Title
Resolution to Approve Participation in the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the C. Moehrle Property in Ann Arbor Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Ann Arbor Township, and Appropriate $122,500.00 (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves a participation agreement with Ann Arbor Township for the purchase of a conservation easement on approximately 24.18 acres of a farm property owned by the Moehrle family in Ann Arbor Township. The resolution also appropriates $122,500.00 (50% of purchase price) from Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for the purchase.
The landowners applied to the Ann Arbor Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program and the Township has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowners. The Township commissioned an appraisal, completed in February 2024, that determined the fair market value of a conservation easement on the property to be $245,000.00. As the lead agency, Ann Arbor Township will be the holder of the conservation easement and will cover due diligence and closing costs in addition to the acquisition costs listed below.
C. Moehrle Property, Ann Arbor Township
The C. Moehrle farm is within one mile of the City on Pontiac Trail. Ann Arbor Township is characterized in part by its smaller farms, often operated by newer and/or younger farmers, and this property is no exception at 24.18 acres. It is adjacent to another farm protected with Greenbelt funds and adds to a 300-acre bloc of contiguous protected land. Under a quarter mile away northeast on Pontiac Trail is another 650-acre bloc of contiguous easement land. The property scored in the 18th percentile of agricultural property applications received by the Greenbelt program in the scoring system developed and approved by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission, but the Greenbelt Advisory Commission considers this parcel a priority for acquisition due its location amidst hundreds of acres of protected land and its high quality of the farm soils.
The Commission recommended approving the participation agreement and funding at their April 4, 2024 meeting.
Proposed Project Budget
Total Purchase Price $245,000.00
Ann Arbor Township $122,500.00 50%
City of Ann Arbor $122,500.00 50%
Staff recommends approval.
Staff
Prepared by: Rosie Pahl Donaldson, Land Acquisition Supervisor
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., 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 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 for the conservation easement was determined by an appraisal as required by Section 1:321 of Ann Arbor City Code; and
Whereas, Ann Arbor Township will hold the conservation easement;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute a participation agreement with Ann Arbor Township for the purchase of a conservation easement on approximately 24.18 acres of the C. Moehrle property after approval by the City Attorney and the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That $122,500.00 is appropriated for this purchase from the Open Space and Park Acquisition Millage Fund fund balance to the FY25 Parks and Recreation Open Space and Park Acquisition Millage Fund;
RESOLVED, That all amounts appropriated herein are 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 determination of satisfactory due diligence and approval and execution of all appropriate documents.