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...
Click here for full text