Memorandum of Understanding with Chattahoochee Rowing Limited
Initiator
David Arrington, Deputy City Manager
Recommendation
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with \n \n Chattahoochee Rowing, Ltd., for Master Planning for a rowing facility to be \n \n located on City owned property.
Approval
Pending
Background
Chattahoochee Rowing Ltd., a non-profit group, has expressed a desire to
develop a world-class rowing facility in Columbus at Rotary Park extending
north along the Riverwalk to the Trade Center. The development of such a
facility will provide numerous positive benefits to the community. With a
focus on recreation, athletics and education, this project will enhance the
quality of life for Columbus residents by:
? Providing an additional opportunity for healthy, wholesome recreation
creating a stronger and healthier community.
? Enhancing and maximizing the linkage from Uptown Columbus to South Columbus
and Fort Benning.
? Generating significant educational, team building and leadership
opportunities for community children and youth ? especially at-risk children by
teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility and leadership.
? Increasing the positive public image of Columbus, GA ? A great place to live
and a city that cares about its diverse citizenry, providing opportunities for
all.
? Creating competitions and events that attract significant local audiences and
increase tourism from regional and national audiences thereby producing
considerable economic impact and opportunity.
Analysis
The Master Planning and potential development of a rowing facility, if deemed
feasible, will be at the full expense of Chattahoochee Rowing, Ltd. The City
will cooperate in the planning process and insure that current recreation
facilities and services provided at Rotary Park and other locations within the
planning area are not negatively impacted. Any impacts will be fully mitigated
by the developer. Once completed, the Master Plan will be presented to
Council for approval. If approved by Council, a land lease will be negotiated
to facilitate the development of the facility. The specific terms of the
Memorandum of Understanding are listed below.
1. Master Planning and Feasibility Study: The City agrees to participate with
the developer?s Feasibility and Master Planning efforts for the rowing
project. All costs associated with the development will be at the expense of
the developers. The City will not incur any costs associated with the
development of plans for the rowing facility. The City will participate by
providing any and all information to the developer or consultants hired by the
developer as part of the master planning process.
2. Scope of Study: The proposed area for the location of the rowing facility
is Rotary Park and vacant City property adjacent to Rotary Park extending north
to the Trade Center. The study may encompass property outside this area as
necessary to accommodate the required elements to facilitate rowing activities
and competitions.
3. Preservation of Existing City Facilities and Services: The developer
understands the need to preserve any and all existing City facilities and
services currently provided at the Rotary Park locations. The master plan or
any subsequent development can not have an adverse impact on the recreational
services currently offered to the public at this site. Any proposed impacts
must be fully mitigated to the satisfaction of the City by the developer at the
developer?s cost. The developer agrees to coordinate with all stakeholders in
the area of the proposed development to include but not limited to the owner of
Bull Dog Bait and Tackle, Civil War Naval Museum, Parks and Recreation, and the
Trade Center.
4. Final Approval of Master Plan: If the development of a riverfront rowing
facility is deemed feasible and a master plan is fully developed, the master
plan will be presented to Columbus Council for approval. Upon approval by
Columbus Council and evidence of sufficient capital is raised to develop the
facility by the developer, the City agrees to negotiate in good faith with the
developer a lease agreement for City property for implementation of the plan.
If at such time, property adjacent to the currently owned City property comes
into possession of the City, the City agrees to provide the developer first
right of refusal to lease the additional property for a period of 365 days from
the date the property is developable.
5. Binding Affect: The MOU sets forth the understanding and commitment of the
parties and may be modified and amended by a more definitive agreement, but the
obligations of the parties set forth herein are intended to be binding upon the
parties, subject however, to the prior approval of the MOU by Council of the
City and the board of Developer.
6. Governing Law: This MOU will be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Georgia.
7. Notices: All notices and other communications permitted or given in
connection with this MOU shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
properly given if delivered in person, or by courier, or sent by United States
mail, Registered or Certified, Return Receipt Requested, to the addresses set
forth below or to such other address as may be from time to time specified by
written notice delivered in accordance herewith:
8. Authorization to apply for Grant Funding: The City Manager is authorized to
approve the application for grant funding as identified for this project. The
application for any grant funding shall not require a match by the Consolidated
Government unless otherwise approved by Council. The City Manager is further
authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to receive grant funds
and facilitate the completion of the project.
Financial Considerations
The City will not incur an expense with this project
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement
None
Legal Considerations
Council must approved the Memorandum of Understand.
Recommendations/ Actions
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with
Chattahoochee Rowing, Ltd. for Master Planning for a rowing facility to be
located on City owned property. And further authorize the City Manager to apply
for grant funds in support of the project provided the grant does not require a