Columbus City Council - June 21, 2021

Columbus City Council Meeting Highlights:

• BUILDING A SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PORTAL: Council President Shannon G. Hardin is sponsoring ordinance 1366-2021 to create a one-stop website with small business resources. This $77,500 contract with EcoMap Technologies, Inc. will result in the design, creation and maintenance of a comprehensive web-based, single-stop internet portal that aggregates information relevant to assist Columbus small businesses.

• PREPARING A NEW PARK IN NORTHWEST COLUMBUS: President Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee is sponsoring ordinance 1182-2021 to design the new Case Road Park, located on the site of the former Ohio State University Agriculture Extension Sheep Farm at 2425 W. Case Rd. This 58-acre park has more than 1,000 households within a 10 minute walk. The $235,825 contract with MKSK Inc. will include developing plans for the parkland design and layout of amenities, which will be guided by community input.

• COMMITTING TO ADVANCING EQUITY: Councilmember Priscilla Tyson is sponsoring resolution 0111X-2021 to acknowledge racial inequities in the City of Columbus and declare Columbus City Council’s commitment to advancing racial equity. Recognizing the systemic racism that adversely impacts the lives of residents of Color, Columbus City Council will continue to implement strategies and provide resources to alleviate racial inequities.

• PROMOTING FIREWORK SAFETY: Councilmember Mitchell J. Brown, chair of the Public Safety Committee is sponsoring resolution 0108X-2021 to encourage residents to celebrate summer holidays responsibly and without the use of illegal fireworks. The only legal fireworks that may be displayed in Ohio are those that Snake, Smoke, Snap and Sparkle. The use of any explosive fireworks or rockets is illegal throughout the City of Columbus.

• BEGINNING TO BUILD OUT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR OPPORTUNITY PORT: Councilmember Rob Dorans is sponsoring ordinance 1583-2021 to enter into a grant agreement with the Legal Aid Society of Columbus for a total of $175,000 in support of Opportunity Port. The program aims to simplify the record sealing application process and expand access to legal support services for Columbus residents with a criminal record. To date, the Office of Councilmember Dorans has earned over $600,000 in grant funding to develop Opportunity Port.