Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to enter into a Joint Economic Development District Contract with the Township of Prairie in Franklin County, Ohio in order to provide for long term joint economic development and job creation within the southwestern area of Franklin County. The creation of the Prairie Township Joint Economic Development District (the "JEDD") will further promote the interest of the City in developing this area and is a top priority for the Township. Prairie Township has been among the key partners of the City of Columbus in establishing and implementing the Big Darby Accord Watershed Master Plan.
Fiscal Impact: The City will incur no direct costs in connection with the JEDD other than those anticipated in a future income tax administration agreement between the JEDD and the City of Columbus, and those anticipated costs will be fully covered in that contract. The City stands to benefit from a share of revenues resulting from the JEDD.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract for the establishment of the Prairie Township Joint Economic Development District with the Township of Prairie in Franklin County, Ohio.
Body
Whereas, the City of Columbus has engaged in discussions with the Township of Prairie, Franklin County, Ohio about joining in promoting economic development and job creation opportunities in southwestern Franklin County; and
Whereas, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Sections 715.72 through 718.81 (the "JEDD Statutes"), the City and the Township have negotiated the Joint Economic Development District Contract in the form now on file with the City Clerk (the "JEDD Contract") creating the Prairie Township Joint Economic Development District (the "JEDD") encompassing the territory described in Exhibit A attached to the JEDD Contract; and
Whereas, pursuant to the JEDD Statutes the City published notice of the time and place of a public hearing at least thirty days prior to that hearing; the City Clerk has retained on file the required JEDD documents for public review since publication of that notice; and the City Council duly held the public hearing regarding the proposed JEDD in accordance with Ohio JEDD Statutes; and
Whereas, the City Council hereby finds that it would be highly beneficial and desirable for the future economic welfare of the citizens of the City, and a proper public purpose, for the City of Columbus to join with the Township of Prairie in establishing the Prairie Township Joint Economic Development District, and for the further benefit of the public health, safety and welfare of the City of Columbus; now therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of the Department of Development be, and he is hereby, authorized to enter into the Prairie Township Joint Economic Development District Contract with the Township of Prairie, Franklin County, Ohio, substantially in the form which is on file with the City Clerk and authorizing any revisions or modifications thereto which in the discretion of the director, are not substantially adverse to the City, and that the Director and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute and deliver any and all instruments and other documents which may be necessary to carry into effect the undertakings and obligations of the City of Columbus set forth in such agreement and by Ohio statute subject only to the provisions set forth in Section 2 below.
Section 2: That any financial obligations or other financial undertakings of the City of Columbus set forth or otherwise provided in the Prairie Township Joint Economic Development District Contract are expressly contingent upon, and subject to, the future authorization and appropriation by the Columbus City Council and certification by the Columbus City Auditor that such monies are available in the fund, and are not otherwise appropriated, and are authorized to be expended for such purposes pursuant to the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Columbus.
Section 3. This City Council represents and covenants that no parcel of land owned in fee by any political subdivision of the State of Ohio, or parcel of land that is leased to such a political subdivision, shall ever be included in the territory of the JEDD without the consent of that political subdivision.
Section 4. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force immediately from and after the earliest period allowed by law.