Title
Resolution to Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Appropriate $115,830.00 for Purchase of Kidder 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 13 acres of land owned by Lew A. Kidder, located in Scio Township. The resolution also appropriates $115,830.00 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 91-acre publicly accessible nature preserve with a parking lot, trails, and signage.
Kidder Property, Scio Township
The property is approximately 13 acres with access from Scio Church Road. This acquisition, along with the adjoining Scio Woods Preserve, would create an uninterrupted 104 acres of publicly accessible protected land in the area.
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission commissioned an appraisal which was completed March 6, 2020. The fair market value was determined to be $351,000.00 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 $115,830.00, 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 June 4, 2020 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 Wash...
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