At the Columbia Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night, the city approved hiring the law firm Butler Snow for the purpose of securing a $6 million bond for the construction of Phase I of the SportsPlex.
Parker Berry, with Butler Snow, addressed the board about the process. First a resolution was passed for the intention of seeking a general obligation bond. Next, the approval to hire the law firm as the bond advisor and government consultants was passed by the board.
Berry said it would most likely be after the first of the year before any money is received. The timeline for the SportsPlex is set with the expectation to begin the actual construction of the facility in the spring.
Bond payments would be made from the 3% special tourism tax the city receives each month from restaurants and lodging revenues.
Ward 3 Alderwoman Anna Evans served in the capacity of mayor pro term as Mayor Justin McKenzie was absent from the meeting. Ward 4 Alderman Mike Smith was also absent Tuesday night.
Resolutions were approved for the mowing and cleaning for the following properties: 1005 Church Street, 900 Church Street, 1003 West Avenue and 406 Short Owens. Also approved were hearings for the mowing and cleaning for 1207 Gill Street, 1007 N. Main Street and 1109 N. Park Ave.
Engineer Jeff Dungan reported paving would take place during the week with the goal to be completed by Friday. The plan was to start on Government Street, then continue to Dukes Avenue and East Avenue. He recommended holding off on Hawkins Avenue for until the issues with water, sewer and storm drainage could be addressed.
“We need to wait. We can start now if you want to. If we paved Hawkins right now, it would be wasting money,” Dungan said.
T L Wallace submitted the lowest bid for the work on Honey Alley, Dungan reported. While the bid has been awarded, work on the alley will not begin until February.
Dungan reported paperwork had been submitted for some grants regarding the waterworks building. If the city receives any grants for it, Dungan said the money could be used to make the structure work as a recreation building in conjunction with the SportsPlex.
No one appeared at the public hearing regarding the closing of Pearl Street behind Walter Payton Field. The board approved closing that portion of Pearl Street, which reverts back to the Columbia School District.
City attorney Lawrence Hahn presented a notice to close and vacate the alley off of First Street. The property would revert back to the owners of the properties along the alley.
Hahn reported Mississippi Power is willing to sell to the city a half acre parcel by the lift station behind the substation on Mississippi 13 South near the Shell station. While Mississippi Power is having the parcel appraised, the city has to have an appraisal as well. By purchasing the parcel, it would benefit the city because of building a new lift station in that area. The board approved seeking the appraisal.
The next board meeting will be held Oct. 19 at 4 p.m.
