ADOPTED -JULY 22, 2008

Agenda Item No. 8

 

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

 

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION BE SUBMITTED TO THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR A MICHIGAN NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND GRANT TO FUND THE ACQUISITION OF 120 ACRES OF NATURAL AREA TO EXPAND LAKE LANSING NORTH PARK

 

RESOLUTION #08-185

 

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Parks Master Plan was developed under the direction of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners to establish a systematic plan to meet the goal of providing adequate recreational facilities for the residents of Ingham County; and

 

WHEREAS, the acquisition of the 120 acres would support Master Plan goals, ensuring adequate active and passive open space to meet the needs of the community and providing undeveloped natural and quiet areas within Ingham County Parks; and

 

WHEREAS, a trail right of way through a portion of the 120 acres has been provided free of charge for over twenty years, allowing the property to be used by the general public as an extension of Lake Lansing North Park for hiking and cross-country skiing; and

 

WHEREAS, Lake Lansing North Park received over 120,000 visits in 2007, serving visitors from many Ingham County communities; and

 

WHEREAS, the property is under development pressure and will likely be used for a housing development if it is not purchased at this time; and

 

WHEREAS, the Drain Commissioner is in support of this land acquisition on behalf of the citizens of Ingham County because Lake Lansing is the largest water recreation resource in Ingham County, and undeveloped land located within the watershed area for the lake is extremely beneficial to the future health of the lake; and

 

WHEREAS, interested citizens and the Friends of Ingham County Parks have set a fundraising target of $150,000 and Meridian Township has committed $675,000 to be included as local matches, towards the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant proposal; and

 

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Parks & Recreation Commission recommends the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorize an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources requesting a grant.

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizes an application be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources requesting a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to assist in the acquisition of 120 acres adjacent to Lake Lansing North Park, with a total local match of $850,000, however, the County portion shall not exceed

 

 

ADOPTED -JULY 22, 2008

Agenda Item No. 8

 

RESOLUTION #08-185

 

 

$25,000, the balance coming from funds noted above, including $150,000 from Friends of Ingham County Parks and $675,000 from Meridian Township.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners commits the local match of $850,000, less financial support provided by the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Friends of Ingham County Parks, and Meridian Township, to be available in 2009 contingent upon the grant being approved.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board Chairperson is authorized to sign any grant applications consistent with this resolution.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board Chairperson and County Clerk are authorized to sign any contract documents consistent with this resolution after approval as to form by the County Attorney.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners expresses its willingness to commit up to $25,000 toward the local match requirement, inclusive of funds identified within the present Parks Department budget.      

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Controller/Administrator shall report whether sufficient funds have been identified in time to be considered no later than the Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for December 9, and shall recommend whether the grant application should be confirmed.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that unless the Ingham County Board of Commissioners adopts a resolution no later than November 25, 2008, the Controller/Administrator shall notify the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that the grant application is withdrawn.

 

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Nolan, De Leon, Copedge, Soule, Grebner, Severino

    Nays:  None        Absent:  None       Approved 7/15/08 

 

FINANCE:  Yeas:  Grebner, Hertel, Weatherwax-Grant, Celentino, Dougan

     Nays:  None         Absent:  Schor        Approved 7/16/08