Columbus, Georgia
Georgia's First Consolidated Government
Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016
Council Members
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS GEORGIA
April 1, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT
Dick Ellis,Bob Gilson, Stella Shulman,Fernando Verdree
MEMBERS ABSENT
Steve Butler, Allen Taber, Jimmy Yancey
ALSO PRESENT
Billy Blanchard, Becca Hardin, Biff Hadden, Jack Key, Bob Poydasheff, Dayton
Preston, Ed Sprouse, Janeen Tucker, Katherine Kelly
Bob Gilson, Chairman, noting that a quorum was present and proper notice had
been given in accordance with the requirements of Georgia law, called the April
1, 2004 meeting to order.
MINUTES
Upon motion made by Dick Ellis and seconded by Fernando Verdree, the Authority
unanimously approved the minutes of theMarch 4, 2004meeting hereto attached as
Exhibit ?A?.
FINANCIAL REPORT
1. Fernando Verdree reviewed the financial report for February 2004.
He reported that the Authority has paid the $25,000 request for 2003 funds to
Future Partners Fort Benning in support of hiring Wexford Group to work on BRAC
strategy. The moneys itemized as Advertising Expenses were reported to be for
ads in marketing magazines and were paid from the Millage Account. Upon motion
made by Stella Shulman and seconded by Dick Ellis, the Authority unanimously
approved the March 2004 Financial Report which is attached hereto as Exhibit
?B?.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE ? Becca Hardin reviewed the status of current
projects. Her report is attached as Exhibit ?C?. Even though the reported
number of new jobs for The Waggoners Trucking project was 150, the number will
most likely be 365 and maybe even up to 500. This project is also significant
since it involves 3 sites in Columbus South. Techsphere Systems International
announced $25 million capital investment with 250 new jobs and expecting to
increase to 1000 new jobs. There are 26 active projects with 4 of them being
?hot?. There has been a prospect visit each day this week. Final proposal has
been given to Taylor County prospect. Jerry Grillo from Georgia Trend will do
feature article on Columbus Region in the April. Data for Rockefeller Group
(FTZ consultants) is being compiled. Char Broil is applying for FTZ subzone
status. ED staff has been working with both Marion and Talbot Counties on
their industrial parks. Lynx Chemicals was granted a waiver by DCA so it could
use job tax credits. The organizational meeting of the Economic Development
Advisory Board will be on April 14, 2004.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
none
LEGAL ISSUES
1. Upon motion made by Fernando Verdree and seconded by Dick Ellis, the
Authority unanimously approved the Inducement Resolution in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit ?D? for Project Publish for $3,000,000 bond issue and 100
jobs. Biff Hadden explained the project.
2. Upon motion made by Dick Ellis and seconded by Stella Shulman, the
Authority unanimously approved ratification of the execution of the Quitclaim
Bills of Sale for TSYS representing disposition of bond-financed assets.
3. Ed Sprouse reported that in approving an inducement resolution in
the amount of $15,700,000 for Hall Properties that the Authority did nothing
different from other projects of that type. The article in the newspaper was
misleading.
4. Bob Gilson reported that the zoning applications for FLBC went
before the Planning Advisory Commission (PAC). The amended zoning for the part
already zoned M-1 went well. The back portion of property which Authority was
requesting zoning from A-1 to M-1 received some negative comments from
residents but was approved by the PAC.
PROPERTY
1. Dayton Preston reported that the RFI for the spec building on Lot 2
MTP has been approved by Ed Sprouse and Bob Gilson has one area needing
clarifying. The request will be sent to all contractors who are members of the
Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. The latest MTP map will be
e-mailed to the members.
2. Dayton also reported that no land in MTP should be used to mitigate
failed wetlands. The status of failed wetlands in FLBC is being pursued with
DOT.
3. Biff Hadden presented the proposed costs for cut and rough grade of
the 35 acres for H&K in MTP from two quotes which ranged from $600,000 to
$1,500,000. Eric Bruce sees MBIA as an option even though it has limited
expansion capacity. Biff has talked with a heavy equipment training instructor
who might be available to work the MTP site at a considerable reduction in
cost. Further discussion was postponed until after H&K makes further site
decisions. Biff also reminded the Authority that sites in MTP need to be
surveyed every 180 days to ensure that the covenant is maintained. After
discussion, it was decided that Becca would clarify the status of who is
responsible for making sure survey is done and she will report to the Authority
in May.
4. Ed Sprouse has contacted Masterbuilt in regards to the status of the
lot in CRIP. After discussion, it was decided that Ed Sprouse would notify
Masterbuilt that it is in default with the CRIP Covenants and the Authority
wants to re-acquire that land. It was suggested that discussions include the
availability of sites in MTP.
OTHER ISSUES
none
There being no further business to come before the Authority and upon motion
made by Dick Ellis and seconded by Fernando Verdree, the Authority unanimously
approved to adjourn the meeting.
By:_____________________________
J. Edward Sprouse, Secretary
Approved by:
____________________________________
Robert M. Gilson, Jr., Chair