Exhibit A
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS GEORGIA
December 4, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT
Billy Blanchard, Carmen Cavezza, Dick Ellis, Stella Shulman, Allen Taber,
Fernando Verdree, Jimmy Yancey
ALSO PRESENT
Steve Adams, David Arrington, Douglas Bryant, Russ Carreker, Mike Gaymon, Becca
Hardin, Isaiah Hugley, Joe Johnson, Gary Jones, Dayton Preston, Joe Sanders,
Erin Shuler, Brian Sillitto, Ed Sprouse, Katherine Kelly
Dick Ellis, Chairman, noting that a quorum was present and proper notice had
been given in accordance with the requirements of Georgia law, called the
December 4, 2008 meeting to order.
MINUTES
Upon motion made by Stella Shulman and seconded by Fernando Verdree, the
Authority unanimously approved the minutes of the November 6, 2008 meeting
hereto attached as Exhibit ?A?.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Fernando Verdree presented the report. Upon motion made by Jimmy Yancey and
seconded by Stella Shulman, the Authority unanimously approved the November
2008 Financial Report which is attached hereto as Exhibit ?B?.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Becca Hardin reported that project activity has increased some and that some
Kia suppliers are still looking at region. More effort is being made with
defense contractors. Gary Jones reported on the recent visit to Fort Knox
where there were about 77 booths set up from various Columbus entities dealing
with education, workforce, employment, quality of life. Meetings took place
with about 16 companies working at Fort Knox. Surveys inquiring about needs of
office space are beginning to be returned. She referred members to the written
report which is attached as Exhibit ?C?. A presentation will be made later in
meeting if there is time.
PROPERTY
Dayton Preston reported that Mutec Drive Coordination Group is meeting on
December 10. There is a signage meeting at 9:30am today to wrap up project and
get completion timeline.
OLD BUSINESS
Development Authority Board Member Training ? A training session is scheduled
for February 26 in Columbus.
NEW BUSINESS
Billy Blanchard reported on the proposal for a model for incentives which can
be used with specific projects. Several companies were contacted about
developing such a model. Upon motion made by Jimmy Yancey and seconded by
Fernando Verdree, the Authority authorized Becca Hardin to engage Ernst and
Young to develop an incentives model at a cost of $50,000. It was noted that
this model will support efforts being made with the Board of Tax Assessors
which will be involved.
LEGAL ISSUES
Upon motion made by Jimmy Yancey and seconded by Allen Taber, the Authority
unanimously approved the Bond Resolution in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
?D? in the amount of $24,000,000 for the George C. Woodruff Kitten Lake Project.
Upon motion made by Jimmy Yancey and seconded by Billy Blanchard, the Authority
approved, with Stella Shulman abstaining, the Bond Resolution in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit ?E? in the amounts of Issue 2008A up to $9,000,000
and Issue 2008B up to $2,000,000 for the Prestige Hospitality Homewood Suites
Project.
Ed Sprouse reported that the following bonds should close by year end ? Pratt &
Whitney, Synovus Data Center, and Riverstone Commercial Properties.
It was suggested that a list of the projects which were induced be distributed
to members.
Other Issues
Since the first Thursday in January is January 1st, it was proposed that the
Authority meet on January 8th instead. A notice will be sent to members to
ascertain if there would be a quorum for that date.
Becca Hardin reported that the Pace Building has been shown to several
prospects. The Georgia Department of Economic development is hiring a project
manager to focus on the defense industry.
Upon motion made by Billy Blanchard and seconded by Fernando Verdree, the
Authority moved into executive session to discuss litigation issues.
Upon motion made by Stella Shulman and seconded by Fernando Verdree, the
Authority came out of executive session.
Upon motion made by Jimmy Yancey and seconded by Billy Blanchard, the Authority
approved reimbursing the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce the
amount of $10,000 for attorney fees.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
By:_____________________________
Rebecca Brown Hardin, Secretary
Approved by:
____________________________________
P. Richard Ellis, Chair
Attachments
No attachments for this document.