Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to modify and extend the contract with the Greater Columbus Convention Center (CCC) for an additional (3) months and $337,000.00. This additional time and funding is necessary to continue to house the high volume dockets at the CCC in order to mitigate the health and safety risks associated with the resumption of hearing cases that have been delayed as a result of the COVID-19 emergency.
Ordinance 2787-2020 authorized the Municipal Court Judges to enter into a three (3) month contract with the Greater Columbus Convention Center for space rental and ancillary services, including parking for Court visitors at the Convention Center.
The Greater Columbus Convention Center federal tax id is 31-1251788.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds totaling $337,000.00 are available within the Municipal Court Judges 2021 General Fund Operating Budget
EMERGENCY: Emergency legislation is requested for the continuity of the space and services provided by the Convention Center and to continue hearing cases in a safe manner.
Title
To authorize the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to modify and extend the contract with the Greater Columbus Convention Center (CCC) to temporarily house certain high volume dockets to the CCC in order to mitigate the health and safety risks associated with the COVID-19 emergency; and the expenditure of up to $337,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($337,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the need to provide an alternate location to temporarily house certain high volume dockets in order to mitigate the health and safety risks associated with the resumption of hearing cases that have been delayed as a result of the COVID-19 emergency ; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the City of Columbus and the Franklin County Municipal Court to address and adhere to the social distancing guidelines issued by the CDC caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Municipal Court Judges to modify and extend the existing contract with the Greater Columbus Convention Center for an additional three (3) months ending July 2, 2021 for continuity of services. The additional time and expenditures are necessary to maintain the safety of the public; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Franklin County Municipal Court in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Administrative and Presiding Judge to contract additional space to best accommodate the health and social distancing requirements and to safely resume operations, 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 Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court be and is hereby authorized to modify and extend the existing contract with the Greater Columbus Convention Center an additional three (3) months through the period ending July 2,2021.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $337,000 or so much thereof that may be necessary, is hereby authorized in Fund 1000 (General Fund), Dept-Div 2501 (Municipal Court Judges), Object Class 03, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is 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.