Title
Resolution to Approve Participation Agreement with Scio Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the Purchase of the Carol VanCurler Property in Scio Township, and Appropriate Funds, Not to exceed $260,000.00 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 Scio Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the purchase of the property owned by Carol VanCurler on Huron River Drive in Scio Township. The landowner applied to the Scio Township Land Preservation program and the Township has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowner. Scio Township will be responsible for owning and managing the land. The property will be open to the public.
Scio Township commissioned an appraisal which was completed in October 2014. The Fair Market Value was determined to be $772,000 for the fee simple purchase of the property. The resolution also approves an appropriation of funds for 33 1/3rd % of the purchase price, not to exceed $260,000 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds.
The parcel is approximately 91 acres and is located on Huron River Drive, across from Dexter - Huron Metropark.
Approval of the Participation Agreement and appropriation of funds for the purchase of the property was recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission at their November 6, 2104 meeting. The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended to move forward with the application, due to the property's proximity to the Huron River, the quality of natural areas on the property, the property's proximity to other protected land, and the opportunity to leverage the City's funds through partnership with Scio Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation.
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 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 property 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; and
Whereas, Scio Township has matching funds available for the purchase of the VanCurler property;
Whereas, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation has matching funds available for the purchase of the VanCurler property; and
Whereas, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission supports approval of the Participation Agreement with Scio Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the purchase of the VanCurler property and expenditure of funds at its November 6, 2014 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 VanCurler property, after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That $260,000.00 be appropriated for the purchase of the VanCurler property from the Open space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year;