PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF A 1.28-ACRE PARCEL ALONG SE DIXIE HIGHWAY ADJACENT TO THE COUNTY OWNED HOBE SOUND SCRUB PRESERVE FOR CONSERVATION AND PERPETUAL PRESERVATION
end
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
This is a request for the adoption of a resolution approving and accepting the donation of a 1.28-acre parcel located along SE Dixie Highway adjacent to the County owned Hobe Sound Scrub Preserve property in Hobe Sound (the “Property”). The Property is being generously donated to the County, for perpetual conservation and public use, by Ms. Louise C. Yeiser.
body
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PREPARED BY: Name: Carla T. Segura, FRP
Title: Real Property Manager
REQUESTED BY: John Maehl, Environmental Resources Administrator
PRESET: 9:30 AM
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
1. Donation Documents drafted by:
Martin County
2. Parties to the Donation:
Martin County - Grantee
Louise C. Yeiser - Grantor
3. Purpose of the Donation:
Donation of a 1.28-acre parcel adjacent to the Hobe Sound Scrub Preserve for environmental purposes.
4. New/Renewal/Modification:
New
5. Duration:
Perpetual
6. Benefits to Martin County:
Addition of environmental lands for conservation and recreational purposes
7. Cost to Martin County:
Minimal recording fees
On March 12, 2026, staff met with Ms. Louise C. Yeiser, her broker, and her attorney to discuss Ms. Yeiser’s intended purchase and subsequent donation of the Property, which is adjacent to the County owned Hobe Sound Scrub Preserve (“Preserve”). As soon as possible following closing on the purchase, Ms. Yeiser intends to donate the Property to the County for conservation and recreational use, thereby benefiting the public and facilitating added use and enjoyment of the adjoining Preserve.
The Property Appraiser reflects a market value of the Property at approximately $1 million. Ms. Yeiser has executed a contract in the amount of $1.7 million, with the closing scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Pursuant to the Martin County Board-Directed Donation Policy (POL37), the Environmental Resources Division (ERD) of the Public Works Department has completed its evaluation of the proposed 1.28-acre donation. Section E of the policy requires departmental review and recommendation prior to the Board’s consideration. ERD supports the acceptance of this donation, subject to coordination with Real Property and Fixed Assets, with final approval by the Board of County Commissioners (Board).
Donations of this nature allow the County to advance key objectives, including environmental resource protection, open space preservation, and potential water resource benefits. Acceptance of the Property would align with the County’s broader goals of enhancing natural systems.
The Property previously had a proposed development application to develop a 4-unit, two story townhouse development, resulting in a density of 3.23 units per acre.
An Affidavit of No Conflict will be executed prior to finalizing the donation, and a proposed Special Warranty Deed, containing appropriate restrictions on the perpetual use and maintenance of the Property, are attached to this item. Upon approval by the Board, Real Property and Legal will review any and all additional documentation prior to acceptance of the property acquisition.
Sec. 139.31 and 139.32, General Ordinances, Martin County Code, require that any conveyance of an interest in land to Martin County for any public purpose shall be accepted and approved by resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Martin County.
ISSUES:
Staff is currently awaiting final documentation from the proposed closing on March 27, 2026, at which time the Legal and Real Property departments will review the documents prior to acceptance and final execution of the donation. A Supplemental Memo will be attached should additionally documents be received.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, and staff have identified and addressed legal risks and developed strategies for legal defensibility, as applicable.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board adopt a resolution approving and accepting the donation of a 1.28-acre parcel from Louise C. Yeiser and authorize the Chair to execute all closing documents associated with this transaction.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Provide staff with alternate direction
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other: