Explanation
This ordinances authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Service to enter into grant agreements with various social service agencies in support of the Cleaner Columbus Employment Program.
According to a July study on the impact of COVID-19 in major US cities, more than half of residents report experiencing serious financial problems. The Cleaner Columbus Employment Program will offer residents in five neighborhoods the opportunity to have temporary employment for two weeks. This will provide temporary assistance due to financial hardship experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Temporary workers will be paid a minimum of $15 per hour, and will be deployed within neighborhoods to perform litter cleanup and neighborhood beautification. The agencies receiving the grant funds will prioritize enrolling residents that have experienced employment disruption.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the CARES Act fund.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any delay in providing the resources necessary to initiate the Cleaner Columbus Employment Program for those who are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Service to enter into grant agreements with various social service agencies in support of the Cleaner Columbus Employment Program; to authorize a transfer of appropriations and an expenditure within the CARES Act fund; and to declare an emergency. ($250,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, in major U.S. cities, more than half of residents report experiencing serious financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, by offering temporary employment the Cleaner Columbus Employment Program will offer financial resources to some of our most vulnerable residents; and
WHEREAS, litter has served as a constant nuisance in some of our low-income neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure of CARES Act funding is necessary to address the...
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