Agenda Item # 14
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
01/22/2013
Agenda Report # 021
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Claflin School, 1532 5th Avenue
INITIATED BY: Amy Carbajal, Community Reinvestment
Recommendation: Approval is requested to accept a deed of the Claflin School
at 1532 5th Avenue from the Muscogee County School District on a temporary
basis in order to give staff six months to ascertain the level of interest from
the local non-profit service providers to establish a homeless resource center.
Background: In 1880 a Deed was executed and recorded which transferred the
above shown property to the Board of Trustees of the Public Schools of the City
of Columbus. The Deed indicated that the propety must be utilized for
educational purposes. The Deed further explains that, should the Public School
system cease utilizing the property for educational purposes, the property must
revert to the City of Columbus for educational purposes. Finally, if the City
does not intend to utilize the property for educational purposes the property
will revert to the US Government.
In December, 2012, the Muscogee County School District relinquished their
interest in the Claflin School property. According to the deed restrictions
(attached for your review), the property must revert to the City of Columbus
and it must be used for an educational purpose. The Council has the ability to
accept the property or defer it to the US Government.
Recently, members of the Council attended the Chamber of Commerce InterCity
trip to Oklahoma City. During that trip a Homeless Resource Center captured
the attention of the attendees. Staff believes that the Claflin's location is
ideal to place homeless services/resources. This location is near existing
services such as the Salvation Army, Open Door and other social service
agencies. It is also located near the Medical Center and Metra. It could
operate as a day center, job training, GED preparation and a resource center.
Currently attendees of the Oklahoma City trip are interested in working with
the City to vet this idea. Staff is also discussing this possibility with the
Steering Committee and Executive Director of Home for Good. Staff would like
to have the opportunity to fully examine the feasibility of this project on the
Claflin site. In addition, commitments are necessary from the Social Service
community to support the resource center on a long term basis.
Analysis: Subsequent to the School District's decision to relinquish interest
in the property, the Deed indicates that the City must accept the property for
an educational purpose or defer interest in the property to the US Government.
A resource center/day center would benefit the homeless community as currently
there is no place for homeless to be welcomed during the day. It would also
benefit the downtown commercial and residential property owners as homeless are
able to congregate in a safe and productive environment. If after six months
the Claflin site does not prove to be a feasible project that meets the
criteria of the Deed, the City will move forward with relinquishing its
interest to the US Government.
Financial Considerations: A fund raising and grant writing campaign would be
required.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: N/A
Legal Considerations: Acceptance of real property must be authorized by Council
resolution.
Recommendations/ Actions: Accept the Claflin School property on a temporary
basis allowing Staff to work with the Social Service community to fully explore
the feasibility of a resource/day center for the homeless.
A RESOLUTION
NO. _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF THE CLAFLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITE
LOCATED AT 1532 FIFTH AVENUE, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA.
WHEREAS, a deed dated July, 1880 transfers ownership of this site to the Board
of Trustees of the Public Schools of the City of Columbus and requires that
this site be utilized for educational purposes, otherwise the property will
revert to the ownership of the City of Columbus; and,
WHEREAS, the Claflin Elementary School site has not been utilized by the
Muscogee County School district for many years; and,
WHEREAS, the Muscogee County School District has relinquished their interest in
the property; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus must accept the property and utilize it for
educational purposes or the property will revert to the U.S. Government.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
The City of Columbus accepts ownership of this property and authorizes
the City Manager and Clerk of Council to execute and record the required
documentation. The Mayor, Council and City Manager shall attempt to find an
appropriate educational use for the property. If none is determined within six
months from the date of this resolution, the property shall be quit-claimed to
the U.S. Government.
___________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held
the _________day of _____________, 2013 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of _____________members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor McDaniel voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
______________________________
_________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council , Mayor
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