Title
Resolution to Accept a $264,250.00 ACEP Grant and Approve an ACEP Grant Cooperative Agreement for a Conservation Easement on the Russell Property
Memorandum
On August 23, 2018, the City Council approved a grant application to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for the purchase of a conservation easement on the Russell property in Lodi Township (Resolution No. R-18-338).
On September 11, 2019, the City received notice that the ACEP Program has awarded the City of Ann Arbor $264,250.00 toward the purchase of a conservation easement on the Russell property. This award is under the Ann Arbor Greenbelt: Saving Michigan Farms Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which was approved by City Council on June 4, 2018 (Resolution No. R-18-200).
This resolution accepts the grant funds and authorizes execution of a cooperative agreement with USDA-NRCS on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, which is required to receive the grant funds.
NRCS notified City staff on September 11, 2019 that the cooperative agreement must be executed by the City no later than September 23, 2019. Therefore, approval at the September 16 regular City Council meeting is recommended by staff.
Staff
Prepared by: Remy Long, Greenbelt Program Manager, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, On August 23, 2018, City Council approved a grant application under the RCPP for United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (USDA-NRCS-ACEP) funds for the purchase of a conservation easement on the Russell property in Lodi Township (Resolution No. R-18-338);
Whereas, ACEP has awarded the City of Ann Arbor $264,250.00 in grant funds to match local funds spent for the purchase of a conservation easement on the Russell property; and
Whereas, In order to receive the ACEP grant funds, the City is required to enter into a Cooperative Agreement stating the terms under which the grant funds will be provided;
RESOLVED, That City Council accepts the ACEP grant award of $264,250.00 and approves a Cooperative Agreement with the USDA-NRCS on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation for the purchase of a conservation easement on the Russell property;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute the Cooperative Agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution.
Sponsored by: Councilmember Grand