Title
Resolution to Approve Participation with Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the Purchase of the Lakeside Development LLC Property in Superior Township, and Appropriate Funds, Not to Exceed $172,858.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve participating with Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC) and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of the farm owned by Lakeside Development LLC (Frank Pellerito) in Superior Township. Washtenaw County Parks will purchase a conservation easement on the property, valued at $335,464. SMLC and the City of Ann Arbor will contribute funds for the purchase of remainder title to the property. SMLC will own and manage the property and Washtenaw County will be responsible for monitoring the Conservation Easement. The resolution also approves an appropriation of funds for 50% of the purchase price of the fee title, not to exceed $172,858 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds.
The parcel is approximately 99 acres and a portion is currently in agricultural production. The property is adjacent to the Meyer Preserve, owned and managed by the Washtenaw County Parks. Greenbelt partnered with Washtenaw County on purchase of the Meyer Preserve in 2009. The property is adjacent to additional properties owned and protected by the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy.
Approval of participating with SMLC and Washtenaw County Parks and appropriation of $172,858, this purchase was recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission at the November 30, 2011 meeting.
Attachment: Location Map
Staff
Prepared by: Ginny Trocchio, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Body
Whereas, Chapter 42 of the Ann Arbor City Code establishes the Greenbelt District and enables the City to purchase development rights on property within the district;
Whereas, Chapter 42 of the Ann Arbor City Code specifically authorizes City Council to enter into agreements for joint acquisition, of land in the Greenbelt District with other government agencies;
Whereas, Purchase of land may be funded through the Open Space and Park Land Preservation Millage Proceeds;
Whereas, There are sufficient funds in the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds available for the expenditure;
Whereas, Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program has matching funds available for the purchase price for the Lakeside Development LLC property in Superior Township;
Whereas, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy has matching funds available for the purchase of the property; and
Whereas, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission supports participating with Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of the Lakeside Development LLC property and expenditure of funds at its November 30, 2011 meeting;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute the Participation Agreement defining each party's interest in the acquisition and if required, any supplemental documents necessary to document the appropriation of funds for the purchase of the Lakeside Development LLC property, after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That $172,858.00 be appropriated for the purchase of the Lakeside Development LLC from the Open space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year;