Request for Board Action

Commissioner's Report

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 14, 2013 4B

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:

Department Information
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: REQUESTOR: REQUESTOR PHONE:

Administration
PRESENTER(S):

Jane Harper
MEDIA CONTACT:

651-430-6011
MEDIA CONTACT PHONE:

Jane Harper

Jane Harper

651-430-6011

Agenda Item Details

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR REQUEST:

Approve the attached resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant proposal to the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for up to two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) to provide matching funds to acquire the Aiple property along the St. Croix River in the City of Stillwater.
AGENDA YOU ARE REQUESTING TIME ON: ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT?

Board
TIME NEEDED:

No

5 min
IS THIS MANDATED?

No

EXPLANATION OF MANDATE:

BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:

Washington County is partnering with the City of Stillwater to consider acquiring a 15-acre parcel of land in downtown Stillwater, including 3,500 feet of frontage on the St. Croix River to preserve the ecological integrity of and increase the public access to the St. Croix River. This property is located just north of downtown Stillwater, is situated between Highway 95 and the St. Croix River, and parallels the Browns Creek State Trail for its length. This is the largest private holding of land along the St. Croix River within the City of Stillwater and is one of the longest stretches of St. Croix River frontage remaining in single ownership in Washington County. The Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is currently accepting grant proposals for funding beginning July 1, 2014. Purchase of this property addresses Priority G Land Acquisition for Habitat and Recreation in the LCCMR's request for proposals. The county is asking for funds to match county and city funds to acquire this parcel. An appraisal is currently underway; the project cost and the final amount requested will be updated when the appraisal is complete.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST / OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED?

No

Budget Information
FUNDING:

NA

Approvals
COUNTY ATTORNEY: COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR:

Brent Wartner
RECOMMENDATIONS: COMMENTS:

Molly O'Rourke Approved

RECOMMENDATIONS: COMMENTS:

Approved

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA DATE

RESOLUTION NO.

May 14, 2013

DEPARTMENT SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER

Administration

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER

Application to Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for Grant Funds to Acquire Property along the St. Croix River in the City of Stillwater through the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program WHEREAS, Washington County established the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program (LWLP) after voters approved a twenty million dollar referendum to acquire interests in property for the preservation of water quality, woodlands and other natural areas; and WHEREAS, the owner of 15 acres including 3,500 feet of shoreland along the St. Croix River identified as PIN # 2103020410026 is willing to negotiate for public ownership of all or a portion of this parcel; and WHEREAS, purchasing this property would meet the LWLP purpose to protect land along water bodies from development, and improve the ecological integrity of and increase the public access to the St. Croix River, a federally-designated National Scenic Riverway; and WHEREAS, on December 6, 2012, the Washington County Board of Commissioners agreed that this property merits protection and stated that it is willing to consider providing LWLP bond funds to acquire the property; and WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Commissioners desires to leverage county dollars through outside sources of funds; and WHEREAS, on January 8, 2013, the City of Stillwater agreed to consider owning and managing the property as a city park; and WHEREAS, the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is requesting proposals for projects to receive funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund beginning July 1, 2014; and WHEREAS, purchase of this property is consistent with the Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan Habitat Recommendation #2 to protect critical shorelands of streams and lakes and addresses Priority G Land Acquisition for Habitat and Recreation of the LCCMRs request for proposals; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Washington County Board of Commissioners approves submitting a grant request to the LCCMR for up to two million five hundred dollars ($2,500,000) to match local funds to purchase the property with PIN # 2103020410026.
ATTEST: YES COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BEARTH KRIESEL LEHRKE MIRON WEIK
July 2002 http://washnet/forms/CountyBd/Resolution.dot

NO

COUNTY BOARD CHAIR

LCCMR 2014 MAIN PROPOSAL

PROJECT TITLE: 3500-foot Shoreland Acquisition on St. Croix River I. PROJECT STATEMENT Washington County is partnering with the City of Stillwater to acquire 15 acres with 3,500 feet of St. Croix River shoreland to the east and 3,500 feet of Browns Creek State Trail frontage to the west. The city will own and manage the land as a new park serving tail users on the new Browns Creek State Trail, river users on the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, tourists and area residents. The city will restore much of the property to a natural condition and operate it as a nature park with passive recreational uses such as shore fishing, transient dockage, walk-in boat launching, walking paths, nature observation, picnicking and trail access. The LCCMR contribution is a 50% match to local funds. Both local and state funding is needed because of the high value of St. Croix River property. It is appropriate to use both local and state funds as this acquisition serves national, state and local clientele. The land contains altered Silver Maple floodplain, and seepage swamp; some invasive species; turf and a modest home. Subsequent restoration of the turf and invasive species to a more natural condition using native species will improve ecological diversity and ecosystem connectivity; increase breeding and migratory habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and neotropical migrants; and filter and store flood waters. The landowner is elderly and is seeking to sell her property. For a limited time she is willing to negotiate for public ownership of all or a portion of the property before she markets it for development. An appraisal is underway; the project cost will be updated when the appraisal is completed. The county will negotiate for a purchase agreement that is contingent on receiving matching funds. The landowner seems willing to wait to close until after July 2014. The county may reduce the amount of funds requested if a lower purchase price can be negotiated; the requested funds will not include the value of the home. Although this new city park will provide additional public access and recreational opportunities to the St. Croix River and a much needed rest area at the terminus of the Browns Creek State Trail neither the National Park Service (NPS) nor the DNR is interested in owning the property. The NPS cannot own the property because it is outside the National Scenic Riverway District boundary; the parcel is within the state-managed portion of the riverway district. The DNR already owns enough land to build the state trail adjacent to this property and does not want to add this land. Both agencies are supportive of this acquisition and will be actively involved in preparing the master plan. The property is the largest private holding of land along the St. Croix River within Stillwater and is one of the longest stretches of St. Croix River frontage remaining in single ownership in Washington County. Its location adjacent to the Browns Creek State Trail, proximity to downtown Stillwater, the length of shoreland frontage, and accessibility due to its low elevation make this a unique acquisition and a highly desirable destination for recreational pursuits. This acquisition is consistent with the Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan to protect critical shore lands. II. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES Activity 1: Protect Significant Shoreland through Land Acquisition Budget: $ 2,500,000

The county will acquire a 15-acre parcel including 3,500 feet of frontage on the St. Croix River. An appraisal is underway. The county hopes to attain a signed purchase agreement by December 31, 2013 and close on the acquisition by the end of 2014. Washington County has adopted a Conservation

Priorities Plan and site evaluation criteria that aid the county in being strategic in choosing land protection that is most critical and maximizes the ecological benefits of public funds. The countys priorities are to acquire interests in land for recreation; adjacent to waterways, and recreational facilities; serving multiple public purposes; and providing public access. A citizen advisory committee rated this acquisition as very high for meeting program goals and priorities and recommended its purchase. Outcome 1. Acquire 15 acres and 3,500 feet of frontage on the St. Croix River and the Browns Creek State Trail. Completion Date December 31, 2014

III. PROJECT STRATEGY A. Project Team/Partners Washington County will receive the grant funds and will carry out the acquisition work. The county will contribute up to 50% of the cost of the acquisition. Because the county is contributing a large amount of the funds, the county will retain an interest in the property in the form of a conservation easement that will provide permanent protection. The City of Stillwater will own and manage the property. The city will contribute a portion of the funds. City and county staff will jointly prepare a park master plan after the property is acquired. The Washington Conservation District staff will assist in preparing a restoration and natural resource management plan. B. Timeline Requirements The owner of the property is a willing seller. The County Board and City Council have approved the acquisition and have directed staff to order an appraisal and to seek matching funds. Upon receipt of the appraisal the county and city will negotiate for a purchase agreement. After receiving a signed purchase agreement the city and county will prepare a park master plan and restoration plan. The county will be ready to close on the purchase shortly after receiving the matching funds. C. Long-Term Strategy and Future The city and county seek to acquire this land while we have a willing seller and it is being actively marketed for sale. The city has agreed to accept the future operations and management responsibilities and costs if it can get some financial assistance in acquiring the property. The city will seek additional grant funds from appropriate funders to complete the restoration work and to build the recreational facilities.

LCCMR Grant Proposal Aiple Acquisition

Aiple Property
15 acres 3500 feet St. Croix River shoreline 3500 feet along Browns Creek Trail