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2/4/2010: Call The Roll Podcast 02/06/2010
Guests/Topics Discussed: Downtown Business Plan/Councilmember Ginther; 2010 Census Count;  American Heart Association “Go Red For Women” Campaign; Ohio State Football Coach Jim Tressel Accepts City Council Recognition 
2/3/2010: Councilmember Ginther on Downtown Jobs 02/03/2010
For immediate releaseFebruary 3, 2010 City, County and Stakeholders Announce Public Process to Plan Next Steps for Downtown Columbus New Apartments for Grant and Gay Also Announced Mayor Michael B. Coleman today joined a group of downtown residents, business owners, developers, retailers and advocates to outline the progress of the Downtown Business Plan launched in 2002 and next steps for bringing new investment, people and activity to the central business district. The team announced a series of public town hall meetings to get citizen input on a long-term strategic plan for Downtown’s next 10 years of development.“Downtown is the economic center of the region, home to more than 80,000 jobs, creating more than 20 percent of our local income taxes that pay for neighborhood services, and we need to keep it healthy,” said Mayor Coleman. “We’ve come a long way in the past few years, but more needs to be done as we build our way out of a tough recession. Downtown is everyone’s neighborhood. Many of us come here for dining, entertainment and recreation, and many of us work or live here.”The Mayor was joined by Franklin County Board of Commissioners President John O’Grady; City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Guy Worley of Capital South and the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation; Cleve Ricksecker, executive director of the Capital Crossroads and Discovery District SIDs; Michael DeAscentis of Lifestyle Communities; and Alex Shumate, CDDC board member.“Job creation and growth in the Downtown are key to the long-term economic success of Columbus and the Central Ohio region,” said Councilmember Ginther, chair of the Finance and Economic Development Committee. “Last year Columbus voters supported a three-point plan to move Columbus forward, which included a commitment to do all that we can to create jobs and grow the Columbus economy. That effort begins Downtown, and the strategy we are developing now will carry us through the next stage of economic development in our city’s core.”The Downtown Strategic Plan will come from a series of three town hall meetings, hosted by the City, CDDC and moderated by MSI Design, beginning February 16 at Columbus State Community College.“The 2002 Business Plan was a success because it set out a clear agenda for priorities and investment in our Downtown,” said Worley, president and CEO of the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation. “The best ideas came from a gathering of the best minds and we hope to have the same energy and excitement as we set action steps for the next 10 years.”Mayor Coleman described local success in housing, parks and other projects, and announced another new apartment building that will be built near the Columbus College for Art and Design for college students. The 68 unit building will be home to 136 residents at the corner of Gay Street and Grant, opening in the late summer of 2011.“I’m encouraged to see the Downtown Business Plan continue to evolve as we begin a new decade of development and progress,” said Commissioner O’Grady. “The Franklin County commissioners have actively worked with the City of Columbus to make the dream of a revitalized Downtown a reality. We look forward to welcoming new neighbors as we near completion on the new Franklin County Courthouse and start the second season at Huntington Park.”Attracting jobs to downtown will continue to be a major focus of the city’s agenda, and one way it is getting done is through a partnership with the Capital Crossroads and Discovery District SIDs to attract more retail outlets.“The work of the past eight years has set the stage for another wave of private investment in downtown, particularly in the retail sector,” said Ricksecker. “Downtown is extremely well positioned for growth.”Successes of the 2002 Downtown Business Plan:  1. Building more Downtown housing:Through city incentives, 2,542 units were built since 2002, another 2,468 units are under construction or in development, and the Downtown population has reversed its 50-year decline, increasing by more than 2,000 since 2003.Concentrating development of new mixed use neighborhoods:Development has continued along the Gay Street corridor, with restaurants, hotels and new residential housing. The RiverSouth neighborhood, once filled with 23 blighted, underutilized blocks, is now bustling with activity, anchored by the newly renovated Lazarus Building to the north and the new County Courthouse under construction on the south. Columbus Commons began with demolition of City Center Mall in October 2009 and the park is set to open in December 2010. The city and the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District are working to bring retail back, from seasonal farmers markets, to the hiring of a full time retail ambassador to help fill empty storefronts, and working together on the Mile on High plan to attract retail back to High Street.Bringing jobs Downtown to stabilize the office market:In 2003, office vacancy rates peaked at 26 percent, but ended 2009 at 14.7 percent, while 1,000,000 square feet of office space was added. Two thousand incentivized jobs were added through city tax incentives to 25 companies.Developing the riverfront as park and promenade:The riverfront’s North Bank Park is open, as is the new Grange Audubon Center on the Whittier Peninsula, which was built through a partnership with Metro Parks. The Scioto Mile is set to open in June of 2011, funded through a historic partnership between the public and private sectors.Improving parking and transportation:Capitol South and the City of Columbus opened two new public parking garages, with 1,450 spaces. Two new bridges are connecting the east and west sides of the river at Main Street and at Town and Rich streets. New efforts are being made to add bike routes, trails and racks Downtown to make the area more rider-friendly. Columbus and the State of Ohio received a federal grant to start 3C Rail service with a new station to be built Downtown. In partnership with COTA and MORPC, the city will continue to work on solutions to create a multi-modal hub at the downtown station where 3C rail meets future light rail lines, bus lines and other transportation alternatives.   6. Going beyond the Business Plan The Columbus City Schools invested in a Downtown High School, on the corner of Mound and Fourth, which opened in January 2008. A new Downtown Convention Hotel will be a reality by the end of 2012. With 500 rooms, the new Hilton will help us be a national contender for travel, tourism and conventions.Huntington Park, home of the Clippers, is an award-winning baseball stadium that opened in spring 2009 and has become the place to be. The County Courthouse is under construction.-30- 
1/29/2010: Call The Roll Podcast 01/30/2010
Guests/Topics Discussed: Passenger Rail Service in Ohio/Mayor Coleman, Governor Strickland, Secretary Solis;  Traffic Signal Upgrade/Councilmember Craig and Director Mark Kelsey; Earned Income Tax Credit/Matt Kosanovich, United Way of Central Ohio and EITC Task Force; Health Care Costs/Councilmember Miller and Director Christie
1/22/2010: Call The Roll Podcast 01/23/2010
Guests/Topics Discussed: City Council 2010 Budget Amendments/All Members; New Casino Site/Councilmember Tyson, Tim Morris/Westside Business Owner 
1/19/2010: Priscilla R. Tyson West Side Casino 01/19/2010
For immediate releaseJanuary 19, 2010Contact: Dan Williamson, 645-5300Penn National Gaming Chooses Former Delphi Plant For Columbus LocationMayor Michael B. Coleman today joined representatives from Penn National Gaming, neighborhood leaders and other elected officials on the Far West Side to announce Penn’s decision to relocate a proposed casino to the former Delphi auto parts plant near I-270. The constitutional amendment approved by statewide voters in November specified the Arena District as the site for a casino development. However, after opposition from Mayor Coleman, City Council President Michael C. Mentel, Arena District residents and businesses, Penn agreed to consider additional sites. The Delphi site would have to be placed on the May 4 ballot by the Ohio General Assembly and approved by a statewide vote. If approved, the City of Columbus expects to work with Franklin Township to annex the Delphi site into Columbus.“I am encouraged by the neighborhood support I’ve seen for a casino on the Far West Side of Columbus,” Mayor Coleman said. “I commend Penn National Gaming for working with us, and I appreciate all the input we’ve received on this issue from the Far West Side and all Columbus neighborhoods.”A number of neighborhood and business groups have voted to support locating a Far West Side casino, including:- The Greater Hilltop Area Commission - The Hilltop Area Business Association - The Highland West Civic Association- The Westland Area Business Association - The Westland Area Commission- The Franklin Township Trustees- The Prairie Township Trustees “I would like to commend Penn National for listening to our concerns and working with our community to consider more viable alternatives for the casino location,” said City Council President Michael C. Mentel. “Penn’s decision to consider other sites, and ultimately choosing the former GM Delphi plant, showed their willingness to seek support from residents and business leaders who would welcome the economic redevelopment opportunities brought about by a casino in their area.”In addition the City of Columbus has received letters of support from 47 different business owners located along the West Broad Corridor as well as thousands of petitions from residents supporting a Far West Side casino.-30- 
1/14/2010: Call The Roll Podcast 01/16/2010
Guests/Topics Discussed: Neighborhood Stabilization Program/Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, Sen. Sherrod Brown; Public Works Road Projects/Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig; Ray Collier Award/City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr.
1/12/2010: Craig Public Works Money 01/12/2010
Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee, talks about $3.9 million in Ohio Public Works Commission for three major area road projects in 2010.
1/8/2010: Call The Roll Podcast 01/09/2010
Guests/Topics Discussed: Downtown Special Improvement District with Cleve Ricksecker from December 5, 2009; Home Heating Programs with Ryan Lippe from October 31, 2009
12/30/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 01/02/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Homes on the Hill, Community Development Corporations/Steve Torsell from June 27; Campus Partners/Steve Sterrett from May 30
12/24/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 12/26/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:VoiceCorps/Sandy Turner; Winter Gardening Tips/Bert Vanderahe, Columbus State Community College
12/18/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 12/19/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Anti-Gang Program/Napoleon Bell, Community Relations Commission and Deputy Chief Jeff Blackwell, Columbus Division of Police; Columbus State Community College Campus Safety/Director John Nestor
12/11/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 12/12/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: FACT and Ohio American Water Check Presentation/Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, Tom Schwing, Ohio American Water, Alan McKnight, Recreation and Parks Department; Columbus State Community College, Adding To The Diversity in Student Life In Columbus/Dean Jan Rogers; Encore Presentation-Battelle Institute/Rich Rosen
12/4/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 12/05/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Electronic Reporting of Stolen Property At Pawn Shops/Councilmember Ginther, Det. Jack Addington of the Columbus Division of Police, John Kinney from Lev’s Pawn Shops; Downtown Special Improvement District/Cleve Ricksecker
11/25/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 11/28/009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Share The Road Campaign/Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, Randy Bowman and Mark Kelsey; Roy Hall Foundation Food Drive; Charity Newsies/Council President Mentel, Councilmembers Tavares and Tyson
11/20/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 11/21/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Neighborhood Security Cameras/Councilmember Ginther, Joyce Hughes, Deb Diggs; Foreclosure Scam Awareness/Councilmember Craig and Attorney General Richard Cordray; Snow Warrior Inspection/Councilmember Craig and Director Mark Kelsey;  Scioto Mile Project Update/Amy Taylor; COSI/Council President Mentel and Dr. David Chesebrough
11/18/2009: City Council President Pro Tem Helps Launch "Loan Modification Scam Alert" Campaign 11/18/2009
Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig discusses "Loan Modification Scam Alert" Campaign
11/17/2009: Councilmember Craig Inspects Snow Warriors And Equipment For Upcoming Winter 11/17/2009
City Council President Pro-Tem Hearcel F. Craig today held the city’s annual inspection of the Snow Warriors in front of City Hall. The crews are ready to battle snow and ice during the upcoming winter.“Our Snow Warriors are working harder and they are working smarter,” said Hearcel F. Craig, Chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee. “Global Positioning Systems on board our trucks allow for better coordination of road treatment and snow removal efforts before and during emergencies.” Columbus’ 112 core Snow Warriors are responsible for 227 square miles, nearly three times more than the area covered by their counterparts in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. Columbus’ square mileage includes a total of 2,053 linear miles of roadway, the approximate distance between Columbus and Las Vegas. Each fall, they undergo extensive training to sharpen their skills and reacquaint themselves with equipment, routes and procedures. The city also cross-trains employees in several departments to help their Department of Public Service co-workers battle snow during the worst storms. “I am so proud of our Snow Warriors. They have one of the most difficult jobs around and are the best in the nation when it comes to fighting snow and ice,” said Mayor Coleman. “They are on the job when duty calls, day and night, weekends and holidays, no matter how much snow falls.”Every summer, the Department of Public Service reviews the responses to the past winter’s snow storms and adjust procedures and strategies as needed for the next winter. “Fighting snow is a year-round job. We have tweaked our strategy to be more efficient and effective when the snow falls,” said Department of Public Service Director Mark Kelsey. “Our Snow Warriors are the best in the business because they are dedicated to always getting better.”As in previous years, freeways, arterial streets and collector residential streets have the top three priorities for clearing snow. Residential streets are plowed after four inches of snow are on the ground and the top three priority roadways have been plowed and treated.
11/12/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 11/14/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: McDonald’s All American High School Basketball Games Coming to Columbus/Council President Michael C. Mentel; 2009 Crime Stoppers Citizen of the Year/Joyce Hughes; Economic and Community Development Corporation Kitchen Incubator Project/Bob Leighty, Amy Szabo
11/6/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 11/07/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Alum Creek Trail Groundbreaking /Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, Chester Jordan, Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Jeff Stevens, Consider Biking; Maryhaven/ President & CEO Paul Coleman; Huntington Homeownership Alliance/City Council President Michael C. Mentel, Huntington President & CEO Stephen D. Steinour, Amy Clavin, Columbus Housing Partnership  
10/31/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 10/31/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  Henderson Road Reconstruction Project/Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley;  E-3 Program/Councilmember Paley;  Habitat For Humanity/CEO EJ Thomas;  Home Energy Assistance Program/Ryan Lippe, Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel;  Get Behind the Badge Annual Turkey Bowl Football Game/Officers Adam Ward, Shane O’Connor, Sean Fuqua
10/23/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 10242009
Guests/Topics Discussed: SWACO Resolution/Council President Mentel, Jeff Cahill;Computer Aided Dispatch System For Public Safety/Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther;United State Postal Service Dog Bite Prevention Program/Victor Dubina, Vicky Haynes;Phone Deregulation/Ryan Lippe, Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel 
10/23/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 10/24/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: SWACO Resolution/Council President Mentel, Jeff Cahill; Computer Aided Dispatch System For Public Safety/Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther; United State Postal Service Dog Bite Prevention Program/Victor Dubina, Vicky Haynes; Phone Deregulation/Ryan Lippe, Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel
10/17/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 10/17/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Specialty Dockets & Improvements to the Clerk’s Office/Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley;  Summer Police Work/Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther and Chief Walter Distelzweig;  Dr. Steve Allen, CEO Nationwide Children’s Hospital
10/9/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 10/10/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  High Street Improvements/Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, Sherry Cohen;  Fiber Investment/Councilmember A. Troy Miller, Council President Michael C. Mentel;  Good Neighbor Agreements/Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Ian MacConnell from the University Area Commission;  Yard Waste Collection Program/Ron Mills, Executive Director SWACO; Mark Kelsey, Public Service Department; Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig;  Fire Prevention Month/Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Assistant Fire Chief Kerry Ellis;  Fire Chief Ned Pettus, Jr. named Fire Chief of the Year
10/8/2009: Good Neighbor Agreement
Columbus City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, will recognize members of the University Area Commission (UAC) and three liquor permit establishments on reaching Good Neighbor Agreements designed to improve the quality of life and safety in Columbus neighborhoods. The agreements will be signed during the UAC planning meeting and involve D & J Carryout, 1393 North Fourth Street, Kelleys Carryout, 1521 North Fourth Street, and Hamptons on King, 234-240 King Avenue.  
10/8/2009: City Council Celebrates Opening of North High Street Revitalization Project
Joined by neighborhood leaders and business owners, Mayor Michael B. Coleman and City Councilmembers Hearcel F. Craig and Eileen Y. Paley today heralded the completion of the North High Street revitalization project between Lane and Arcadia Avenues...
10/3/2009: Call the Roll Podcast 10/03/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  Veteran’s Affairs & ADA Office/Rick Isbell;  Capital Budget/Paul Rakosky, Council President Michael C. Mentel, Auditor Hugh J. Dorrian;  Experience Columbus Days/Scott Peacock
9/26/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 9/26/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  New Neighborhood Health Center/Councilmember Tavares, Tom Horan, Gary L. Baker II;  Liquor Permit Objection Process/Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther;  Encore: Neighborhood Design Center;  Cardinal Turkson Visit
9/23/2009: Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares Talks about the Opening of the Columbus West Family Health and Wellness Center
Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares, Chair of the Health, Housing & Human Services Committee, talks about the opening of the Columbus West Family Health and Wellness Center along West Broad Street. The facility is expected to serve some 7,200 patients a year, that number will triple the number of patients and patient visits currently being provided at the Hilltop Health Center. The new center is located in the former Fire Station 17 building in the Hilltop.
9/18/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 9/19/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  Columbus Road Resurfacing Projects/Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig; Flu Season/Dr. Teresa Long; Social Service Agency Funding/Council President Michael C. Mentel; OSU Area Trash Collection/Councilmember Craig, Public Service Director Mark Kelsey; Southerly Treatment Plant Honor; Community Computer Lab/Catherine Girves
9/11/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 9/11/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  Communities in Schools “Step Up With Kids” Fundraiser/Derrick Fulto;  3C Quick Start Passenger Rail Plan/Stu Nicholson, Ohio Rail Development Commission;  Columbus Public Health’s Institute for Active Living/Barb Seckler   
9/4/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 9/4/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:   Get Behind The Badge/Officer Andrew Ward & Angie McDowell;   Orientation To Trades and Apprenticeship Program at Columbus State Community College/Michael Robison;   Lose For Good/Lynn Dantuono, Weight Watchers;   Homewatch Caregivers/Meagan Melecosky
8/28/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 8/28/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:   Bishop Jerry Pierce/Homeless Project Follow-up Interview;   Encore: Legal Aid Society From 2/09
8/21/2009: Call The Roll Podcast 8/22/2009
FACT and Ohio American Water Check Presentation/Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, Tom Schwing, Ohio American Water, Alan McKnight, Recreation and Parks Department;   Columbus State Community College, Adding To The Diversity in Student Life In Columbus/Dean Jan Rogers;   Encore Presentation-Battelle Institute/Rich Rosen
8/19/2009: Columbus Group Receives Ohio American Water Environmental Grant
Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, and Recreation and Parks Director Alan McKnight celebrated a public/private partnership with Ohio American Water and the Friends of Alum Creek & Tributaries.
8/14/2009: Call The Roll 8/15/2009
Cash for Clunkers and Beyond/Dr. Andy Rezin, Columbus State Community College, Automotive and Applied Technologies;   Friends of Alum Creek & Tributaries/David Roseman and Dave Hohmann;   Al Edmondson/Cover Me Back To School Rally
8/7/2009: Call The Roll Radio Podcast 8/7/2009
Passage of Issue 1/Council President Michael C. Mentel;   Columbus Youth Soccer Team Visits the White House with Columbus Crew
8/7/2009: President Mentel Discusses Income Tax Increase
President Mentel comments on what Columbus residents can expect with the passage of issue 1, the half-percent increase to the city’s income tax passed by voters August 4, 2009.
8/6/2009: Call The Roll Radio 8/1/2009
Huntington Home Alliance/Council President Mentel, Steve Steinour, Amy Klaben;   Wireless Web for Columbus/Councilmember A. Troy Miller and Department of Technology Director Gary Cavin;   National Night Out /Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther;   SEEK Program/Rich Rosen;   ADA 19th Anniversary/Rick Isbell City of Columbus
7/30/2009: President Mentel Comments on Huntington Homeownership Alliance Success Story
City Council, The Columbus Housing Partnership (CHP) and Huntington National Bank named the first family to buy a home through the Huntington Homeownership Alliance. The 3-year, $10 million alliance was launched just three months ago to provide housing counseling, foreclosure prevention services and affordable mortgages to Central Ohioans. 
7/30/2009: Miller Focusing on Broadband for Economic Development
Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is working to secure federal stimulus funds to help build a more robust wireless broadband infrastructure in Columbus.
7/28/2009: Call The Roll Radio 7/24/2009
Summer Gang Initiative/Councilmember Ginther, Chief Distelzweig;   New Kiosks For Municipal Court/Councilmember Paley, Clerk Lori Tyack;   Recreation & Parks Month/Alan McKnight;   Landscaping Tips/Bert Vonderahe from Columbus State;  Safety Award/Councilmember Ginther, Firefighter Sharpe
7/23/2009: Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther Discusses 2009 Summer Anti-Gang Inititaive
Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther comments on the 2009 Summer Anit-Gang Initiative which has already removed 67 guns and made 130 arrests.
7/17/2009: Call The Roll Radio 7/17/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:   Dublin Economic Development Agreement/Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther and Mike Stevens, Deputy Development Director;   New Specialty Dockets At The Franklin County Municipal Court/Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, Judge Scott VanDerKarr. Council President Michael C. Mentel;   Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Council/Ryan Lippe
7/16/2009: Paley Details Plans to Add Specialty Dockets to Municipal Court
Two new specialty dockets at the Franklin County Municipal Court are expected to save taxpayers millions of dollars while breaking the cycle of incarceration that grip many offenders. One docket will deal with those convicted of solicitation and the other drug crimes. The programs are a collaboration between the City, Franklin County, the Municipal Court, Common Pleas Court and law enforcement.
7/16/2009: Ginther Discusses Economic Development Agreement with Dublin
Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, chair of the Development Committee, discusses the U.S. 33/S.R. 161 Economic Development Agreement (EDA) with Dublin. The deal secures Columbus’ right to provide the area with water and sewer service while capturing vital income tax dollars that could mean up to $35 million during the term of the agreement.
7/10/2009: Call The Roll Radio 7/11/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  2010 Tax Budget/Auditor Hugh J. Dorrian;  Columbus Public Health 2009 Samuel J. Crumbine Award;  Bishop Larry Pierce/Homelessness Awareness Campaign
7/2/2009: Call The Roll Radio 7/4/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Catholic Foundation/Council President Mentel, Jennifer Damiano;  Bike Helmet Law/Nichole Hodges, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
7/1/2009: Council President Mentel Discusses the New Headquarters of the Catholic Foundation
The Catholic Foundation has set up its new headquarters at the site of the original Wendy's at 257 East Broad Street.
6/29/2009: Call The Roll Radio 6/26/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  “Green” Stimulus Grants/Council President Michael C. Mentel;   Red, White and Boom!/Mike Collins, Event Organizer;   Homes on the Hill, Community Development Corporations/Steve Torsell
6/25/2009: President Mentel Discusses Energy Conservation Stimulus Dollars
Council President Michael C. Mentel sponsored ordinance 0868-2009 to apply for and accept federal stimulus funds to support several energy efficiency and conservation projects under consideration by the city. Through formula and competitive grants offered by the U.S. Department of Energy, Columbus has been awarded $7,403,500 to help reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce the city’s total energy use, improve energy efficiency, and create and retain jobs.
6/19/2009: Tyson Helps Re-open Krumm Park Recreation Center
Krumm Park Recreation Center, which had been shuttered since this past February as a result of city budget cuts, will open for summer playground season and after-school programming in the fall thanks to a grant from the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation as well as funding from the city’s hotel/motel tax through the leadership of Councilmember Tyson.
6/19/2009: Miller Commends Fleet Management on Being Named 17th Best Fleet Operation in the Country
Councilmember A. Troy Miller sponsored legislation to upgrade the city’s use of Fleet Focus software, a high-tech system to bill, manage, monitor and analyze all maintenance-related data for city owned vehicles.
6/19/2009: Call The Roll Radio 6/19/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  Fleet Division 100 Best Award/Councilmember A. Troy Miller, Kelly Reagan;   Krumm Park Reopening/Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, Blue Jackets Forward R. J. Umberger, Mayo Makinde;   Battelle Institute/Rich Rosen, STEM Education
6/12/2009: Call The Roll Radio 6/13/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Columbus Stimulus Dollars/Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig/Director Mark Kelsey/Erik Janas;   Wexner Center Summer Movie Series;   Ian McConnell/University Area District
6/11/2009: Craig Discusses City's Use of $33.5 Million in Stimulus Dollars
Councilmember Craig details the city's use of $33.5 million in stimulus dollars made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 for three capital improvement projects that will create jobs and support economic development in Columbus.
6/4/2009: Call The Roll Radio 6/5/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:  Columbus’ Scrap Metal Law/Det. Steve Addington;  Columbus Housing Partnership/Amy Klaben;  Taste of Olde Town East Event/Mike Moore & Kent Peters;  Melvin B. Dodge Zoo Days
5/29/2009: Call The Roll Radio 5/29/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Neighborhood Pride Program/Councilmembers Ginther and Craig;  Campus Partners/Steve Sterrett;  Vistability/Councilmember Charleta B. Tavares Paul Jarvis
5/28/2009: Councilmember Craig on Neighborhood Pride
Councilmember Craig Conveys how Neighborhood Pride is a Catalyst for Communication Between City Leaders and the Community
5/28/2009: Councilmember Ginther on Neighborhood Pride
Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther Discusses the Many Benefits of Neighborhood Pride
5/22/2009: Call The Roll Radio 5/22/2009
Safety Unions Support of Proposed Income Tax Increase/Jack Reall, Jim Gilbert, Andrew Ginther;  Al Berthold /Neighborhood Design Center;  Emerald Ash Bore;  Emergency Medical Services Week/Councilmember Ginther, Dr. David Keseg
5/21/2009: Councilmember Ginther recognizes Emergency Medical Services Week in the city of Columbus.
Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther offered a Resolution of Expression in honor of the 1,500 members of the Columbus Division of Fire who provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
5/15/2009: Call The Roll Radio 5/15/2009
Guests: President Michael C. Mentel/Income Tax Increase; Pete McGinty/Experience Columbus; Larry James/Lincoln Theater Association
5/14/2009: President Mentel Asks Voters to Support Revenue Plan
Council President Mentel explains how an income tax increase supports the city's three-part plan to address the $120 million structural imbalance in the general operating fund.
5/14/2009: Councilmember Tavares Discusses the Proposed Income Tax
Councilmember Tavares provides an overview of why an income tax increase is needed and how it will impact Columbus residents.
5/14/2009: President Pro Tem Craig Encourages the Community to Think Pink
Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig sponsored a resolution to recognize and congratulate organizers of he 17th annual Komen Race for the Cure held to raise funds for breast cancer research.
5/8/2009: Call The Roll Radio 5/8/2009
President Michael C. Mentel/Possible Income Tax Increase; Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther/Arson Awareness Week; Jeff Stephens, Barb Seckler/Bike To Work Week; John Lloyd/National Aquatics Month; Rhonda Frazier/Transformation Place, Inc.
4/30/2009: Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther Discusses New Fire Training Academy
Councilmember Ginther dissuses the Fire Division's new training center on the South Side; a state-of-the-art complex complete with a training tower and burn building.
4/30/2009: President Mentel asks Voters to Support Revenue Plan
"The citizens of Columbus have a choice to make between maintaining core city services such as police and fire protection at the levels our residents have come to expect or experience drastic cuts,” said Council President Michael C. Mentel. “The declining national economy has forced us to find new sources of revenue to fund the basic services and economic development efforts that will help Columbus succeed in the coming years."
4/15/2009: City Council Fulfills Promise to Restore Recreational Programming
Two months after 11 recreation centers were closed in a cost-cutting measure to pass a balanced budget, Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson sponsored legislation to enter into agreements to reopen, or begin limited services, at seven of the centers.
4/15/2009: Council President Michael C. Mentel congratulates the Columbus Blue Jackets
City Council congratulates the Blue Jackets as they make their way to the play-offs!
4/15/2009: Councilmember A. Troy Miller Congratulates the Columbus Blue Jackets!
City Council congratulates the Blue Jackets as they make their way to the play-offs!
3/21/2009: Call The Roll Radio 3/21/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:New Town Street Bridge/Councilmember Hearcel F. CraigChief James Jackson Retirement/Councilmember Andrew J. GintherCrime Stoppers/Kevin MilesFinancial Planning/Jim BriskBoy Scouts 100 Years/President Michael C. Mentel
3/14/2009: Call The Roll Radio 3/14/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Tech Columbus/Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther & Ted Ford President/CEO TechColumbusWorld Kidney Month/Councilmember A. Troy Miller & Patti Gold/President National Kidney Foundation Serving OhioPartnership To Fight Chronic Disease/Jan Lanier, Ohio Nurses Association
3/9/2009: President Mentel Discusses Appointment of Police Chief Distelzweig
President Mentel Discusses Appointment of Police Chief Distelzweig
3/6/2009: Call The Roll Radio 3/7/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed:New Columbus Police Chief, Council President Michael C. Mentel, Deptuty Chief Walter DistelzweigKeep Columbus Beautiful Kick Butt Clean-Up, Sherry Palmer & Pat Lynch Dine Originals Restaurant Week, Diane WarrenColumbus Zoo, Jack Hanna
2/24/2009: Paley Seeking to Improve Debt Collection Procedures
In an effort to promote cost-saving measures, Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley sponsored legislation to create an administrative fee for the collection of delinquent payments. The fee will cover the cost of services of private collection agencies hired by the city.
2/21/2009: Call The Roll Radio 2/21/2009
Guests/Topics Discussed: Representative Mary Jo Kilroy/Federal Stimulus PackageNeighborhood Stabilization Program/Rita Parise
2/14/2009: Call The Roll Radio 2/14/09
Guests/Topics Discussed: Council President Michael C. Mentel/2009 City BudgetCouncilmember Hearcel F. Craig & W. Curtis Stitt from COTA talking about articulated busesPublic Service Director Mark Kelsey/Mobility OptionsJennifer Connery & Rebecca Asmo, Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus
2/7/2009: Call The Roll Radio 2/7/09
Guests/Topics Discussed: Council President Michael C. Mentel, Mayor Michael B. Coleman City Center DemolitionCouncilmember Eileen Paley, Anti-Dating Abuse ResolutionSteve Rosenberg, City Music Program
2/5/2009: President Mentel Discusses Columbus Commons
2/5/2009: Teen Dating Abuse Prevention
1/30/2009: Call The Roll Radio 1/30/09
Featured guests include:Rick Tilton, Assistant Public Utilities DirectorCouncilmember Andrew J. Ginther, January Safety AwardsJack Reall, Columbus Firefighters Union 67
1/23/2009: Call The Roll Radio 1/23/09
Featured Guests:Eileen Paley and A. Troy Miller Swearing-In Ceremony SpeechesCouncilmember Hearcel F. Craig, DC Trip Kelli Arthur-Hykes, Earned Income Tax CreditJoe Yersavich, Hilltop Library, Job Help Centers
1/23/2009: Councilmember Craig Discusses Washington D.C. Trip
1/23/2009: Councilmember A. Troy Miller Acceptance Speech
1/23/2009: Councilmember Eileen Paley Acceptance Speech
1/17/2009: Call The Roll 1/17/09
Featured Guests:Napoleon Bell/MLK Festivities Sandy Erb-Wilson/SCHIPJennifer Adair/Columbus Community Coalition Meeting
1/10/2009: Call The Roll 1/10/09
Featured Guests: Alan McKnight, Director of Recreation and ParksWalker Evans, ColumbusUnderground.comKaren Simonian, Wexner Center for the Arts
12/24/2008: Craig Sponsors Effort to Create SR-161 Special Improvement District
Hearcel F. Craig discusses legislation to provide $50,000 in additional funding for the efforts of the Northland Alliance to create a special improvement district (SID) along S.R. 161.
12/24/2008: Council Focused on Deterring Aggressive Panhandling
Councilmember Ginther sponsored legislation which will strengthen the city’s panhandling law by offering greater protection for people near automated teller machines, parking meters, parking lots and outdoor patios or sidewalk cafes.
05/16/2008: Columbus Public Library Recieves New AED
Councilmember Tavares discusses Giant Eagle's donation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the Columbus Public Library.
05/08/2008: Israel Trade Mission
Council President Mentel reflects on trade mission to Israel and importance of recruiting high-tech companies to Columbus.
05/07/2008: Capital Improvements Budget Amendments
Finance Committee Chair Kevin L. Boyce highlights Council's amendments to the Capital Improvements Budget.
04/07/2008: West Side Family Health Center
Health, Housing and Human Services Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares describes the services that will be provided at the new West Side Family Health Center.
03/31/2008: Street Cars
Councilmember O'Shaughnessy conveys the importance of Street Cars to Columbus' Downtown development.
03/13/2008: Recreation Center Safety Initiative
Councilmember Tyson discusses her committment to make recreation centers safer for all Columbus residents.
02/14/2008: 2008 City Budget
President Mentel provides an overview of Council's budget amendment priorities for 2008.
02/14/2008: Council Restores Proposed Employee Layoffs
President Pro Tem Boyce discusses Council's decision to restore the proposed employee layoffs.
02/14/2008: Councilmember Tyson's 2008 Budget Amendments
Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson discusses her 2008 budget amendments.
02/14/2008: Councilmember Tavares' 2008 Budget Amendments
Health, Housing and Human Services Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares discusses her 2008 budget amendments.
02/14/2008: Councilmember Ginther's 2008 Budget Amendments
Public Safety Committee Chair Andrew J. Ginther discusses his 2008 budget amendments.
02/14/2008: Councilmember Craig's 2008 Budget Amendments
Judiciary and Court Administration Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig discusses his 2008 budget amendments.
02/14/2008: Councilmember O'Shaughnessy's 2008 Budget Amendments
Development Committee Chair Maryellen O'Shaughnessy discusses her 2008 budget amendments.
01/16/2008: Digital Imaging Project
Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig talks about the digital imaging project the Municipal Clerk of Court has begun to better care for the millions of documents in the Court's possession.
01/16/2008: Clean Water Act
Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther comments on the Clean Water Act and the lack of federal money to help cities like Columbus pay for upgrades in the water filtration system.
01/11/2008: The Office of Homeless Advocacy
Council President Mentel discusses the goals for the newly created office of Homeless Advocacy.
01/11/2008: Complete Streets
Councilmember O'Shaughnessy discusses the concept of building Complete Streets, roadways that accomodate all forms of transportation.
01/01/2008: Tavares on New Orleans
Councilmember Charleta Tavares talks about her recent trip to New Orleans and the lessons she learned about disaster preparedness.

Office Contact

Columbus City Council
Office Contact
90 W. Broad St., 2nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone : (614) 645-7380
Fax : (614) 645-6164

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