Title
Resolution to Accept a $431,200.00 Grant and Approve a Parcel Contract with USDA-NRCS for a Conservation Easement on the Hamilton MC Property in Salem Township (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution accepts federal ACEP grant funds and obligates the City to purchase a conservation easement on this property through execution of a Parcel Contract with USDA-NRCS. After execution of the Parcel Contract to secure the grant funds, staff will order a new appraisal and approach the City’s conservation partners for contributions to defray the cost of the purchase. Once the contributions are determined, staff will bring a resolution to City Council for final approval of the purchase subject to the terms of the Parcel Contract.
Background
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides matching federal grant funds for up to 50% of the cost of the purchase of agricultural conservation easements on farmland. The City’s Greenbelt Program regularly applies for ACEP grants to leverage purchases made with the City’s Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage funds.
On November 6, 2023, the City Council approved a grant application for the purchase of a conservation easement on the Hamilton property in Salem Township (R-23-404). The grant was not awarded that fiscal year. The landowner and Greenbelt staff together made improvements to our application and resubmitted for the FY2026 ACEP-ALE grant. On May 28, 2026, the City received notice that the ACEP Program awarded the City $431,200.00 for this project, which is 49% of the estimated purchase price. The Greenbelt Advisory Commission approved a motion recommending acceptance of these grant funds at its June 4, 2026 meeting.
A brief description of the property is as follows:
The farm is approximately 108 acres and is located along Five Mile Road in Salem Township. The property scored in the 70th percentile rank of all Greenbelt agricultural applications in the scoring system developed and approved by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission. The protection of this property is a priority for the Greenbelt Program due to the size of the property, extent and quality of the farmland, road frontage, and possibility to leverage funds from federal sources.
The purpose of the acquisition of a conservation easement on this property is for open space and agricultural land preservation, consistent with the purposes of Chapter 42 of City Code.
Approval of this resolution is recommended by staff.
Staff
Prepared by: Rosie Pahl Donaldson, Land Acquisition Supervisor
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Christopher Frost, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Chapter 42 of City Code establishes the Greenbelt District and enables the City to purchase conservation easements on property within the district;
Whereas, Chapter 42 of City Code authorizes the purchase of conservation easements with Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds, of which there are sufficient funds for this purchase;
Whereas, The USDA-NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) program has matching grant funds available for up to 50% of the purchase price of a conservation easement on eligible agricultural land;
Whereas, The Greenbelt Advisory Commission’s goal is to leverage the City’s millage funds to protect as much land as possible throughout the 30-year life of the millage; and
Whereas, ACEP has awarded the City a grant, which requires the City to execute a Parcel Contract stating the terms under which the grant funds will be provided;
RESOLVED, That City Council accepts the ACEP grant award of $431,200.00 and approves a Parcel Contract with the USDA-NRCS for the purchase of a conservation easement on the Hamilton MC property in Salem Township;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute the Parcel Contract after approval by the City Administrator and City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution and the Parcel Contract, including execution of subagreements, change orders, or related documents, and to make all determinations and exercise all authority delegated to the City under the Parcel Contract.