorsements of the company.
Community Input/Issues: Potential vendors have been very vocal about their desire to conduct operations on the reservoirs. We will work with these vendors, many who are advocates and industry experts to finalize qualifications and policy. There is also a community wide desire to activate the waterways of Columbus.
Area(s) Affected: Hoover, Griggs, and O’Shaug...
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