DEPARTMENT: Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Acquire Schwamb Property In Miesville Ravine Park Reserve
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize expenditure of up to $443,500 to acquire the Peter and Linda Schwamb (Schwamb) property located within Miesville Ravine Park Reserve (MRPR) in Douglas Township; authorize the Physical Development Director (PDD) to sign a purchase agreement (PA); authorize submission of an Acquisition Opportunity Fund (AOF) funding request to the Metropolitan Council (MC); and authorize the Chair of the County Board of Commissioners to execute a required Agreement and Restrictive Covenant (ARC).
SUMMARY
The Schwambs have lived on a five-acre property located within the northern portion of MRPR in Douglas Township for more than 37 years. The property is a mix of grasslands and woodlands and includes a 1-1/2 story, 1,342-square-foot house built circa 1900; a manufactured home; a detached garage; and multiple outbuildings/sheds. Acquisition of this property would provide important access to the northern portion of MRPR. The legal description (Attachment: Legal Description of the Property) and general depiction (Attachment: General Depiction of the Property) of the property are attached.
County staff has been communicating with the Schwamb's for years to maintain a good relationship and to be updated on their plans and goals. Based on recent discussions, their property was appraised to assist them in their decision-making and to place the County in a better position to potentially acquire the property if they were ready to sell. During this process, it was determined that the portion of their long driveway, located on two adjoining properties, was never recorded. Despite attempts by the Schwamb's to obtain access easements from the adjoining property owners, they were unsuccessful. However, the County Attorney's Office review determined that the Schwamb's legal claim to a pre...
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