Agenda Date: 05/17/2016
Subject:
Title
A resolution approving the assignment of interest in the deed of conservation easement on the city-owned property at Lee Gulch.
Body
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Presented By: |
Mike Braaten, Deputy City Manager |
POLICY QUESTION:
Does city council support approving the assignment of a deed of conservation easement, on the city-owned property at Lee Gulch, from South Metro Land Conservancy (SMLC) to the non-profit land trust, Colorado Open Lands?
BACKGROUND:
In 2009, the city purchased a 5.44 acre property at Lee Gulch, south of the Lee Gulch trail, adjacent to Santa Fe Sand and Gravel, and near the Mary Carter Greenway Trail/South Platte River. The purchase was funded with grants from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and Arapahoe County Open Space. As a condition of the GOCO grant, the property is to be held in conservation easement. That easement is currently held by the SMLC.
The SMLC requests transferring its interest in the easement to the non-profit land trust, Colorado Open Lands, to free-up capacity for SMLC to pursue and obtain new conservation easements in the region.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The transfer of this easement was requested by SMLC, and the city as owner of the property, must approve the transfer. Colorado Open Lands is a non-profit land trust operating in Colorado and currently holds over 400 easements in 42 counties in the state and has been contracted by SMLC to monitor the easement. Staff met with representatives of both organizations, and found that there will no change in the management of the easements with this transfer.
Following city council approval, SMLC and Colorado Open Lands will also seek GOCO board approval.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the assignment of interest in the deed of conservation easement on the city-owned property at Lee Gulch.