MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 22, 2008
The regular monthly Work Session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 9:03 A.M., Tuesday, January 22, 2008, in the Council
Chambers on the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia.
Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington were Councilors Wayne Anthony,
Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H.
Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah
Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis
were also present. Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh arrived at 9:10 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor R. Gary Allen was absent. Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend B. T. Pleasant- B. T. Pleasant Ministries, Inc.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from St. Luke School.
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PROCLAMATION:
ONE COLUMBUS DAY:
With Pastor J. H. Flakes, Mr. Ken Crooks and Mr. Lee Brantley standing
before the Council table, Councilor Henderson read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington, proclaiming Thursday, January 24, 2008 as ?One Columbus Day? in
Columbus, Georgia.
Mr. Lee Brantley announced that on January 24, 2008, the annual One
Columbus Recognition Dinner would be held. He said the honoree would be Mr.
Dan Amos and AFLAC for his and the companies work in diversity in the community.
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BLAZERS BOXING CLUB:
Mr. Rick Carrillo, Coach of the Blazers Boxing Club, introduced one of his
students Michael Finney, who is ranked number four for the nation. He then
invited the Council to a tournament that would be held this weekend at Haygood
Gym, on Cusseta Road and 11th Avenue. He announced that it is a two-day
tournament on January 26 and 27, 2008. He asked for the support of the
community in attending this event.
Councilor Barnes emphasized the fulfillment of boxing through discipline
and self- defense. He encouraged everyone to support the boxing club.
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CONSENT AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
SUBMITTED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (22-08) - Authorizing a request to execute a Reconfiguration
Proposal Agreement with Motorola, Inc., the City's 800 Mhz Radio System
manufacturer, in order to implement all changes and reprogramming to the 800
Mhz Transmission System, replace and/or reprogram all radios to comply with the
FCC Rebanding Order. Sprint Nextel, Inc., will pay for the cost of all work as
required by the Federal Communications Commission. Councilor Woodson moved its
adoption. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine
members present for this meeting.
An ordinance (23-08) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the January 15, 2008 Council Meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its
approval. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING NEW REZONING PETITIONS WAS LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AND
AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by D. L. Moore to rezone 2.01 acres of property located
at 1330 Victory Drive from LMI (Light Manufacturing / Industrial) to GC
(General Commercial) zoning district. (Recommended for conditional approval by
both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department.)
(2-CA-08-Moore)
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WORK SESSION:
MONTHLY FINANCE UPDATE:
City Manager Isaiah Hugley called upon Finance Director Pamela Hodge to
make a presentation on the monthly finance report. Councilor Anthony requested
the staff to provide an update on the progress at Ginger Creek. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh requested an update on the skating rink.
Finance Director Pamela Hodge came forward after which time the finance
report was distributed around the table. Finance Director Hodge highlighted
the various funds as listed on the summary page of the December Quarterly
Revenue Report and further explained in more details those funds that down in
revenue.
City Manager Hugley further expounded on the loss of revenues for the
Parking Management Fund due mainly to no longer receiving rental proceeds from
businesses such as; Columbus State University and W.C. Bradley, once the
parking garage was constructed on Broad and 10th Street.
Councilor Davis asked questions regarding the number of employees in
Parking Management, to which City Manager Hugley responded by saying six.
Responding to Councilor Baker to determine if the Finance Department
conducts an a budget to actual each month or quarterly and run the variance,
Finance Director Hodge agreed that this is done.
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MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT- CUSTOMER SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
At this time, Mr. Jami Mack came forward to provide the following power
point presentation on customer service and is outlined as follows:
Customer Service Council
Presented by: Jami Mack
?Quality People Providing Quality Service?
Objectives
Define the scope of the council; who it is comprised of and their purpose
Discuss the impact of the council on internal and external customer service
provision
Examine the long term outcome of the council after implementation (i.e. return
on investment and efficiency).
What is the Customer Service Council?
A focus group comprised of the employee?s of the Consolidated Government
Their purpose is to discuss, develop and implement solutions for current
internal and external issues effecting the quality of service provided
Why a Council?
It gives each department an opportunity to bring internal/external customer
service issues to the forefront
It gives employees a sense of belongingness to the organization
It will improve morale and inter-departmental relationships
What is the impact of the Council?
It will change the manner in which departments communicate with one another
All 22 departments are represented
It will allow for issues that may have otherwise been ignored to be addressed
among members of the council
Employees are constantly educated about other departments
Quality of service is increased to implementation of efficient and effective
strategies
Long-term outcomes of the Council on the City
Improves the reputation of the City
Reduces stress of front-line employees
Allows employees to work independently
Saves time, energy and emotions
How much does poor customer cost ?
Time spent managing irate customers is 15 minutes
$2.50 x 8 = $20.00 a day
261(working days) x $20.00
= $5,220 per employee
Projected Return on Investment
After the council is established and customer service issues are addressed the
number of unsatisfied customers are reduced to half
Previous amount per employee is $5,220
New amount is $2,610 per employee a savings of $2,610 dollars per employee a
year
Or 261,000 a year for 1,000 employees who provide front-line customer service
Summary
The Customer Service Council is necessary to the future of our organization
We will ?humanize? the customer service experience again
Councilor Woodson requested that the staff provide a report on the
employees that have completed the Management Development Program. Also, check
to find out if employees are being prepared to move up to the next level.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES NOT LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA WERE
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (08-2) - Amending the Columbus Code so as to establish a
franchise fee applicable to holders of cable or video franchises issued by the
State of Georgia. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
An ordinance (08-3) - Authorizing Sunesys, LLC (?Licensee?) to encroach
upon, over, under and in certain streets, easements, alleys and other public
rights-of-way of the Columbus, Georgia Consolidated Government (?City?) for the
purpose of installing, constructing, operating, upgrading, maintaining,
repairing, replacing and removing a multimedia optical fiber communications
transmission system to be installed by licensee. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present for this meeting.
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SPECIAL PURPOSE SALES TAX (SPLOST) UPDATE:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington approached the rostrum to provide an
update on the 1999 SPLOST projects and is outlined as follows:
1999 SPLOST
Project Update
1999 SPLOST
Project Funding Sources
Leveraging Public and Private dollars to enhance Projects
1999 SPLOST
Tax proceeds $241,100,000
Private Sector $ 4,200,000
Grants $ 44,887,384
Total Public/Private funding $290,187,384
1999 SPLOST Project Update
New Fire Stations
Project Budget $5,250,000
Station 3 - American Way
Station 7 - Buena Vista Road
Station 10 - Benning Drive
Station 12 - Cargo Drive
Station 14 - Old River Road
Station 15 - McKee Road
Actual Cost $4,975,527
Upgrade Police & Fire Vehicles - Equipment
Project Budget - $12,750,000
189 technology packages installed
Public Safety Warning Sirens
299 Public Safety Vehicles
Actual Cost $11,898,788
City Service Center
Project Budget $3,000,000
Additional property acquired through land swap
Masterplan development underway in cooperation with MCSD
Project Funding Allocation in FY09
Animal Shelter
Project Budget $2,600,000
Public/Private Partnership with PAWS
11.8 acre site on Milgen Road purchased by PAWS
PAWS Facility Under Construction
Animal Control Facility Design Complete
Construction to Begin March 2008
Projected Cost - $2,400,000
Road, Street, & Bridge Improvements
Project Budget $40,000,000
Leverage $19,760,000 in State Funding
LARP - 262 miles resurfaced
State Aid Contracts - 6 contracts completed
Railroad Crossing Improvements
Bridge Repair/Replacement ? Standing Boy Road Bridge
State Projects Programmed or Underway ?
St. Mary?s Road ? Buena Vista to Robin widening
Whittlesey Road widening
Whitesville/Double Churches
Brown Avenue Bridge
New construction of 28 traffic signals, loop maintenance on 97 intersections
Expenditures - $ 27,167,966
Councilor Davis expressed the need for infrastructure and asked questions
regarding the funding sources for resurfacing in particular the contributions
from the State in the upcoming years. Deputy City Manager Arrington said that
the State is planning to continue funding the LARP Program; however, the LARP
Program is a match where the City has to come forward with a portion of the
funding. He pointed out that over the years, we have been able to increase the
number of miles that we resurface each year from approximately 15 miles to 45
miles. He maintained that this is the last year that we would have SPLOST
funds available for resurfacing and without an additional funding source, we
would go back to resurfacing approximately 15 miles per year.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked about the status of Forrest Road. City
Manager Hugley explained that Forest Road is a priority. He said in terms of
funding, we presented a $70 million bond packet two or three times, which also
includes the natatorium, roads and the City Service Center. He pointed out
that Forrest Road and Moon Road are included on that list. He said if we are
ready to approve that; then, we are ready to move forward with funding;
however, if the Council is not ready to approve that; then, an option would be
if there is a local option sales tax that is approved by the citizens.
After Mayor Tem Turner Pugh suggested that the matter be brought before
the Council for a vote, City Manager Hugley maintained that he has no problem
with bringing forth the resolution if this is the desire of the Council.
Storm Water Control/Flood Abatement
Project Budget $30,000,000
Stormwater
Old Town Stormwater Inventory - COMPLETE
Priority 1 and 2 pipe rehabilitation - COMPLETE
Flood Abatement
12th Avenue - COMPLETE
6th Avenue - Phase I under construction
Expenditures - $13,145,844
CCTV Assessment and Prioritization
High-Tech Library/Learning Center
Project Budget $40,000,000
Actual Cost - $39,999,851
Olympic-Size Pools
Project Budget - $9,500,000
Rigdon Park Pool - Complete
Psalmond Road Pool - Complete
Shirley Winston Park Pool - Complete
Center City Pool - Design, location, and funding under discussion
Expenditures - $6,257,385
Improve Bull Creek Golf Course
Project Budget - $4,300,000
New irrigation, new pump station, new irrigation lake, new concrete cart paths,
greens constructed to USGA specifications, green grassed with TifEagle,
reconstructed tees and bunkers
Phase One, renovation of 9 holes has been completed
Phase Two, renovation of 9 holes has been completed
Phase Three, renovation of 18 holes under construction,
Actual Cost - $4,271,989
Upgrade Lake Oliver Recreation Area -
Project Budget $1,200,000
Design Complete
Currently in Bid Process
Expenditures $18,850
Enterprise Zone
Project Budget - $7,000,000
Brownsfield Grant Awarded - $200,000
Property Acquisition Ongoing
Industrial/Commercial/Residential Abatements Awarded
Expenditures - $426,434
Expand Trade Center
Project Budget-$4,183,238
Renovation of 180,000 sq. ft.
New construction 115,000 sq. ft.
Additional improvements ? Exterior patios, walks, fountains & greenspace
State Funding - $22,000,000
Actual Cost - $7,075,403
NFL Improvements/Acquisition
Project Budget $12,000,000
Phase I Eastern Connector, Old Brim Road, Osceola Court - COMPLETE
Phase II Eastern Connector under design
Regional Detention Pond - COMPLETE
Water, Power, and Sewer Infrastructure Improvements in place for Phase I
Expenditures - $6,199,310
Liberty District Redevelopment Area
Project Budget $5,000,000
District Masterplan - COMPLETE
Streetscape Improvements Underway
Ma Rainey Museum Improvements - $149,000 Save America?s Treasure Grant
Expenditures - $412,763
Oxbow Meadows Development
Project Budget $10,000,000
Property Acquisition
Infrastructure Improvements
Expenditures $3,112,764
Walking/Biking Trails & Trolley System
Project Budget $11,000,000
Design 95% complete
Project is under review to determine the feasibility of the proposed trolley
component
?Clean Air? Buses
Project Budget - $2,500,000
10 Buses purchased to date - $1,401,115
4 buses & 1 Trolley ? 100% SPLOST ($1,076,621)
5 buses ? Leverage 10% SPLOST funding ($324,494) for State and Federal funding
0f $2,919,991
Project Balance - $1,098,885
Parks/Green Space Improvements
Project Budget $10,000,000
Broadway Streetscapes 10th Street to 14th Street substantially complete
Stormwater & Sanitary Sewer Pipe Replacement
Fountains, Gazebo, Performance Stage
Sidewalk, Signage, and other Streetscape Improvements
Additional funding sources utilized
Leveraged private funding - $4,200,000
Expenditures - $8,757,321
SPLOST Summary
Fiscal Year 2009 last year for SPLOST allocations
Grants and public/private partnerships have leveraged more than $44 million
additional funding
SPLOST has benefited local economy through capital investment and job creation
from construction projects
SPLOST Projects funding by many outside County
At the request of Councilor Davis, Deputy City Manager Arrington expounded
further on the Animal Control Center, Olympic Pool and natatorium along with
more detailed comments from City Manager Hugley.
Councilor Davis pointed out that most of the projects have been completed,
but there are a few projects that have issues as far as funding goes. He then
asked about the interest that has been generated. City Manager Hugley advised
that if there is money available after the completion of all projects from
interest or at the end of the sales tax; then, the money could be used to
enhance projects that were on the list. He further explained that if there is
no enhancement required; then, the money could be used to roll back property
taxes or retire old debt. He projected that we would have collected the $250
million from the SPLOST by September.
Councilor Henderson pointed out that the citizens focus on the projects
that have not been completed, which are the pool, Citizen Service Center and
the animal shelter. He maintained that for the animal shelter and the pool,
there have been groups that have come to us in an effort to enhance the project
and wanted some time to see if we could identify some money within the
government or if they could identify money within the private sector. He
contended that we fully intend to continue to obligate the amount of money that
we originally stated that we would use to build those facilities.
Councilor Davis requested that the staff provide in booklet form for
citizens to view what projects has been done with the tax dollars from the
SPLOST.
At the request of Councilor Baker, Deputy City Manager Arrington briefly
addressed Oxbow Meadows by advising that the City is still investing in Oxbow
Meadows. He maintained that the Oxbow Meadows project is one of the projects
that the funding allocation was in the latter years of the SPLOST and is just
beginning to come forward. He further commented that the funding for the City
Service Center is not until 2009; however, we are moving ahead with plans. He
reiterated that Oxbow Meadows, City Service Center and the Rails to Trails
Projects are all projects that were in the latter years of the SPLOST.
Councilor Anthony requested the staff to provide an update on the 1993 tax
and brief the Council on this information. Also, let?s have this information
in downloadable form for the citizens to be able to print.
Councilor McDaniel asked for an update of the Rails to Trails project, at
which time, Deputy City Manager Arrington advised that the design is complete
and have met with the consultants about the trolley aspects of the project. He
said that staff is close to be prepared to submit a recommendation to the City
Manager on how to proceed with this project. City Manager Hugley said that we
are not going to be able to do a trolley on rail with $11 million. He said
that we are moving forward with the walking/jogging trail; however, the trolley
on rails component would cost between $50 and $100 million.
Councilor Davis requested that the staff consider the new technology of a
battery-operated trolley.
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ROUNDABOUTS:
City Manager Hugley stated that Mr. Jim Pound was asked to make his
presentation on roundabouts during the Council Work Session. He said after
this presentation, Mr. Rick Jones would provide a presentation on Moon Road and
he has Mr. Bret Gillis from Stantec, which is the engineering consulting firm
that we use to assist with road projects with him today.
Councilor Woodson requested that the staff include as part of the Vision
Planning meetings all of the questions regarding road improvements, what
promises were made to the citizens and which projects have not been completed
and why the city does not have the money for it.
Mr. Jim Pound, 1916 Leonard Street, came forward to provide the following
comments to his presentation with regards to roundabouts. He then outlined
some of the benefits for constructing roundabouts and are listed below:
Roundabouts have to be custom designed
There is a reduction in air pollution and improved air qualities
Traffic calming aspect
Easier to enter the road from the side streets
Reduction of the amount of property to be acquired
Provide gateways into the area
Enhances the property value of the area
More room for sidewalks, bike paths, etc.
Reduction of noise due to lower speeds
He then commented on the comparisons that have been made with roundabouts
versus traffic lights. He also went into discussions regard the design of
roundabouts. He maintained that a roundabout would be a perfect solution at
the interchange of J. R. Allen and Moon Road according to one of the top
companies specializing in roundabouts, Ourston Roundabout Engineering.
He also provided pictures of roundabouts in other communities, as well as,
pictures of potential areas where roundabouts could be used in Columbus. He
pointed out that roundabouts do not necessarily cost less to start with, but it
saves the city from all of the property acquisitions and there are no annual
costs as with traffic lights.
Councilor Anthony mentioned one additional benefit by pointing out that if
the electricity goes out, there would not be a problem with how to proceed at
the intersection. He then asked about the removal of the roundabout at the
Traffic Circle. Mr. Pound then explained that there is a difference between
traffic circles and roundabouts and what Columbus had at that location was the
traffic circle where there were a number of high- speed collisions.
In conclusion, Mr. Pound said he saw that in the SPLOST, the city has done
twenty-eight traffic lights since 1999. He said that he would ask that the
Administration consider a roundabout every time we put in a traffic light.
Councilor Henderson asked that Mr. Pound send a website link to the Clerk of
Council?s Office that shows the motion of how the traffic flows in a roundabout.
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TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES:
With respect to traffic calming, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested the
staff to look at Wilder Drive and North Star Drive, near Chester?s Barbeque,
for traffic calming devices.
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MOON ROAD IMPROVEMENTS:
Planning Department Director Mr. Rick Jones came forward with a powerpoint
presentation to provide an update on a transportation project and is outlined
as follows.
Councilor Henderson requested the staff to first find out where the
citizens live that participated in the meeting and also to go back to ask the
citizens to narrow between the two projects of three lanes or four-lanes with
no medians.
Transportation Project Update
Moon Road (Phase 1)
(Whittlesey Boulevard to J.R. Allen Parkway
Project Description
Widen 2 lane road to 4 lanes
Add needed northbound left turn lane on Whittlesey Boulevard
Add southbound right turn lane off of J.R. Allen Parkway
Projected Cost
Construction $1,300,000
City Responsibility
Responsible for the full funding of this project
Will utilize private developer?s contractor for project
Status
Project to start February 1, 2008
Approximately six months to complete
Moon Road (Phase 3)
Wilbur Drive to Whittlesey Boulevard
Project was first identified in TIP in 1993 as a four lane with a median
Project cost identified as $10 million
Design would significantly impact adjoining residential properties
Staff in 2002 began looking for alternatives
October 2005, a public hearing is held to review intersection improvements as a
possible alternative
Approximately 83 citizens attended
No clear consensus could be determined
Further review showed that the improvements would produce minimal results
July 2007, new public meetings are held to review four possible alternatives:
Intersection improvements - $2.3 million
Widening to three lanes - $5.9 million
Widening to four lanes - $7.1 million
Widening to four lanes with median ? $12 million
No improvements
Responses by citizens:
Widen to four lanes ? 39
Widen to four lanes with median ? 34
Widen to three lanes ? 35
Intersection improvements ? 8
No build ? 6
No choice ? 4
Consensus-
A four lane road, with no median
Another option has now been proposed
The use of Roundabouts
Proposal was referred to our consultants for their review
Mr. Bret Gillis - STANTEC
Planning Director Jones provided a picture of the double-lane roundabouts
Single-Lane Roundabout Characteristics
Design Element Mini Urban Compact Urban Standard Rural
Max. Speed 15 mph 15 mph 20 mph 25 mph
Diameter 45-80 feet 80-100 feet 100-130 feet 115-130 feet
Typical Peak Hour 1,000 veh/hr 1,500 veh/hr 2,000 veh/hr 2,000 veh/hr
Capacity
Double-Lane Roundabout Characteristics
Design Element Urban Rural
Max. Speed 25 mph 30 mph
Diameter 150-180 feet 180-200 feet
Typical Peak Hour Varies Varies
Capacity
WHY USE ROUNDABOUTS?
Under certain conditions, can reduce delay over stop control or signal control
By removing left turns, reduce number of conflict points. Potential safety
benefits.
Aesthetics
At this time, Planning Director Jones displayed pictures of the signalized
intersectons, Moon Road at Weems Road, Moon Road at Springlake Drive and Moon
Road at Whittlesey / Stone Mill.
OTHER PROBLEMS WITH ROUNDABOUT ALTERNATE
Provides no improvements for travel along Moon Road corridor
Bottleneck effect
Provides no relief for various side streets and driveways along Moon Road
Attempts to add roundabouts to other intersections proved futile
CONCLUSION
Four-lane alternate previously identified
Provides long term for travel along Moon Road
Improves delay for minor side street approaches
Left turn lanes allow vehicles to separate from through movement vehicles.
This will increase capacity and improve safety.
No displacements
Roundabout alternate does not meet these objectives and does not warrant
further consideration
With the conclusion of Planning Department Director Jones presentation,
Mr. Bret Gillis with Stantec, also came forward to provide some additional
information regarding potential improvements to Moon Road by the use of a power
point presentation.
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ENTERPRISE ZONE PROPERTY - UPDATE:
Columbus Business Development Center
Urban Industrial Park
The Enterprise Zone - Timeline
April 1998 - Ordinance #98-30 established the local enterprise zone for the
specific purpose of industrial growth/job creation.
May 1999 - City issued bonds (1999C) for the Enterprise Zone for the specific
purpose of industrial growth/job creation.
1999 Legislative session - the Enterprise Zone law was amended and signed into
law on July 31, 1999
To include new residential construction and residential rehabilitation.
November 1999 ? 1999 SPLOST was approved by voters providing funding for the
specific purpose of industrial growth/job creation
December 2000 ? City amended the local ordinance to comply with the amended
state law.
Ordinance #00-106
To include new residential construction and residential rehabilitation
The Enterprise Zone - Funding
1999C CBA Taxable Lease Revenue Bonds - $2,000,000
This project consists of acquiring approximately 200 acres of land in south
Columbus for industrial development. The property is currently underutilized
with mixed development throughout the area. Because the land lies within the
recently adopted Enterprise Zone, tax incentives to redevelop the area could be
offered for each site. The property purchased would be reassembled and
marketed for industrial uses to generate new jobs in Columbus.
Notice of Election
?The Columbus Business Development Center (Enterprise Zone) will be developed
through the acquisition and development of property for commercial and
industrial use in the defined enterprise zone area. Cost include property
acquisition, infrastructure, demolition, site preparation, and construction of
improvements estimated to be $7,000,000.?
1999 SPLOST - $7,000,000
The Columbus Business Development Center (Enterprise Zone) will be developed
through the acquisition and development of property for commercial and
industrial use in the defined enterprise zone area. Costs include property
acquisition, infrastructure, demolition, site preparation, and construction of
improvements.
Enterprise Zone Purchases
12.73 +/- acres was purchased and sold to Ply Mart
June 2000 - $180,000
Property purchased with CDBG funding and reimbursed with Bond funding
35.57 +/- acres was purchased and assembled to be used for an urban industrial
park
Jan. 2000 ? 17.12 +/- Acres - $500,000
Bond Funding
July 2000 ? 15.65 +/- Acres - $575,000
Bond Funding
Jan. 2006 ? 2.8 +/- Acres - $350,000
1999 SPLOST Funding
Area of Activity
The area surrounding the urban industrial park is seeing additional activity
Baker Village Revitalization ? (244 units)
Ambling Development ? (250+ units)
Cusseta Road Widening (proposed 4 lanes ? long range)
Proposed Rails to Trail Project
Available Property
The City currently only has 2 large tracts of land for development within the
Enterprise Zone:
Urban Industrial Park Property ? 35.57 acres
Andrews Road Property ? 12.87 acres
Large acreage of this type is at a premium in this area of the community
Proposed Resolution
Will allow for the use of 1999C Bonds funds to be used for any uses and
purposes as set forth by the Enterprise Zone Act, as amended
Commercial/industrial uses and Job creation
New residential construction and residential rehabilitation
Disposal of Property
Property must be declared surplus by Council
Ways of disposing the 35.57 tract of property
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Require to be developed as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for entire site.
Provides for the City the most control and influence of what type and quality
of development acquires.
Advertisement of Property for BID with conditions
Per Section 7-501 of the Charter
Sealed Bids
2 Week Advertisement of the property in the newspaper
Sold to Highest Bidder
Provides the City the least amount of control of what type and quality of
development.
Disposal of Property
Lease the property
Not feasible for a residential development
Donate the Property
As part of a public/private partnership
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Timeline
Development of PUD Criteria ? 30 to 45 Days
Developed by the Planning Department
Preparation of RFP for Advertisement ? 7 to 14 days
Purchasing Division
Advertisement Period ? 30 Days
Minimum of 15 business days required
Recommend 30 days
Due to complexity of developing Master Plan for PUD
Time Period my be longer depending on the amount of Vender questions for
clarification and/or additional information.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Timeline
Receive and Review of the Proposals? 30 to 45 Days
Review Committee to have 2 to 3 meetings to review the proposals
Time dependant on the schedules of review committee members
Develop a shortlist of vendors
Presentations by and/or interviews of Vendors
OR
Recommend Proposal To Council for Approval
Presentations by and/or interviews of Vendors ?30 days
Time dependant on the schedules of review committee members
Total Time for RFP Process
Minimum Time ? 82 Days
Minimum Days to develop PUD Criteria
Minimum Days to prepare advertisement
Minimum days to advertise
Minimum days to Review
No interviews/presentations
Maximum Time ? 164 Days
Maximum Days to develop PUD Criteria
Maximum Days to prepare advertisement
Recommended Days to Advertise
Maximum days to Review
Maximum days to conduct interviews/presentations
Public Process
Upon approval of the proposal by Council
Proposal for PUD must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Advisory
Committee (PAC)
Property will have to be rezoned for the development of the PUD
Disposal of Property
Options
1. Leave property as is
Market for commercial and/or light industrial uses and job creation
2. Approve the proposed Resolution
Declare property surplus
RFP process for a PUD
3. Approve the proposed Resolution
Declare property surplus
Advertise property for Bid with conditions
4. Do not approve proposed resolution
Declare property surplus
RFP process for PUD or Bid with conditions
Reimburse the Bonds with proceeds of sell of property
Issues That Need Further Discussion
Resolution to change the use of the bond to include residential activities
Available property for commercial/light industrial uses Columbus South
Defense Contractors
Back Office Business
Commercial development to support surrounding residential development
Potential Environmental Issues
Property adjacent to junkyard and auto repair businesses
Appearance of a Fair Process in the disposal of the property
Recommendation
Declare the Property Surplus
Develop RFP
Require Plan Unit Development (PUD) for entire site
Dispose of the Property at FMV
Disposal of property conducted through the Purchasing Division
Councilor Henderson requested that the staff to go back to the citizens
during the Visioning Planning Meetings to mention the changes in the State law
with regards to the inclusion of residential to let the citizens know that
there is a way to bring the funding mechanism in line with what is now allowed
in the Enterprise Zone; since, we did specifically discuss industrial /
commercial development with the citizens.
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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh Henderson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this vote with Councilor McDaniel having left the meeting, with the time being
12:47 p.m.
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Sandra T. Davis, DCMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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