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City staff update residents: new water meters, electric aggregation bid timeline, expanded parks programming and Grove City 2050 kickoff
Summary
City staff reported that Columbus is installing enhanced water meters in Grove City, outlined an electric aggregation procurement timeline, detailed expanded parks offerings (including youth softball and new camps), and announced the kickoff for Grove City 2050 planning updates.
City staff used Tuesday’s council meeting to update residents and council on several ongoing programs and upcoming processes.
Public utilities: Mr. Hammons reported that the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities is installing enhanced meters (EMP) for most Grove City water customers under a program that began in 2023. Installations for newer homes are complete; VEPO Metering is the contractor and will contact residents by postcard to schedule appointments. The installation is mandatory under Columbus City Code, takes about 30–60 minutes and requires a brief temporary water shutoff; there is no cost to the homeowner. A contact phone number (614‑526‑0917) and website (columbusemp.org) were provided.
Electric aggregation: City staff said the current electric aggregation contract expires in July and staff expect to solicit bids in April–May and return legislation to council to authorize signing with the lowest renewable energy provider.
Parks and recreation: Parks staff reported strong spring registration for baseball and the first‑time offering of youth softball. Registrations already exceed 100 participants for softball; staff said they had initially budgeted for 25–40 and now expect to expand to 175–200. Parks staff also plan six new week‑long summer camps and other youth programming to reduce historic waiting lists for park camps.
Planning and community visioning: Staff announced a kickoff meeting for the Grove City 2050 (GRUCE) steering committee, the formal update to the city’s comprehensive plan. The first steering meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Beal Park Pavilion; staff said they expect public outreach and a presentation to council within one to two months.
Emergency management and mapping: Staff invited council to an April 10 FEMA‑level course on emergency operations center practices and said the city has developed an in‑house damage‑assessment mapping tool; staff plan to demonstrate the tool countywide and explore county adoption.
