Title
Resolution to Execute a Commitment Letter for up to $587,500.00 for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application for Purchase of Conservation Easements
Memorandum
This resolution authorizes the City to partner with a group of conservation entities in a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant application for conservation easement acquisitions in Superior Township. Superior Township is the grant applicant and has submitted a portfolio of conservation easement projects to MNRTF for consideration (see attached Superior Greenway Sites).
As part of the grant process, MNRTF requires matching fund commitment letters from Superior Township’s grant partners. The City is being requested to execute a letter stating the City’s willingness to contribute up to $587,500.00 in matching funds toward the purchase of conservation easements under the grant application, subject to future Council approval of each purchase. This amount would be matched by up to $2,823,200.00 in additional funds from non-City sources as follows:
Estimated funding:
MNRTF Grant $ 2,285,000
City of Ann Arbor $ 587,500
Southeast MI Land Conservancy $ 354,000
Superior Twp & Others $ 164,200
Superior Land Preservation $ 20,000
Society
TOTAL PROJECT $ 3,410,700
The letter would not obligate the City to expend any funds or enter into any agreements at this stage of the process. If Superior Township’s MNRTF application is successful, conservation easement projects under the grant would be presented on a project by project basis to City Council for approval in accordance with established City procedures.
Funds for the City’s match would come from the Open Space & Parkland Preservation millage. Passage of the attached resolution and participation in Superior Township’s MNRTF grant application is recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission and staff.
Staff
Prepared By: Remy Long, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed By: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved By: Tom Crawford, Interim 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, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission goal is to leverage the City’s millage funds to protect as much land as possible throughout the 30-year life of the millage;
Whereas, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission strongly recommends a minimum of 20% matching funds on Greenbelt purchases, provided by either grant funds, other local matching funds, or landowner donations; and
Whereas, If Superior Township’s Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant application is successful, the City would contribute up to $587,500.00 and leverage up to an additional $2,823,200.00 toward the purchase of conservation easements;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves execution of a letter committing up to $587,500.00 as local match toward Superior Township’s MNRTF grant application for the purchase of conservation easements, subject to necessary approvals and satisfactory appraisals and due diligence review for each purchase;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to execute the letter after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution.