Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the transfer of $434,676,000.00 within the Columbus Public Health grant fund 2251 to the appropriate funding main accounts and object classes for 2021 COVID-19 response initiatives. In addition, this legislation will authorize the prior transfer of $1,355,000 within the American Rescue Plan fund for these same COVID-19 response initiatives as well as future initiatives.
This ordinance will authorize the expenditure of $1,034,389.85 as a result of PO280658, PO283406, and PO285541 each created and approved as a result of (3) separate mayor’s letter of emergency to proceed.
Mayor’s emergency letters are attached and dated:
July 12, 2021
July 27, 2021
August 10, 2021
This ordinance will authorize the Board of Health to enter into contracts with Giant Eagle in the amount of $1,034,389.85 as a result of Mayor’s emergency letters noted for the purpose of obtaining gift cards, which will be provided to the community as an incentive to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
Columbus Public Health is currently implementing a community vaccine outreach and incentive program to promote adoption of such vaccines in our neighborhoods. These vaccines are needed to mitigate the spread of the pandemic and thus far community response has been overwhelming and has been extended for an additional six week period. The strength of the community adoption has exceeded expectations and as such additional funds are needed in order to ensure that this program can continue without interruption.
Emergency Designation: This legislation is to be declared an emergency measure to ensure the continuation of COVID-19 response efforts while immediately providing funding in the correct auditing main accounts.
FISCAL IMPACT: Authorizing the transfer of appropriation within fund 2251 and transfer and appropriation within fund 2209. Funding for this initiative is available within these two sources.
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to enter into contracts with Giant Eagle, DBA the Tamarkin Company, in the amount of $1,034,389.85 to provide vaccine incentives; to authorize and direct the City Auditor to transfer $434,676.00 within the Columbus Public Health Department’s grant fund for response initiatives; to authorize the expenditure of $599,782.95 from the Recovery Fund 2209 and $434,606.90 from Health Grant fund 2251; and to declare an emergency. ($1,034,389.85)
Body
WHEREAS, there is a need to transfer grant funding and to provide correct appropriation by main account for the continuation of 2021 COVID-19 response initiatives; and,
WHEREAS, expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act funding to provide vaccine incentives is necessary to address the public health needs of the community as caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, Giant Eagle, DBA The Tamarkin Company vendor#032842 has been awarded contracts to provide gift cards based on their ability to provide such cards in a timely manner and provide for the vaccine incentive program to help prevent the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Board of Health in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Board to enter into contracts with Giant Eagle and authorize the City Auditor to transfer funding within fund 2251 for COVID-19 response and for the vaccine incentive program, to preservation of 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 Board of Health is hereby authorized to enter into contracts with Giant Eagle, DBA the Tamarkin Company, in the amount of $1,034,389.85.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer $434,676.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, within the Health Grant fund 2251, G502044 as previously directed by mayor’s letter of emergency.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of up to $1,034,389.85 or so much thereof that may be necessary in regard to the action authorized in Sections 1, be and is hereby authorized and approved from the Recovery Fund 2209, and Health Grant Fund 2251 as authorized by mayor’s letters of emergency.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. 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.