Land Bank Authority Board Meeting
September 3, 2014
Page 2
Land Bank Authority Board Meeting
September 3, 2014
Page 3
Land Bank Authority
Board Meeting Minutes
September 3, 2014
10:30 a.m.
A meeting of the Land Bank Authority Board was held on September 3, 2014 in the
Conference Room at the Land Bank Authority?s office located at 18 Eleventh
Street, Columbus, Georgia.
Members Present: Justin Krieg Carson Cummings
Lance Hemmings
Absent: Thomas Gristina Steve Anthony
Also Present: Verona Campbell (Columbus Consolidated Government)
Rhonda Walters (Staff)
Call to Order/Establish a Quorum
Board Chair Justin Krieg called the meeting to order. A quorum was present.
Approval of Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes from the Board meetings on July 2, 2014 and
June 4, 2014 was made by Lance Hemmings. The motion was seconded by Carson
Cummings. The motion passed.
Land Bank Authority Management Agreement
Management Services - Through an electronic vote, the LBA Board approved the
proposed Agreement for Services with NeighborWorks Columbus (NWC). The contract
was signed July 24, 2014, and became effective August 1, 2014. The approved fee
is $1,000.00 per month for a renewable term of one year.
Lance Hemmings asked if the $12,000 in fees could be paid in full now. Rhonda
Walters will check with Cathy Williams (NWC) in this regard.
Records Transfer ? Electronic copies of the Agendas, Minutes, and related
documents have been copied and are being maintained on the NWC server. Justin
Krieg, Board Chairman, signed an official letter, directed to Pam Hodge,
Director of Finance, Columbus Consolidated Government, requesting disbursement
of all funds associated with the LBA and closure of those accounts. Upon
receipt of funds, NWC will set up and maintain an account on behalf of the LBA.
Verona Campbell will hand-deliver the letter to Ms. Hodge.
The existing accounts total approximately $39,000. Additional funds ($60,000 -
$80,000) will be forthcoming following the sale of an NSP funded house that is
currently under contract. The funds go back to the City and will be disbursed
to the LBA as an allowable use within that funding program.
Rhonda Walters will find out the projected time table and expected amount of
funds.
Old/New Business
o Hardest Hit Funds
Justin Krieg reported that he and Cathy Williams (NWC) were part of a small
group that met with DCA Commissioner Gretchen Corbin regarding the potential
use of remaining Hardest Hit Funds (US Treasury) for demolition and greening of
blighted properties. Other states are successfully utilizing these funds for
that purpose and it was hoped that Georgia would consider such use as well. The
Commissioner listened to the proposal but such use is not an option for the
State at this time. DCA has already identified how to use the remaining funds
but will consider this type of use if other, more appropriate, funding becomes
available.
o 143 Ticknor Drive
The property has been sold to Frank A. Turman.
o Clover Lane
This is a potential REO donation. Property is located in Winterfield. Justin
Krieg believes NWC may be interested in the property since they are developing
a project in the neighborhood. If NWC is interested, the LBA could accept the
donation and sell it to NWC at going rate for non-profits of $.50/square foot.
A motion was made by Lance Hemmings to accept the donation if NWC is interested
in the property. The motion was seconded by Carson Cummings. The motion passed.
o 1334 24th Street
Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity is interested in purchasing this property
for $3,562.50 ($.50/sq ft). Their attorney will prepare the closing documents.
A motion was made by Lance Hemmings to sell the property. The motion was
seconded by Carson Cummings. The motion passed.
o 3916 Oates Avenue
Phenix-Girard Bank owns this REO property and is interested in donating it to
the LBA. Justin Krieg has spoken with a small non-profit, Truth Spring, that is
interested in the property since it is in their targeted service area. They are
developing a new housing program and hope to include this property. The
possibility of donating the property to them if they can pay the closing costs
was discussed.
A motion was made by Lance Hemmings to donate the property to Truth Spring and
request their ?best effort? in securing funds for the closing costs. The motion
was seconded by Carson Cummings. The motion passed.
o 2910 Bradley Circle
Wells Fargo is interested in donating this REO property to the LBA. It is
located in the City Village area. Historic Columbus may be interested in
acquiring the property as part of their revitalization effort in this
neighborhood. Truth Spring may also be interested.
A motion was made by Lance Hemmings to move forward with gaining ownership and
determining who might be interested in undertaking this project. The motion was
seconded by Carson Cummings. The motion passed.
o Website development
Verona Campbell was successful in obtaining approval for the development and
support of a webpage for the LBA on the City?s website. Donny Kent, Web
Development Manager, Columbus Consolidated Government, will be working with the
LBA on this. Discussion followed regarding what should be included. At minimum,
a list of properties will be included along with contact information. It may be
worthwhile to consider something that would allow people to make donations as
well. Additional items will be considered based on further research and
discussion.
Board Composition and Terms
Board terms and the interest that current members have in continuing to serve
were discussed. There are currently two vacancies on the Board that need to be
filled. Discussion followed regarding potential nominees and general board
composition. Further discussion is anticipated during the next meeting.
Staff Report
Rhonda Walters presented the monthly staff report. Discussion followed
regarding operational structure and policies & procedures as well as website
development.
Next Meeting
The next Land Bank Authority Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, November 5th,
2014.
Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Attachments
No attachments for this document.