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. A community may be awarded up to $400,000 for an infrastructure project. March 6, 2020, is the deadline for the current Safe Routes to School application cycle.
The Department of Public Service is preparing a Safe Routes to School application, with a current focus on constructing new sidewalks and filling existing sidewalk gaps on Grace Street, from Orel Avenue to Eureka Avenue. Public Service will be funding the design of the project as part of the Operation Safewalks program. This project will benefit students walking to school and school bus stops in the area. The Columbus City Schools District-Wide Travel Plan identified Grace Street as a priority corridor for West Broad Elementary School. Walking is a significant mode at West Broad Elementary School, with approximately 35% of students walking to school.
2. EXPECTED PROJECT
The Department of Public Service plans to submit an application for the following project:
Operation Safewalks - Grace Street - Orel Avenue to Eureka Avenue: This project will perform work along a priority corridor for West Broad Elementary School. This project will add sidewalk along Grace Street from Orel Avenue to Eureka Avenue. The current project cost estimate is $ 2,280,000.00.
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 6, 2020, 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 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 program funds; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to submit an application, execute grant agreements, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting for approved projects; 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 grant applications to ODOT 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 an application for SRTS funds to the State of Ohio, Department of Transportation.
SECTION 2. That this Council understands and agrees the Operation Safewalks - Grace Street - Orel Avenue to Eureka Avenue 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 and/or other ODOT 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.