SUBJECT
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Approve Land Purchase Agreement between Hammette International, Inc. and Polk County in conjunction with the Lake Lulu Wetland Restoration Project. ($98,000 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
The County has a project to enhance water quality, provide flood protection and restore natural systems associated with Lake Lulu which has an outfall to the Wahneta Drainage Canal that then connects to the Peace Creek Canal, eventually flowing to the Peace River. The planned improvements consist of rehydrating/connecting the wetlands along the lake edge and include the restoration of lake-side natural areas and re-directing other stormwater to enhance degraded wetlands, provide water quality treatment, provide additional flood protection and also enhanced wildlife habitat. In August 2023 the County acquired properties, containing a total of approximately 120-acres, for the project located along the south side of Lake Lulu. The acquisition comprises nearly all of the property located between Hoover Road and the lake with the exception of two contiguous vacant parcels located along the north side of Hoover Road containing a total of approximately 1.1-acres. Ownership of these parcels would complement the property already acquired for the project by adding additional acreage and providing improved access to the project site. The County contacted the owner of the property, Hammette International, Inc., and they expressed an interest in selling the properties for the project. The County hired an independent appraiser to establish a value for the parcels and a value of $95,000 was established. The owner has agreed to accept the County’s offer and has executed and delivered a Land Purchase Agreement for the purchase of the properties. The Board previously allocated American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARP) for this project which will be utilized for the purchase of the property.
The County Attorney’s Office and the Real Estate Services Administrator have reviewed the Land Purchase Agreement and recommend approval. Accepting the Land Purchase Agreement, authorizing the issuance of funds for the purchase, and hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the transaction will allow the County to take ownership of the parcels and move forward with the project.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the above-mentioned Land Purchase Agreement and authorize the issuance of funds in the amount of $95,000 for the purchase. Also request Board approve hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the transaction and approve paying estimated closing costs in the amount of $3,000 for a total amount of $98,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available for the purchase of the parcel and estimated applicable closing costs in the total amount of $98,000, in the American Rescue Plan Act Fund (Lake Lulu Project).
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577