Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a Joint Economic Development District Contract and an Annexation Moratorium Agreement with the Village of Ashville, the Village of South Bloomfield, and the Township of Harrison in Pickaway County, Ohio in order to provide for the long term joint economic development within the southern Franklin and northern Pickaway County areas. The creation of the Northern Pickaway County Joint Economic Development District (the "JEDD") will facilitate and further promote economic development projects and activities which currently are pending or proposed within and adjacent to the Rickenbacker Port Authority and will otherwise create or preserve jobs and employment opportunities, and improve the economic welfare of the citizens within the State, the JEDD parties, and the District. The initial term of the Contract will extend until January 1, 2056, and will provide for certain governmental services and the sharing of responsibilities for the construction of capital improvements and other infrastructure required for development within the District and the distribution of revenues. Initially, the District will be governed by a Board of Directors who shall be appointed by the JEDD parties and exercise the powers set forth in the contract and as provided by law. As a condition of the Contract the JEDD parties have agreed to execute an Annexation Moratorium Agreement to help insure that the territory within the District will be reserved exclusively for joint economic development purposes and to establish a legal and policy framework to achieve that goal. In conjunction with the creation of the JEDD and the Annexation Moratorium Agreement, and by separate ordinance, the Department of Public Utilities also is proposing to enter into a contract with the Earnhart Hill Regional Water and Sewer District to provide adequate water supplies to commercial and industrial properties located within the Northern Pickaway Industrial Area once those properties are included in the JEDD.
Fiscal Impact: Costs associated with the provision of infrastructure and services are contingent upon the future appropriation by council and certification by the city auditor that such funds are available for such expenditures, and in the manner set forth in the agreement a capital improvements plan will be adopted by the District which will provide, among other things, for reimbursement of such costs. In addition other District revenues such as governmental grants, developer assistance or reimbursement payments, and proceeds from tax increment financing and income taxes generated in the District also will be utilized for such purposes. Tax revenues and other economic benefits from the future economic development and job creation which is expected from the creation of the JEDD are estimated to be more than significant enough to have warranted the City's investment.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract for the establishment of the Northern Pickaway County Joint Economic Development District and an Annexation Moratorium Agreement with the Village of Ashville, the Village of South Bloomfield, and the Township of Harrison, in Pickaway County, Ohio.
Body
Whereas, the City of Columbus has engaged in discussions with the Village of Ashville, the Village of South Bloomfield, and the Township of Harrison, Pickaway County, Ohio about joining in promoting economic development and job creation opportunities within the area of northern Pickaway County in and around the Rickenbacker Port Authority where such projects are pending or may be proposed; and,
Whereas, Ohio Revised Code Sections 715.72 through 715.81 authorize the establishment of Joint Economic Development Districts to promote economic development, to create or preserve jobs and employment opportunities, and to improve the economic welfare of the people in the State and in the parties respective jurisdictions; and,
Whereas, Ohio Revised Code Section 709.192 authorizes the parties to enter into an Annexation Moratorium Agreement to facilitate the desired economic development opportunities and insure the area of such District is exclusively reserved for such purposes; 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 Village of Ashville, the Village of South Bloomfield and the Township of Harrison, Pickaway County Ohio in establishing the Northern Pickaway County Joint Economic Development District and, in connection therewith, to enter into an Annexation Moratorium Agreement, 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 Northern Pickaway County Joint Economic Development District Contract and Annexation Moratorium Agreement with the Village of Ashville, the Village of South Bloomfield, and the Township of Harrison, Pickaway County, Ohio, substantially in the form which are 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 to execute 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, 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 Northern Pickaway County Joint Economic Development District Contract and Annexation Moratorium Agreement 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, 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. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force immediately from and after the earliest period allowed by law.