City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  October 3, 2006

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Council adopt Resolution No. 10686-100306 accepting a proposal from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to take over the ownership of the parcel of land at 1730 East Puetz Road.

Background:  The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, through its Greenseams program, has purchased the property at 1730 East Puetz Road.

The District, through the Greenseams program, identifies and purchases undeveloped, privately owned properties in areas that are expected to have major growth in the next 20 years and parcels of open space along streams, shorelines and wetlands. Sales are completely voluntary.

MMSD hired The Conservation Fund (TCF) to run Greenseams. TCF is a national non-profit conservation organization.  TCF performs high volume real estate transactions for local land trusts and government agencies throughout the country.

All land acquired will remain as open space, protecting water and providing the ability to naturally store rain and melting snow in critical areas. Wetlands maintenance and restoration at these sites will provide further water storage.

In addition, preserving the properties also saves wildlife habitat and creates recreational opportunities for people living in the region. Where applicable, the properties can be used by the public for hiking trails, bird watching, and other passive recreation.

Each property acquired will be owned and managed by a local community or land trust and subject to a conservation easement held by MMSD. Conservation easements ensure that the land remains open space forever.

Fiscal Impact:  MMSD has purchased this property, so it is already tax exempt.  Long term maintenance costs should be minimal, since the property will remain as open space.

Prepared by: Doug Seymour, AICP Director of Community Development

Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator

Fiscal Review by:

Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

City Clerk