Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

Exhibit A

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS GEORGIA

June 1, 2006



MEMBERS PRESENT

Billy Blanchard, Carmen Cavezza, Dick Ellis, Bob Gilson, Stella Shulman, Allen

Taber, Fernando Verdree



MEMBERS ABSENT

none



ALSO PRESENT

David Arrington, Richard Bishop, Mike Gaymon, Joe Johnson, Seiko Kabumoto, Bob

Poydasheff, Dayton Preston, Joe Sanders, Brian Sillitto, Ed Sprouse,



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 June

1, 2006 meeting to order.



MINUTES

Upon motion made by Dick Ellis and seconded by Billy Blanchard, the Authority

unanimously approved the minutes of the May 4, 2006 meeting hereto attached as

Exhibit ?A?.



FINANCIAL REPORT

There were no questions about the report. The finances have been looked at

more closely by Bob Gilson, Fernando Verdree, Joe Sanders and Katherine Kelly

and an estimated cash flow chart for the rest of the year is being prepared.

Upon motion made by Allen Taber and seconded by Billy Blanchard, the Authority

unanimously approved the May 2006 Financial Report which is attached hereto as

Exhibit ?B?.



ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE - Becca Hardin is in Chicago at meeting of site

selection consultants. Dayton Preston reviewed her written report which is

attached as Exhibit ?C?. Governor Perdue will be presenting the ?big? check

for the Road America OneGeorgia Grant on June 13th. Billy Blanchard, an

individual from Road America and Dayton are going to Metter, Georgia to receive

it. Georgia Power is putting together a map of available sites and buildings

for Kia suppliers.



PROPERTY

Dayton reported that Valuation Services has given a verbal appraisal that land

prices in MTP and FLBC should be changed from $30,000/acre to $40,000/acre.

Brian Sillitto reported that Voice Link could not get permits since the road

cannot be deeded to the City until it meets specs. Cargo Court is in poor

condition and will cost about $70,000 to be accepted by the City. The road has

to end in a cul-de-sac not a driveway. Once the road has been improved and

accepted, the City would maintain the road. Discussion on this issue was

postponed until more information, a good cost estimate and possible talking

with the original owners can be obtained. David Arrington is processing the

request for City Council consideration of closing 9th Avenue, 6th Street and

9th Street around Vesta Bakery.



OLD BUSINESS

Dick Ellis reported that the Signage Subcommittee met with Ed Burdeshaw to

evaluate where signage is currently and where want to go. Consensus is to have

a standard signage package for all parks. There will be another meeting on

June 10th with a signage consultant.



NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Poydasheff reported that there is a line item in the new budget for

$600,000 to hire a multifaceted strategy planner for 5 years.



LEGAL ISSUES

1. Upon motion made by Dick Ellis and seconded by Stella Shulman, the Authority

unanimously approved the Inducement Resolution for the Covan Worldwide Moving

Project for up to $3,000,000 in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "D". The

project is retaining 30 jobs and creating 30 new jobs and purchasing the Warr

Spec Building.



2. Status of projects ? NSA is purchasing the 692 acres in Chattahoochee

County with $300,000 in cash going to the Consolidated Government of Columbus,

Georgia and with $650,000 in kind services to the City of Columbus. The

Johnston Mills Loft Project will be having a restructuring at a future date.



3. Ad valorem taxes ? Discussions are taking place so that the Authority can

have a predictable method it can use with a prospect. At present it appears

that with new real property the cost of the project is locked for 5 years and

in the 6th year the values will move as re-appraised but the 50% abatement will

be retained on the new amounts. Discussions are still underway for existing

properties. There is still a problem when have purchase of used property that

is already on the tax books. A number of the inducements done by the Authority

are on hold until a decision is made by the tax assessors.



Upon motion made by Billy Blanchard and seconded by Dick Ellis and unanimously

adopted, the Authority was called into Executive Session with only members

present to discuss litigation matters.



The Authority was called out of Executive Session with no actions to be

reported.



There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.



By:_____________________________

J. Edward Sprouse, Secretary



Approved by:



____________________________________

Robert M. Gilson, Jr., Chair

Attachments


No attachments for this document.

Back to List