Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to accept grant funding in the amount of $135,686.00 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program for the construction of an urban singletrack trail at Berliner Park.
Background: Legislation was previously approved to authorize the Department to apply for this grant under Ordinance 0126-16. This ordinance shall authorize the City of Columbus to be bound by the terms of the Grant Agreement as they relate to the Property, including the obligation that the Property must be retained and used for public recreation purposes. The use of the Property shall not be changed from that approved when Recreational Trails Program assistance was obtained without prior written approval from ODNR. A notice of the grant agreement shall be recorded with Franklin County.
This project will develop up to 3 miles of urban singletrack natural surface trail and a bike skills area along the Scioto River corridor south of Greenlawn Ave. The Berliner Singletrack will be the first professionally designed and built all-weather natural surface trail inside the 270 outerbelt of Columbus, Ohio. This project will provide an active outdoor experience for all ages and social groups near downtown Columbus directly accessible by the Central Ohio Greenways trail system and public transportation.
The grant amount is not to exceed $135,686.00 which is for 72% of total project costs with the City of Columbus being responsible for the remaining funds (grant match) of at least 28% of total project costs. Future legislation will be submitted for appropriating the final construction costs from CIP funds for the grant match.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Rd, E-2
Columbus, OH 43229
D’Juan Hammonds 614.265.6417
CCN: CC# 31-6402047
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested in order to accept the grant agreement and begin work within the time frame requested by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Benefits to the Public: Berliner natural surface singletrack trails and bike skills area will be directly accessible from the Central Ohio Greenway Scioto Trail. The Scioto Trail is directly connected to the greater Central Ohio Greenways network consisting of over 160 miles of regional trails and connections to neighborhoods throughout Columbus.
Community Input Issues: CRPD planning staff began working with local bike advocacy groups in 2016 to develop planning documents for providing urban natural surface trails and bike skills development areas around the regional greenway trail system. This coordination included public meeting and public input through online surveys and open forums to provide input. As this project moves forward, the community will continue to be engaged as plans are refined and finalized.
Area(s) Affected: Columbus Communities Area 59. Southwest
Master Plan Relation: This project supports the departments Master Plan by expanding and improving bike infrastructure, facilities and accessibility (Table 6.1 Section 1.10.2-4). The Department is also partnering with local bike advocacy groups during this project to promote safe and healthy outdoor access.
Fiscal Impact: If awarded funding, a separate piece of legislation will be submitted at a later date to enter into a grant agreement and allocate the local funds.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to accept grant funding in the amount of $135,686.00 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program for the construction of an urban singletrack trail at Berliner Park; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, legislation was previously approved to authorize the Department to apply for this grant under Ordinance 0126-16; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to accept grant funding in the amount of $135,686.00 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program for the construction of an urban singletrack trail at Berliner Park; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to accept grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program for the construction of an urban singletrack trail at Berliner Park in order to begin work within the time frame requested by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, all for the preservation of the public health, peace, property and safety; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks is authorized and directed to accept grant funding in the amount of $135,686.00 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program for the construction of an urban singletrack trail at Berliner Park.
SECTION 2. 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 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.