Title
Resolution to Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Appropriate $230,000.00 for Purchase of Fee Title to the John S. Russell Property (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of fee title to approximately 12.5 acres of land owned by John S. Russell, located in Scio Township. The resolution also appropriates $230,000.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for the purchase.
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission will become the fee title holder of the property and add the property to its portfolio of public nature preserves. The County also plans to connect this parcel to the Border to Border (B2B) trail system.
John S. Russell Property, Scio Township
The property is approximately 12.5 acres with access from Daleview Drive. This acquisition would be added to Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission’s portfolio of public nature preserves, with ongoing stewardship and management costs covered by the County.
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission commissioned an appraisal which was completed October 26, 2018. The fair market value was determined to be $460,000.00 for the fee title to the property. The tables below detail the financial contributions from partners. The resolution approves an appropriation of funds for 50% of the total purchase price, not to exceed $230,000.00, from Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds. Scio Township 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 Park Advisory Commission at their April 20, 2021 meeting. The Park Advisory Commission recommended the purchase due to the property’s proximity and connectivity to other protected land, the opportunity to add additional public recreation land and the opportunity to leverage City funds through partnership with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.
Proposed Project Budget:
Total Acquisition Costs $460,000.00
City of Ann Arbor $230,000.00 50%
Washtenaw County $230,000.00 50%
Staff recommends approval.
Staff
Prepared by: Remy Long, Greenbelt Program Manager, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, John S. Russell has offered to sell approximately 12.5 acres of property located in Scio Township, as depicted on the attached map, being commonly known as parcels H -08-12-400-001006 and H -08-12-435-014 (“Russell Property”);
Whereas, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission has offered to hold title to the property and add the property to their portfolio of publicly accessible nature preserves;
Whereas, Chapter 42 of Ann Arbor City Code authorizes purchases of park land with Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds and authorizes City Council to enter into agreements for joint acquisition of land with nonprofit groups and governmental agencies;
Whereas, The fair market value of the property was determined by an appraisal as required by Section 1:321 of Ann Arbor City Code;
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 Russell Property, after approval as to form by the City Attorney and as to substance by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That $230,000.00 is appropriated from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for contribution toward the purchase of the Russell 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 be authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution, including the determination of satisfactory due diligence and execution of all appropriate documents.