Columbus City Council approves broad consent agenda, summer youth grants and capital projects

Columbus City Council on Monday approved a broad set of ordinances across committees, advancing funding for public‑safety fueling, street reconstruction, parks and recreation capital projects, summer youth programs and multiple public‑utilities and zoning items.

The council handled dozens of consent and committee items by roll call votes. Major items approved included two fleet fueling contracts authorizing $4,000,000 each for retail and bulk fueling, funding for right‑of‑way acquisition on East Broad Street, replacement of the Marion Franklin pool, and nearly $8.6 million in summer youth grants that will be distributed to more than 100 community organizations.

Highlights and context

- Fleet fueling: The finance committee approved ordinance 0 7 8 8 to establish purchase orders for retail fueling and the companion ordinance 0 8 1 1 to fund bulk fueling for city depots. Each ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management to expend $4,000,000 from the Fleet Management operating fund for fuel purchases to support city vehicles, including public safety units.

- Broad Street improvements: The Public Service and Transportation Committee advanced ordinance 0 8 4 0 to amend the 2024 capital improvement budget and authorize up to $1,560,000 for right‑of‑way acquisition along East Broad Street (Outer Belt Street to Reynoldsburg‑New Albany Road). Work includes widening from four to six lanes, signal changes, turn lane extensions, shared‑use paths and sidewalk and lighting improvements.

- Recreation and parks: The council approved funding for the Marion Franklin pool replacement (ordinance 6 7 2), which will demolish the existing 50‑year‑old pool after the…