Agenda Item # 3
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
04/12/2011
Agenda Report # 626
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Easement Agreement with CBS Outdoors Inc.
INITIATED BY: Felton G. Grant, Right of Way Acquisition Coordinator
Recommendation: Approval is requested to execute an Easement Agreement and
Addendum One with CBS Outdoors, Inc., to allow the billboard in front of
Headquarter Nissan of Columbus at 1725 Whittlesey Road to remain at the present
location.
Background: Prior to 1985, Whitesville Road had a 60 ft right of way. A
widening project was approved, at that time for 120 ft. of right of way. At
the time of acquisition the billboards main pole was off of the new right of
way. The overhead sign cantilevered over the new required right of way, but
not into the new roadway. This office investigated the archives and found the
1985 plan, the site plan submitted by the owner of the billboard at that time,
and the permit (Naegele Outdoor Advertising Co.). The billboard was permitted
in March 1983 when the right of way was 60 ft being (see attached) prior to the
1985 project. There was no evidence if the sign was paid for or whether the
sign company was told to move the billboard. At that time there was plenty of
unused land to move the billboard back. However, under the present Whittlesey
Road Project and the development of the new Nissan Dealership, it is
impossible to move the sign back.
Analysis: As the attached pictures show, the Billboard has been in its present
place since March 1983 and has not been a safety issue. Today's project will
not change the right of way of this intersection therefore should not change
the safety if it remains in place. The agreement with CBS Outdoor Inc., is
that if the Right of Way changes for any reason, in the future, that they will
have to move the billboard at their own expense (which is indicated on the
attached Easement, Addendum One). Because of the oversight in 1985 and the
sign has been in place since 1983 with no problems, it is the staff's
recommendation for the approval of this action.
Financial Considerations: The Easement Agreement indicates the CBS Outdoor
Inc., agrees to pay the City of Columbus $500.00 per year for a term of Twenty
years. This agreement also negates $49,196.00 the City would have had to pay
to re-locate the billboard.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: There is no cost to the City except
for a minimal fee from the closing attorney, if necessary.
Legal Considerations: Council must approve the action by resolution.
Recommendations/ Actions: Approve the Resolution authorizing the City Manager
to proceed with executing an Easement Agreement and Addendum One with CBS
Outdoor Inc., to allow the billboard in front of Headquarter Nissan of Columbus
at 1725 Whittlesey Rd. to remain in place.
A RESOLUTION
NO. _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCEED WITH EXECUTING AN EASEMENT
AGREEMENT AND ADDENDUM, ONE WITH CBS OUTDOOR INC., TO ALLOW THE BILLBOARD IN
FRONT OF HEADQUARTER NISSAN OF COLUMBUS AT 1725 WHITTLESEY RD. TO STAY IN PLACE.
WHEREAS, said billboard was permitted to be erected up in March 1983 outside of
a 60 ft. Right of Way, at that time; and,
WHEREAS, in 1984 a widening project on Whitesville Rd.was programmed for
widening (120 ft) from Veterans Parkway to J.R. Allen Parkway overpass, which
was completed in 1988 leaving the Billboard in its original location
overhanging the right of way on Whitesville Road; and,
WHEREAS, Whittlesey Road, from Veterans Parkway to Bradley Park Drive Project
was approved for widening and acquisition began in 2007, once again impacting
the Billboard; and,
WHEREAS, the vertical pole is on private property; and,
WHEREAS, discovering the placement of the billboard and the history behind it
and no safety issues since 1986, it is recommended that the billboard stay in
place; and,
WHEREAS, by leaving it in place, the City would receive $500.00 per year for
Twenty Years and save the City $49,196.00 that would had to be paid if CBS
OUTDOOR Inc had to move the billboard; and,
WHEREAS, because of the development at 1725 Whittlesey Road it is not feasible
for CBS OUTDOOR Inc to move the billboard back on the new developed property;
and,
WHEREAS, in the event that right of way is again expanded, said billboard will
have to be moved at the cost of the Grantee(s).
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
The City Manager is hereby authorized to proceed with executing the Easement
Agreement and Addendum One with CBS OUTDOOR Inc.to allow the billboard in front
of Headquarter Nissan of Columbus at 1725 Whittlesey Road to stay in place.
___________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held
the _________day of _____________, 2011 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 Washington, Clerk of Council , Mayor
Attachments