Title
Resolution to Approve Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the Purchase of 2 Parcels Owned by DF Land Development LLC in Ann Arbor Township, and Appropriate funds, Not to Exceed $32,200.00 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 two parcels of land owned by DF Land Development LLC located in Ann Arbor Township. Washtenaw County Parks will purchase the fee title to the properties and will own and manage the properties. The resolution also approves an appropriation of funds for 10% of the purchase price, not to exceed $32,200.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds.
DF Land Development LLC applied to the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation program and the County has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowner. An appraisal was completed in May 2013 and the appraised value of the fee simple title on the properties was determined to be $322,000.00.
The two parcels of land - one 12-acre parcel and one 5-acre parcel - are currently vacant land. The 12-acre parcel is adjacent to the Goodrich Preserve, owned by Washtenaw County Parks. Both properties are located in a block of additional open space properties owned and managed by the County, the University of Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor.
In addition to purchasing the 2 parcels noted in the location map, Washtenaw County Parks is also purchasing the 54-acre parcel, immediately to the west of Marshall Park (owned by the City of Ann Arbor), with grant funds from the Michigan Trust Fund. The 5-acre parcel will provide connectivity from Marshall Park to Horner McLaughlin Woods, owned by University of Michigan and subsequently to the Goodrich Preserve. Collectively, these properties consist of more than 300 acres of contiguous, publicly accessible land.
Approval of the Participation Agreement and appropriation of 10% of the purchase price was recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission at the July 11, 2013 meeting.
Attachment: Location Map
Staff
Prepared by: Ginny Trocchio, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
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; and
Whereas, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission has matching funds available for the purchase price for the DF Land Development LLC properties; and
Whereas, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended approval of the Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase on the DF Land Development LLC parcels and expenditure of funds at its July 11, 2013 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 DF Land Development properties, after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That $32,200.00 be appropriated for the purchase of the DF Land Development LLC property from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year.