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CCIDC directors removed, land negotiations at standstill
By Courtney Burleson, Managing Editor
It wasn't the happiest of times Tuesday night, July 29 as two Columbus Community Industrial Development Corporation board members were removed from their positions and negotiations for an ongoing land remained stagnant.
In a 3-2 vote, Columbus City Council members removed CCIDC president Chuck Rankin and fellow board member James "Jim" Whitcomb, effective immediately.
"All I have to say is I have a lack of confidence in these two individuals and that's as far as I'm going with it," said Columbus Mayor Richard Heffley who made it clear to audience members he alone was responsible for the decision. "It's nothing personal, sometimes things just don't work out."
The motion to remove Rankin and Whitcomb, upon the mayor's request, was made by councilman John Wagner and seconded by councilwoman Sandra Frnka. Councilmen Bruce Tesch and Jim Jack Richardson opposed the motion, while councilman Curtiss Schonenberg abstained.
Councilwoman Frnka described Rankin and Whitcomb as good men and said she regretted what had to happen.
"We did not want this, it never should have come to this," said Frnka.
Council then approved the appointment of councilman Wagner and former CCIDC board member John Axel.
Regarding recent land negotiation discussions between Theut Glass and the city of Columbus things went nowhere Tuesday night. Listed on the agenda was action to authorize CCIDC to negotiate with the Theuts for the purchase of real property not to exceed 6.5 acres in the Columbus Industrial Park at the price of $20,000 per acre.
Following discussion, council agreed they needed to wait on a certified real estate appraisal before reentering negotiations.
Also discussed was Frank Howell's request for property development west of Shult Drive, which also brought some adverse reactions.
For more details read the full story in next week's, Aug. 6 edition of The Citizen.
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