PLACEMENT: Consent
TITLE:
title
FINAL APPROVAL OF A VACANT LAND CONTRACT AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A WARRANTY DEED FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TWO PARCELS TOTALING TWO ACRES IN PALM BEACH HEIGHTS FOR CONSERVATION PURPOSES
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
This is a request for final approval of a Vacant Land Contract and adoption of a Resolution approving and accepting a Warranty Deed from Mary A. Shulse, for the acquisition of two noncontiguous parcels of vacant land totaling two acres, located in Palm Beach Heights (Pal-Mar) for conservation purposes, totaling $15,000.00.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PREPARED BY: Name: Carla T. Segura, FRP
Title: Real Property Manager
REQUESTED BY: John Maehl, Environmental Resource Administrator
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
1. Agreement/Contract drafted by:
Martin County
2. Parties to the Agreement/Contract:
Mary A. Shulse - Grantor
Martin County - Grantee
3. Purpose of the Agreement/Contract:
Acquisition of vacant land for Conservation efforts
4. New/Renewal/Modification:
New
5. Duration:
Perpetual
6. Benefits to Martin County:
Additional conservation lands in the Pal-Mar area
7. Cost to Martin County:
$15,000.00 plus closing costs
Pal-Mar is roughly a 28,000+ acre wetland dominated system of environmentally sensitive lands in southern Martin County and northern Palm Beach County. The Pal-Mar area is a mosaic of wetland dominated habitats including cypress sloughs, open marshes, and hydric pine flatwoods. Due to a lack of development, Pal-Mar has some of the highest quality wetland systems in Martin County and possibly the greater Everglades system. Pal-Mar is part of a very large Greenway system that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Okeechobee. A portion of Pal-Mar is within the headwaters to Cypress Creek, which is one of the most important tributaries to the Wild and Scenic Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River.
Pal-Mar is made up of the Pal-Mar Water Control District (PMWCD), established pursuant to Special Law, Chapter 2005-307 and Chapter 298, Florida Statutes, and the John C. and Mariana Jones Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area (Hungryland). PMWCD is in both Martin and Palm Beach counties. Hungryland includes PMWCD property in addition to the Culpepper Ranch and Pal-Mar East (Nine Gems) properties that are east of Pratt Whitney Road. The Pal-Mar Complex (IRL South) is not considered to be a part of Pal-Mar because it drains into the South Fork of the St. Lucie River and is not a part of the Loxahatchee River Watershed.
In September 2024, the Shulse family contacted County staff to discuss the sale of 2 noncontiguous parcels of vacant land, one (1) acre each for a total of 2 acres, to Martin County. Through negotiations, staff and Ms. Schulse have agreed to $15,000.00 total for the two-acres. The parcels are located within the unimproved portion of Pal-Mar with no open road access.
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 of the Board of County Commissioners of Martin County.
ISSUES:
None
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, has identified and addressed legal risks and has developed strategies for legal defensibility.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board approve the Contract and adopt a Resolution approving and accepting a Warranty Deed for the acquisition of two vacant one-acre parcels, totaling two acres, in Palm Beach Heights (Pal-Mar) from Mary A. Shulse and authorize the Chair to execute all documents necessary to complete this transaction.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Pull this item from the Consent Agenda and provide direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
$15,000.00 purchase price, with estimated $970.50 closing costs.
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Funding Source |
County Funds |
Non-County Funds |
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Acct# 3102-1322-03400-537-2155 |
$15,000.00 |
|
|
Estimated Closing Costs |
$970.50 |
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|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal |
$15,970.50 |
|
|
Project Total |
$15,970.50 |
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☒Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other:
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.