Title
Resolution to Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Appropriate $230,000.00 for Purchase of Fee Title to the John S. Russell Property (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of fee title to approximately 12.5 acres of land owned by John S. Russell, located in Scio Township. The resolution also appropriates $230,000.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for the purchase.
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission will become the fee title holder of the property and add the property to its portfolio of public nature preserves. The County also plans to connect this parcel to the Border to Border (B2B) trail system.
John S. Russell Property, Scio Township
The property is approximately 12.5 acres with access from Daleview Drive. This acquisition would be added to Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission's portfolio of public nature preserves, with ongoing stewardship and management costs covered by the County.
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission commissioned an appraisal which was completed October 26, 2018. The fair market value was determined to be $460,000.00 for the fee title to the property. The tables below detail the financial contributions from partners. The resolution approves an appropriation of funds for 50% of the total purchase price, not to exceed $230,000.00, from Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds. Scio Township will own the property and cover all due diligence and closing costs.
Approval of the Participation Agreement and appropriation of funds for the purchase of fee title was recommended by the Park Advisory Commission at their April 20, 2021 meeting. The Park Advisory Commission recommended the purchase due to the property's proximity and connectivity to other protected land, the opportunity to add...
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