PLACEMENT: Consent
TITLE:
title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF A 4-ACRE PARCEL LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF SE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADJACENT TO A COUNTY-OWNED PARCEL KNOW AS EAST FORK CREEK IN HOBE SOUND
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
This is a request for the adoption of a resolution approving and accepting the donation of a 4-acre parcel located on the east side of SE Federal Highway in Hobe Sound, adjacent to a County-owned conservation parcel, known as East Fork Creek STA and situated between SE Heritage Boulevard and SE Constitution Boulevard (the Property). The Property is being generously donated to the County, for perpetual conservation and public use, by Ms. Louise C. Yeiser.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PREPARED BY: Name: Carla T. Segura, FRP
Title: Real Property Manager
REQUESTED BY: John Maehl, Environmental Resources Administrator
PRESET:
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 4-acres adjacent to East Fork Creek in Hobe Sound 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 to discuss Ms. Yeiser’s intended purchase and subsequent donation of certain parcels in Hobe Sound. This parcel is located just north of the County-owned parcel known as the East Fork Creek (“EFC”) Phase 1 Stormwater Treatment Area (STA). As soon as possible following her closing on the purchase of the Property, Ms. Yeiser intends to convey the Property to the County for conservation and recreational use, thereby benefiting the public and facilitating added use and enjoyment of the adjoining EFC.
The Property Appraiser reflects a market value for the Property at $640,690. Ms. Yeiser has executed a contract in the amount of $900,000, with the closing scheduled for June 30, 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 4-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.
An Affidavit of No Conflict has been executed and a 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 final acceptance of the Property.
Sections 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 awaiting the proposed closing which is scheduled for June 30, 2026, at which time Legal and Real Property will review the documents for accuracy prior to acceptance and final execution of the donation.
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 4-acre parcel from Louise C. Yeiser and authorize the Chair to execute all documents associated with this transaction.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Pull this item from the Consent Agenda and provide staff with alternative 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: