SUBJECT
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Approve an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Winter Haven (CITY) and Polk County, a political subdivision of the State of Florida (COUNTY) for the protection of Astute Financial Land Trust property, located on the eastern shore of Lake Pansy and accept Conservation Easement for recordation. ($600,000 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
In partnership, Polk County (COUNTY) and the City of Winter Haven (CITY) plan to enter an Interlocal Agreement to acquire, approximately 153 acres, a property called the Astute Financial Land Trust (PROPERTY) on the east side of Lake Pansy. The property is bordered by HWY 17 on the east and HWY 92 on the north. Lake Pansy and Lake Rochelle are listed as impaired waterbodies through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”). Lake Pansy has impairments for Biology and Lake Rochelle has impairments for Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, and Biology. FDEP is the permitting authority, for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”), and expects local governments to work jointly together to improve the water quality of impaired waterbodies. The CITY and COUNTY are each responsible for a portion of the ongoing and historical pollutant load to Lake Pansy and Lake Rochelle from there Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).
The Interlocal Agreement establishes a partnership between the CITY and COUNTY to acquire the PROPERTY. The agreement also outlines the roles and responsibilities. The total purchase price for the PROPERTY is $1,400,000.00, where the CITY will contribute $800,000.00 and the COUNTY will contribute, by way of reimbursement, $600,000.00. The discussions with the CITY originally entailed a contribution by the COUNTY towards the purchase at the closing; however, due to contractual obligations between the property owner and the CITY, the closing had to take place prior to the finalization of this Agreement. The CITY is responsible for handling the real estate transaction and any necessary closing costs. Per the agreement, the CITY will hold title to the property and grant to the COUNTY a conservation easement. The CITY will be responsible for management and any future enhancements to the property. This project protects significant wetlands that filters surface waters between Lake Pansy and Lake Rochelle. The protection of these wetlands is critical for the water quality and flood management in the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.
The project has been approved by stormwater technical advisory committee (STAC) and recommended by CLASAC and approved by the Board to pursue acquisition.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Interlocal Agreement between Polk County and the City of Winter Haven, authorize the issuance of funds in the amount of $600,000 to the City of Winter Haven and accept the Conservation Easement for recordation.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the Parks and Natural Resources CIP within the Stormwater MSTU Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tabitha Biehl, Director
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
tabithabiehl@polk-county.net