DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Subdivide Agricultural Conservation Easement On Sunset Sanctuary, Inc. Property
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize County Board approval to allow subdivision of an agricultural conservation easement (Easement) on the Sunset Sanctuary, Inc. (Sanctuary) property in Castle Rock Township (Township) to allow separate property ownership.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No.12-102 (February 28, 2012), the County Board authorized the expenditure of up to $1,832,957 to acquire seven Easements, including a 104-acre Easement on the Richard Ozment and Marilyn Seehusen (Ozment/Seehusen) property. By Resolution No.12-206 (April 24, 2012), the County Board authorized the expenditure of an additional $200,708 to acquire an eighth Easement. However, a change in federal appraisal requirements created delays, resulting in the need for new appraisals and additional funding for the increased easement values. The County received additional federal funding, and by Resolution No 13-195 (April 23, 2013), the County Board authorized the expenditure of $2,142,150 to acquire the eight permanent agricultural conservation easements, including up to $229,500 ($11,750 of federal funds and $81,325 of County funds) to acquire an easement on the Ozment/Seehusen property. The Easement was acquired on November 8, 2013, and recorded on November 18, 2013, as Document No. 2985979.
In 2021, Ozment/Seehusen sold the property to Thomas Simonson and a partner to develop Sunset Sanctuary (Sanctuary). The Sanctuary was founded in 2021 with a mission to encourage conservation while paying tribute to loved ones by returning them to nature. Individuals can purchase a tree sponsorship, which includes the purchase of one native tree, scattering ashes of up to five people or pets, and an online memorial page. The Township approved the proposed change in land use without changing zoning; the County Attorney's Offi...
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