Title
Resolution to Approve Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the Purchase of the Joe Bloch Property in Northfield Township, and Appropriate Funds, Not to Exceed $61,312.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of the 32.7-acre property owned by Joe Bloch in Northfield Township. Washtenaw County Parks will purchase the fee title to the property and will own and manage the property. The resolution also approves an appropriation of funds for 25% of the purchase price, not to exceed $61,312.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds.
Joe Bloch applied to the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation program and the County has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowner. The appraised value of the fee simple title on the property is $245,250.00.
The parcel is 32.7 acres and a portion is currently in agricultural production. The property is adjacent to Northfield Woods Preserve, already owned by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, and is in a block of additional properties protected by the City, the County and Ann Arbor Township.
Approval of the Participation Agreement and appropriation of 25% of the purchase price was recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission at the April 5, 2012 meeting.
Staff
Prepared by: Ginny Trocchio, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Attachment: Location Map
Body
Whereas, Chapter 42 of the Ann Arbor City Code establishes the Greenbelt District and enables the City to purchase development rights or land 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, There are sufficient funds in the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds available for the expenditure;
Whereas, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission has matching funds available for the purchase price for the Bloch property; and
Whereas, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended approval of the Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase on the Bloch farm and expenditure of funds at its April 5, 2012 meeting;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be 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 Bloch property, after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That $61,312.00 be appropriated for the purchase of the Bloch property from the Open space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year.