To

Mayor and Council

Subject

Memorandum of Understand for Oxbow Meadows Masterplan

Initiator

David Arrington, Deputy City Manager

Recommendation

Approval is requested to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Columbus \n \n Water Works for the development of a two phase masterplan for the Oxbow Meadows \n \n Park and to approve an expenditure of $31,650 as the City's share of the \n \n project.

Approval

Approved

Background

The 1999 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) included a $10 million

project to fund improvements for the Oxbow Meadows Park and to develop the area

as a regional destination park. The proposed improvements include property

acquisition, a trail system, a family and corporate area, infrastructure

improvements, and other improvements to promote recreational uses and

environmental learning. The full scope of improvements is contingent upon

private funding being available for certain aspects of the plan. The funding

made available to date of approximately $4 million has been expended on

property acquisition and infrastructure improvements. The remaining SPLOST

allocation of $6 million has been made available for use in Fiscal Year 2008.



In February 2008, the City and Columbus Water Works participated in an exchange

of approximately 106 acres of property in the Oxbow area to promote the

environmental learning mission of Columbus State University. The exchange

also provided the City additional property for recreational use or use as an

inert disposal site. In addition to this development, the National Infantry

Museum is scheduled to open in November 2009. This facility is located

immediately adjacent to the Oxbow Meadows Park and is projected to bring

several thousand visitors a year.

Analysis

The City desires to proceed with the development of the Oxbow Meadows Park

project as was committed to the public in the 1999 SPLOST. It is necessary to

update the preliminary masterplan developed for this project to insure

compliance with the commitment made to the public and to incorporate the needs

of all stakeholders in the area. The City and Columbus Water Works will share

equally in the total cost of $63,600 for updating this plan. The update will

be performed by Jordan, Jones, & Goulding, a consultant already under contract

with the Water Works. The process is scheduled to take approximately 60 days

and will conclude with a presentation to Council.

Financial Considerations

Funds are available in the 1999 SPLOST Project - Oxbow Meadows.

Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement

Legal Considerations

The City Attorney has reviewed this agreement and approved as to form.

Recommendations/ Actions

To authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with

Columbus Water Works for the development of a two phase masterplan for the

Oxbow Meadows Park and to approve an expenditure of $31,650 as the City's share

of the project.

























A RESOLUTION



NO. _____

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR

PROFESSIONAL PLANNING SERVICES WITH THE COLUMBUS WATER WORKS FOR SERVICES FROM

JORDAN, JONES & GOULDING, INC., IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $31,650 FOR THE

DEVELOPMENT OF A TWO PHASE MASTERPLAN FOR THE OXBOX MEADOWS PARK.

WHEREAS, the 1999 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) included a

$10 million project to fund improvements for the Oxbow Meadows Park and to

develop the area as a regional destination park, to include property

acquisition, a trail system, a family and corporate area, infrastructure

improvements, and other improvements to promote recreational uses and

environmental learning; and,

WHEREAS, in February 2008 the City and Columbus Water Works participated in an

exchange of approximately 106 acres of property in the Oxbow area to promote

the environmental learning mission of Columbus State University, while

providing additional property for recreational use or use as an inert disposal;

and,

WHEREAS, it is necessary to update the preliminary masterplan developed for

this area to insure compliance with the commitment made to the public and to

incorporate the needs of all stakeholders in the area, the City and the

Columbus Water Works will share equally in the total cost of $63,600 for

updating this plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY

RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

That the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into a Memorandum

of Understanding with the Columbus Water Works for professional planning

services from Jordan, Jones and Goulding to develop a two phased masterplan for

the Oxbow Meadows Park, at a cost not to exceed $31,650. This amount shall be

matched by the Columbus Water Works as its share for these professional

services.

___________

Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held

the _____day of ___________, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative

vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting __________.

Councilor Anthony voting __________.

Councilor Baker voting __________.

Councilor Barnes voting __________.

Councilor Davis voting .

Councilor Henderson voting __________.

Councilor Hunter voting __________.

Councilor McDaniel voting __________.

Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.

Councilor Woodson voting __________.





_______________________________ _____________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor

No attachments for this document.