Agenda Item #
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
11/18/2014
Agenda Report #
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding - Muscogee County School District
Property Exchange
INITIATED BY: David Arrington, Deputy City Manager
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Muscogee County School District for the exchange of
property for future redevelopment purposes.
Background: The City has assembled a large tract (approx. 33 acres) in
South Columbus for redevelopment purposes. The City also has plans to make
road improvements, streetscapes, and multi-purpose recreational trails in the
immediate area to further promote development of the area. The City has a
need for land to implement road improvements at Buena Vista Road railroad
crossing. Additional right-of-way will be required for road realignments and
construction. The Muscogee County School District (MCSD) has a need for land
in South Columbus for future educational purposes. MCSD currently owns
approximately 36 acres immediately adjacent to the City owned property.
Analysis: The proposed exchange of land described in Exhibit "A" of the
Memorandum of Understanding will allow both organizations to meet critical
needs for future developments. The Memorandum of Understanding will allow both
organizations to conduct due diligence on the proposed exchange. The exchange
of property will be for property of equal value based on appraisals agreed upon
by both parties. If there is a difference in value of the property to be
exchange, the party whose property is less in value than the other party's
property shall pay the difference in cash at closing to the other party whose
property is more valuable. Under the terms of the agreement the MCSD reserves
the right to utilize two rooms on the Marshal Middle School Property based on
terms agreed to by both parties.
Financial Considerations: The City will incur some cost during the due
diligence period with the MCSD for appraisals and environmental reviews.
Funds are budgeted in the Community Reinvestment Department Budget for this
purpose.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: The property exchange would reduce
the ROW cost for the Buena Vista Road project. The City would assume
maintenance responsibilities for the property being acquired but relived of the
responsibilities for the property being conveyed. Maintenance costs for the
Marshal Middle School site will be determined during the due diligence period.
Legal Considerations: Council must approval all Memorandum of Understanding
agreements and property transactions.
Recommendations/ Actions: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Muscogee County School District for the exchange of
property for future redevelopment purposes.
Attachments