City of Gahanna Update - August 21, 2015

CITY NEWS

Gahanna Among Top 10 Recognized as
American Cities of the Future

Each year, fDi Intelligence publishes a report, American Cities of the Future, ranking cities in North America under five categories: Economic Potential, Business Friendliness, Human Capital and Lifestyle, Cost Effectiveness and Connectivity. This year, Gahanna was among those recognized as one of the winners and was ranked 9th best micro city in North America for its Economic Potential and Human Capital and Lifestyle.

This recognition comes just as the City plans to release its economic plan, which places a priority on many of the indicators highlighted in the fDi American Cities of the Future report.

fDi Intelligence is a division of the Financial Times Ltd. and is a globally recognized source of information on foreign direct investment and investment promotion.

Click here to read the full report.

City of Gahanna to Present Sustainable Fleet Replacement Program at APWA Congress

Each year the American Public Works Association (APWA) issues a call out to members to share best practices within their organization during this annual internal conference.

This year, the City of Gahanna Public Service Department was among those selected to present at the 2015 APWA International Public Works Congress & Exposition on September 2, 2015. This year's conference will take place in Phoenix, Arizona and draws thousands of public works professionals from all over the world.

The City of Gahanna was selected for its efforts to implement a sustainable fleet/equipment replacement program that establishes effective controls of the equipment replacement process, and effectively plans for future purchases. An article about the new program was featured in the August edition of the organization's trade publication, APWA Reporter.

For more than 100 years, the APWA International Public Works Congress & Exposition has provided opportunities for public works professionals to discover emerging trends, the latest public works innovations, fresh ideas and best practices.

Click here to learn more about APWA.

Back by Popular Demand: Communications Survey Extended

How do you get your information from the City of Gahanna? What kind of information do you want to receive from the City of Gahanna?

Recently, we asked for input about how we can improve our public outreach and communications to citizens. A number of residents have asked for more time to provide their input, so we're happy to announce that we've extended the deadline for this online survey.

You can participate until September 13. If you haven't weighed in yet, please take a few minutes and give us your feedback. We're listening and want to hear from you.

Click here to complete the brief survey.

Safety Tips for Driving in Work Zones

Work zones can present an unfamiliar situation to drivers. Changes in traffic patterns, closed or narrowed lanes, the presence of construction equipment and personnel can cause challenges for motorists as they travel through work zones. Drivers should exercise caution when driving through these areas.

Here a few tips for driving in work zones:

Expect the Unexpected. Things may change overnight. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be closed, narrowed, or shifted, and people may be working on or near the road.
Don't Speed. Obey the posted speed limit at all times, even when workers are not present.
Don't Tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you and the construction workers and their equipment. Rear-end collisions account for 30% of work zone crashes.
Obey Road Crew Flaggers and Pay Attention To The Signs. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers more safely through the work zone.
Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones and other electronic devices while approaching and driving in work zone areas.
Keep Up With the Traffic Flow. Do not slow down to "gawk" at road work.
Know Before You Go. Check radio, TV, social media and websites for traffic information and schedule enough time to drive safely. Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time.
Be Patient and Stay Calm. Work zones aren't there to personally inconvenience you. Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.
Wear your seat belt. It is your best defense in crash.
Remember - Dads, Moms, Sons, Daughters, Brothers, and Sisters work here!

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

The Fall & Winter 2015 Gateway Program Has Arrived!

The 2015 Fall & Winter Program Guide has been released. The new edition is packed with some new and exciting programs for active adults, seniors, youth and families. Some new program offerings include:

Mark the Spot (MTS) Mom's Fitness
Date Night Art Class: Picasso Your Love!
Western Square Dancing

Copies of the Gateway may found at many local businesses throughout Gahanna including the Ohio Herb Education Center, Gahanna Municipal Golf Course and Gahanna City Hall. Additionally, a copy may be downloaded online for your convenience.

For more information, contact Parks & Recreation at 614.342.4250.

Coffee with Council

Come meet your Council members and participate in an informal discussion about your city!

Saturday, August 29, 2015

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Panera (Clark Commons)

91 N. Hamilton Rd.

Gahanna

For more information, contact the Council Clerk's office at

614.342.4090. To view notes from previous meetings, click here.

2nd Annual Hops & Vines Fest Returns to Creekside

Join the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation on Saturday, September 19, 2015 for its 2nd annual Hops & Vines Fest!

Experience a festive evening of fun and dancing under the stars, with local beer and wine tastings, gourmet tacos by Local Cantina, live music and exciting raffle prizes.

Proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation. Each ticket includes food and 15 wine tastings. A limited number of tickets are available.

Click here to purchase your tickets today!

Community News & Events

Great Columbus Duck Race & Run

Join us for the 4th annual Great Columbus Duck Race and 5K & 10K Run/Walk on Saturday, August 29 at Creekside.

Enjoy a day of food, music and family fun! After the run/walk activities, the duck race will begin. Thousands of rubber ducks will be dumped into the creek for a chance to compete for the winning title and amazing prizes. Each duck purchase benefits Nationwide Children's Hospital.

To register for the run/walk, purchase a duck or learn more about this community event, click here.