MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS GEORGIA
April 3, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT
Carmen Cavezza, Dick Ellis, Bob Gilson, Stella Shulman, Allen Taber, Fernando
Verdree
MEMBERS ABSENT: Billy Blanchard
ALSO PRESENT
Steve Adams, David Arrington, Douglas Bryant, Shelley Dean, Mike Gaymon, Becca
Hardin, Joe Johnson, Gary Jones, Dayton Preston, Joe Sanders, Brian Sillitto,
Ed Sprouse, 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
3, 2008 meeting to order.
MINUTES
Upon motion made by Stella Shulman and seconded by Dick Ellis, the Authority
unanimously approved the minutes of the March 6, 2008 meeting hereto attached
as Exhibit ?A?.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Fernando Verdree presented the report. Upon motion made by Allen Taber and
seconded by Dick Ellis, the Authority unanimously approved the March 2008
Financial Report which is attached hereto as Exhibit ?B?. The consolidated
audit had been distributed to the members at the previous meeting. There were
no questions or comments. Upon motion made by Allen Taber and seconded by
Fernando Verdree, the Authority unanimously accepted the Consolidated Audit of
the Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia and the Columbus Economic
Development Corporation for fiscal year ending June 30, 2007 which is attached
hereto as Exhibit ?D?.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Becca Hardin asked David Arrington to report on a meeting held to discuss
budget planning for MTP. Discussion centered around $4M available from SPLOST
looking at what costs would fit the spending guidelines and prioritize the
items that fit the guidelines. Some items were street lights, curb cuts,
resurfacing 10th Armored Division Road delayed until Cessna finishes
construction, and need to maintain safe harbor agreement for up to 10 years.
City Council approved agreement with DOT for City to begin purchase right of
way from extension of Eastern Connector (now Technology Parkway) from
Chattsworth Road to Macon Road. Joe Johnson reported that the design of Mutec
Drive as been finalized. DOT wants all three phases under one contract. City
responded that was alright if the bridge project could be moved forwarded. The
written report is attached as Exhibit ?C?.
PROPERTY
Dayton Preston reported on a number of items.
Cessna project has 3 sides up. City has done some landscaping and site is
looking good
There is some vandalism gone on in MTP ? burned car and manhole covers stolen.
The seeding and grassing completed in MTP but burning delayed since need wind
from northwest.
Randy Cardoza here today for the final visit about MTP certified site
designation.
Gary Jones reported on the $3M grant received from Georgia Department of Labor
bringing monies into Columbus Technical College, Chattahoochee Valley Community
College and Columbus State University focused on workforce development. A
$100,000 STEADI grant received for workforce development related to defense
industries.
Becca gave an update on the recent visit to Korea which was the official
signing of documents with chairman of Daehan Solution to locate in the
NorthWest Harris Business Park. She was also able to visit with a very active
prospect for Muscogee County. All Tier 1 suppliers are just about announced.
Now focus will be on Tiers 2 and 3 suppliers. Columbus should see more active
with these suppliers.
OLD BUSINESS
Mike Gaymon gave an update on the Red Carpet Tour which is coming. Local chair
is Jay Alexander. The group will fly into Columbus from Masters Golf
Tournament on Thursday evening and bus to Callaway Gardens. Phil Tomlinson
will speak at the business session on Friday morning. On Friday afternoon the
participants will play golf, go fly fishing, visit spa or visit Fort Benning.
Dinner will be at the RiverMill on Friday evening. The group will fly out of
Columbus on Saturday morning and go to Masters Golf Tournament. Oconee and
Athens-Clark Counties visited Chamber to learn about the Valley Partnership.
Valley Partnership is really a state model for regional development.
NEW BUSINESS
none
LEGAL ISSUES
none
Dick Ellis recognized that this is the last meeting for Bob Gilson as a member
of the Authority. He thanked Bob for his years of service on the Authority and
as Chairman. On behalf of the Authority, Dick presented Bob a collage with
pictures of some of the projects under his leadership and a resolution of
appreciation. Ed Sprouse read a resolution of appreciation. Upon motion made
by Dick Ellis and seconded by Stella Shulman, the Authority unanimously adopted
the Resolution in Appreciation for Exemplary Service by Robert M. Gilson, Jr.
attached hereto as Exhibit ?D?. Bob Gilson made comments. On behalf of the
Mayor and City Council, Isaiah Hugley expressed thanks and appreciation.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
By:_____________________________
Rebecca Brown Hardin, Secretary
Approved by:
____________________________________
Dick Ellis, Vice Chair
Attachments
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