Title
Resolution to Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of 6 parcels located in Scio Township owned by Randall C. & Donna F. Rieth, Carol Dudley, Isabel A. Herrera and Open Roads Developers, LLC and to Approve a Match Share of $350,000.00 (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to support collaboration with Washtenaw County's Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of the Rieth, Dudley, Herrera and Open Roads Developers LLC parcels located in Scio Township. The six parcels are located along Scio Church Road, just west of Wagner Road.
In 2007 the six properties were nominated to the Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program. The County approached the City's Greenbelt Advisory Commission to partner on the purchase of the properties.
The parcels contains high quality woodland. The County's Natural Areas Preservation Program identified the parcels as high priority for acquisition. The site will remain a natural area with hiking trails and a small parking lot for access to the site.
The purchase price for the six parcels is $2,250,000.00 representing a cost of $24,818.00 per acre. Scio Township has pledged 10% of the purchase price, up to $225,000.00. Fee simple title to the land would belong to the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.
At the July 2, 2008 Greenbelt Advisory Commission meeting, the Commission approved a recommendation to Council to partner with the County for the purchase of the six parcels and recommended to provide $350,000.00 in matching funds.
Staff
Prepared By: Ginny Trocchio, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Jayne Miller, Community Services Administrator
Mary Fales, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Chapter 42 of the Ann Arbor City Code establishes the Greenbelt District and enables the City to purchase 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, Land Acquisition may be funded through the Open Space and Park Land Preservation Bond Proceeds;
Whereas, There are sufficient funds in the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Bond Proceeds for the expenditure;
Whereas, Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program has matching funds available for the purchase of the Properties;
Whereas, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission is willing to own and manage the properties located in Scio Township; and
Whereas, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission supports approval of the Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and expenditure of funds;
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 of $350,000.00 for the purchase of the Rieth, Dudley, Herrera and Open Roads Developers LLC properties, after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That City Council authorize the expenditure of funds from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Bond Proceeds to be available for expenditure without regard to fiscal year in accordance with the terms of the Participation Agreement after approval by each governing entity.