Title
Resolution to Approve Participation in the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the Rosko Property in Scio Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Scio Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Appropriate $244,000.00 (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves a participation agreement with Scio Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of a conservation easement on approximately 72.5 acres of property owned by Andrew and Anna Rosko in Scio Township. The resolution also appropriates $244,000.00 (33% of purchase price) from Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for the purchase.
The landowners applied to the Scio Township Purchase of Development Rights Program and the Township has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowners. The Township commissioned an appraisal, completed in January 2021, that determined the fair market value of a conservation easement on the property to be $733,000.00. The Township is the lead agency and will be the holder of the conservation easement. In addition to the acquisition costs below, the Township will cover due diligence and closing costs.
Rosko Property, Scio Township
The property is approximately 72.5 acres and is located in Section 35 of Scio Township with legal access from Knight Road. It is owned by Andrew and Anna Rosko. The conservation easement will cover approximately 72.5 acres of the property, which contain 22.5 acres of forest and 70 acres of prime, unique or locally important soils. The property is located adjacent to the Washtenaw County’s Scio Woods Preserve. The Greenbelt Advisory Commission considers this parcel a priority for acquisition due to its natural features, proximity to other protected properties, and possibility to leverage funds with township and County funding. The Commission recommended approving the participation agreement and funding at their March 4, 2021 meeting.
Proposed Project Budget
Total Acquisition Costs $733,000.00
City of Ann Arbor $244,000.00 33%
Washtenaw County $244,000.00 33%
Scio Township $245,000.00 33%
Staff recommends approval.
Staff
Prepared by: Remy Long, Greenbelt Program Manager, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Tom Crawford, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Chapter 42 of Ann Arbor City Code establishes the Greenbelt District and authorizes the City to purchase conservation easements on property within the district with Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds;
Whereas, Chapter 42 of Ann Arbor City Code specifically authorizes City Council to enter into agreements for joint acquisition of land and easements in the Greenbelt District with other government agencies; and
Whereas, The fair market value for the conservation easement was determined by an appraisal as required by Section 1:320 of the Ann Arbor Code;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute a participation agreement with Scio Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of a conservation easement on approximately 72.5 acres of the Rosko property after approval as to form by the City Attorney and as to content by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That $244,000.00 is appropriated from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for contribution toward the purchase of the conservation easement on the Rosko property, for the life of the project, without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That the City’s contribution is contingent upon the approval by the City of the conservation easement document and appropriate due diligence, including review of title work, an environmental assessment, and survey, as appropriate; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution, including the determination of satisfactory due diligence and execution of all appropriate documents.