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#1 Authorize acquisition of 1116 Hamilton Avenue (File Res. #2011-829) CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE MEMORANDUM August 12, 2011 TO: City Council FROM: Tom Presny, Parks Director Rebecca Smith, Management Assistant SUBJECT: Action on a proposed resolution approving the acquisition of 1116 Hamilton Avenue (Resolution 2011-829) Request Staff requests the Council support the purchase of the vacant property at 1116 Hamilton Avenue. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends the City Council support the purchase of 1116 Hamilton Avenue by approving Resolution 2011-829. City Manager Recommendation The City Manager concurs with the Parks Division recommendation. Proposed Motion Text I move to approve Resolution 2011-829 to acquire 1116 Hamilton Avenue. Proposed Property for Acquisition This property is located at 1116 Hamilton Avenue, within the Mole-Sadler subdivision. This property is 66’ x 132’ or 8,712 square feet in size. This property is vacant (no buildings present) and future development or buildings are not allowed as it is located within the flood plain. This property is surrounded by vacant parcels previously acquired by the City and cleared of structures though FEMA flood grants. These adjacent properties are seeded with prairie grass and if 1116 Hamilton is purchased by the City we would also plant this property with prairie grass for consistency and flood-resistance. Having the 1116 Hamilton property under City control would be beneficial to the Wastewater Utility as a wastewater sewer lift station exists at the southwest corner of this property, which could be more safely accessed from the vacant lot rather than from the roadway. Staff proposes to offer $2,000 for the property and the property owner is agreeable to this price. The owner purchased the property for $4,900 in 2004 before the flood plain issues were known; currently, the property is assessed at $1,600. This property is not eligible for any of the state or federal property acquisition programs we have used previously when acquiring properties in the flood plain because the property was vacant when the flood of 2008 occurred and therefore is not subject to future property loss. 1 Funding for Acquisition Funding for the acquisition of the property will be provided through two sources. First, the Parkland Acquisition Fund will be used for $1,000. The remaining $1,000 will be provided by the Wastewater Utility. Conclusion Taking into consideration the property’s location adjacent to other city-owned property, its low purchase cost, its minimal future maintenance as a prairie and its strategic location for the Wastewater Utility staff feels this is an appropriate property to purchase. Staff brought this proposal before the Plan Commission on August 15 and they found the purchase of this property consistent with established city plans and further recommended the Council proceed with acquisition. The Council should be advised that the Plan Commission did not review the financial aspects of this transaction. Based on this favorable recommendation, staff recommends the purchase of this property. cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager Jay Winzenz, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services Attachments: Resolution 2011-829 Map of proposed acquisition 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2011-829 A Resolution approving the acquisition of vacant property at 1116 Hamilton Avenue WHEREAS , Wis. Stats. §§ 62.22 (1), 62.23 (17) (a), 62.23 (17) (b), 66.0101, 62.11(5) and Chapter 32 and other pertinent Wisconsin Statutes permit the City’s acquisition, development, ownership, protection, and conservation of parkland, open space, riverfront properties, and development properties; and WHEREAS , this property is surrounded by vacant parcels previously acquired by the City and cleared of structures; and WHEREAS , the Common Council hereby find that such uses and acquisition constitute public purpose(s) that benefit the community and promote recreation, health, welfare, safety and best interests of the City, its residents, businesses and visitors; and WHEREAS , the City of Janesville negotiated with the owner to purchase this property in the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000); and WHEREAS , the funding for this acquisition will be provided by the Parkland Acquisition Fund ($1,000) and the Wastewater Utility ($1,000); and WHEREAS , the Janesville Plan Commission has reviewed this proposed acquisition on August 15, 2011 and forwarded a positive recommendation to acquire this property, but not commenting upon the financial aspects of the transaction. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Janesville that they hereby approve and authorize the City Manager and/or his designee(s) to acquire and close upon the City’s purchase of the Property from the owners on behalf of the City; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the City Manager and/or his designee(s) on behalf of the City of Janesville is/are hereby authorized and empowered to negotiate, draft, modify, review, execute, and enter into additional agreements, record, file and/or make minor modifications and/or amendments to any and all documents, papers, forms, and agreements, and to take whatever other actions as the City Manager may determine, from time to time and at any time, necessary and/or desirable to effectuate the intent of this resolution and/or the public good. ADOPTED: Motion by: Second by: APPROVED: Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent Brunner Dongarra-Adams Eric J. 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