Title
Resolution to Approve Participation Agreement with Ann Arbor Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the Purchase of Development Rights on the Novick Property in Ann Arbor Township, and Appropriate Funds, Not to Exceed $20,000.00 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 Ann Arbor Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the purchase of development rights on the property owned by Jack and Kerry Novick in Ann Arbor Township. The Novicks applied to the Ann Arbor Township Land Preservation program and the Township has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowner. Ann Arbor Township will be responsible for monitoring the conservation easement.
Ann Arbor Township commissioned an appraisal to be completed in July 2014. The Fair Market Value was determined to be $60,000.00 for the Purchase of Development Rights. The parcel is approximately 11 acres and is adjacent to active farmland. The adjacent landowner has expressed an interest in leasing the land for pasture of his livestock. The Township and Washtenaw County has received additional applications from nearby landowners.
Approval of the Participation Agreement and appropriation of funds for the purchase of development rights was recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission at their November 6, 2014 meeting.
The resolution also approves an appropriation of funds for 33 1/3rd % of the purchase price for the conservation easement, or a total contribution not to exceed $20,000 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds. Washtenaw County will also contribute $20,000 or 33 1/3rd % of the purchase price.
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 Development Rights 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, Ann Arbor Township has matching funds available for the purchase of development rights on the Novick farm property;
Whereas, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission has matching funds available for the purchase price for the Novick farm property; and
Whereas, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission supports approval of the Participation Agreement with Ann Arbor Township for the purchase of development rights on the Novick farm 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 development rights on the Novick farm property, after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That $20,000.00 be appropriated for the purchase of development rights for the Novick farm from the Open space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year.