City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  December 18, 2007

Item No.:

Recommendation:  That the Council adopt Resolution No.10808-121807, accepting a Department of Natural Resources stewardship – acquisition and development of local parks (ADLP) grant and authorize staff to submit an offer to purchase to the property owner for the DNR appraisal amount of $400,000, with matching funds of $200,000 to be used from Environmental Corridor Acquisition funds.

Background:  On April 17th of this year the Council adopted Resolution No. 10759 which authorized staff to apply to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a stewardship grant to assist in the possible acquisition of portions of the property at 1020 E. Forest Hill Avenue (see attached report).

In November, the City was advised by the Department of Natural Resources that our application was successful, and was being recommended for funding.  As a condition of acceptance, the City must inform DNR in writing of their intent to accept this matching grant.

Furthermore, this resolution authorizes staff to submit an offer to purchase to the property owner.

Fiscal Impact:  There are community park impact fees available to fund the City’s 50% match for this grant, but the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission recommend that environmental corridor acquisition funds be used to match this grant.  There are funds of $230,876 available through the Environmental Corridor Acquisition Program at this time. 

Prepared by:                                                   Respectfully Submitted,

Doug Seymour, AICP                                     Patrick DeGrave

Director of Community Development             City Administrator

Douglas A. Schachtner

Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Fiscal Review by:

Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

City Clerk