Title
Resolution to Approve Participating with Ann Arbor Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the Purchase of the Joe Bloch Property in Ann Arbor Township, and Appropriate Funds, Not to Exceed $49,500.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve participating with Ann Arbor Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of the farm owned by Joe Bloch in Ann Arbor Township. The resolution also approves an appropriation up to $49,500.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds for 50% of the purchase price for the Conservation Easement.
Joe Bloch applied to the Ann Arbor Township Land Preservation program and the Township has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowner. Ann Arbor Township is seeking the support from the City of Ann Arbor for 50% of the purchase price for the Conservation Easement. The appraised value of the Conservation Easement on the property is $99,000.
Ann Arbor Township and the City of Ann Arbor will contribute funds for the purchase of Conservation Easement on the property. Ann Arbor Township will be responsible for monitoring the Conservation Easement. Washtenaw County Parks will purchase the fee title to the property and will own and manage the property.
The parcel is approximately 23 acres and a portion is currently in agricultural production. The property is adjacent to additional farms already protected by Ann Arbor Township and the City's Greenbelt Program.
Ann Arbor Township's share is from their Land Preservation Millage, and the City's share is from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds.
Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended participating in the purchase of the Conservation Easement up to 50%, an amount not to exceed $49,500.00, of the price of the Conservation Easement at its meeting on September 14, 2011.
Staff
Prepared by: Ginny Trocchio, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, 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, Chapter 42 of the Ann Arbor City Code specifically authorizes City Council to enter into agreements for joint acquisition, of land in the Greenbelt District with other government agencies;
Whereas, Purchase of Development Rights may be funded through the Open
Space and Park Land Preservation Millage Proceeds;
Whereas, There are sufficient funds in the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds available for the expenditure; and
Whereas, Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program has matching funds available for the purchase price for the Bloch property;
Whereas, Ann Arbor Township has matching funds available for the purchase of development rights on the Bloch property; and
Whereas, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended participating with Ann Arbor Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase on the Bloch farm and expenditure of funds at its September 14, 2011 meeting;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute the Participation Agreement defining each party's interest in the acquisition and if required, any supplemental documents necessary to document the appropriation of funds for the purchase of development rights on the Bloch property, after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That $49,500.00 be appropriated for the purchase of development rights for the Bloch farm from the Open space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year.