Title
Resolution to Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Scio Township and Appropriate $31,667.00 for Purchase of Fee Title to the Rouse Property (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Scio Township for the purchase of fee title to approximately 4.34 acres of land owned by Stephen Rouse, located in Scio Township. The resolution also appropriates $31,667.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for the purchase.
Washtenaw County will become the fee title holder of the property and add the property to its Scio Woods Preserve. Scio Woods Preserve is a 104-acre publicly accessible nature preserve with a parking lot, trails, and signage.
Rouse Property, Scio Township
The property is approximately 4.34 acres with access from Scio Church Road. This acquisition, along with the adjoining Scio Woods Preserve, would create an uninterrupted 108 acres of publicly accessible protected land in the area.
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission commissioned an appraisal which was completed December 12, 2020. The fair market value was determined to be $95,000.00 for the fee title to the property. The tables below detail the financial contributions from partners. The resolution approves an appropriation of funds for 33% of the total purchase price, not to exceed $31,667.00, from Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds. Washtenaw County will own the property and cover all due diligence and closing costs.
Approval of the Participation Agreement and appropriation of funds for the purchase of fee title was recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission at their March 4, 2021 meeting. The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended the purchase due to the quality of natural areas on the property, the property’s proximity and connectivity to other protected land, and the opportunity to leverage City funds through partnership with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Scio Township.
Project Budget:
Total Acquisition Costs $95,000.00
City of Ann Arbor $31,667.00 33%
Washtenaw County $31,667.00 33%
Scio Township $31,666.00 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 land and 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;
Whereas, The fair market value of the property was determined by an appraisal as required by Section 1:320 of Ann Arbor City Code; and
Whereas, Washtenaw County will hold title to the property;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for purchase of the Rouse Property, after approval as to form by the City Attorney and as to substance by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That $31,667.00 is appropriated from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for contribution toward the purchase of the Rouse 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 purchase documents 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.