Columbus City Council approves East Broad utility relocation funding, park lighting contract and three settlements

Columbus City Council at its meeting (date not specified) approved several spending measures and settlements, including authorization of up to $1,311,700.25 to relocate utilities for the East Broad Street widening project, a contract for park and sports‑court lighting improvements, and three settlement payments totaling $170,000, officials said.

The East Broad Street measure authorizes the director of the Department of Public Service to pay utility relocation costs to multiple providers — including American Electric Power, AT&T, Spectrum and Windstream — to allow widening of about one mile of East Broad from east of I‑270 to west of Bryce Road. "This is our larger East Broad Street widening project to accommodate all the additional traffic that's popped up out on East Broad Street over the years," said Director Scacco of the Department of Public Service. He said the relocations are necessary to install sidewalks, lighting, stormwater improvements, signal work, retaining walls and a shared‑use path that will also address traffic operations at McNaughton Road.

Council also approved a contract with Proline Electric Inc. for lighting improvements at parks and recreation facilities. The ordinance authorized a transfer of $326,625.55 within the Recreation and Parks voted bond fund to support the project, which includes new LED area lighting at Fairwood Park, Big Run Athletic Complex, Dodge Pool and Maryland Pool.

In the public safety committee, council approved three settlement ordinances presented by the City Attorney's Office. Chief Counsel Laura Baker Morrish said the city will pay $65,000 to resolve three administrative charges filed by an employee in the Division of Fire's canine unit alleging harassment, discrimination and retaliation; $45,000 to resolve claims from Shirley Smith arising from a Sept. 3, 2021 collision with a city refuse truck; and $60,000 to resolve a harassment and hostile‑work‑environment claim made by a former Columbus Public Health employee.

"While the city denies any responsibility, wrongdoing, or liability, the settlement will resolve the charges pending before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission," Baker Morrish said of the canine‑unit settlement. Deputy Director George Speaks said the Department of Public Safety conducted a 17‑interview inquiry that produced a 66‑page report and recommended policy changes. Fire Chief Hap described steps taken in the canine unit, including revised standard operating procedures, outside supervisor training, a revised chain of command, mandatory EEOC training for the unit and formation of a DEI group.

Assistant Health Commissioner Anita Clark said Columbus Public Health will continue annual harassment training and work with city human resources to improve anti‑harassment training and practices. Regarding the refuse‑truck settlement, Baker Morrish said the city driver was ticketed for using an internet device while driving and that the plaintiff required physical therapy after the crash.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance (East Broad utility relocations): authorized up to $1,311,700.25 for utility relocations to support the East Broad Street widening project — Passed (voice/roll call). - Ordinance (Recreation & Parks lighting improvements / Proline Electric contract): authorized contract, transfer of $326,625.55 within the Recreation & Parks voted bond fund — Passed (roll call). - Ordinance to settle claims with Lisonbee Mead (Division of Fire employee): $65,000 settlement — Passed (roll call). - Ordinance to settle Shirley Smith v. City (Sept. 3, 2021 collision): $45,000 settlement — Passed (roll call). - Ordinance to settle claims with Breon Schell / Columbus Public Health: $60,000 settlement — Passed (roll call). - Motion to go into executive session to consider a council vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Sheila Faber — Approved (roll call).

Council members and city officials discussed the settlements on the record and described administrative reforms or training the departments plan to implement. Several council members stressed that voting for a settlement is not an endorsement of the alleged conduct but a decision intended to resolve claims while preserving city resources and allowing departments to implement corrective measures.

After the votes, council moved into executive session to review applications to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Sheila Faber. The meeting adjourned after the executive session was called.