PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF THREE PARCELS TOTALING APPROXIMATELY 1 ACRE IN NORTH RIVER SHORES ALONG NW SPRUCE RIDGE DRIVE TO BE PRESERVED IN PERPETUITY FOR CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL AND STORMWATER PURPOSES
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
This is a request for the adoption of a resolution approving and accepting the donation of three parcels totaling approximately one acre in North River Shores along NW Spruce Ridge Drive in Stuart (the “Property”). The Property is being generously donated to the County by Ms. Louise C. Yeiser and will be preserved in perpetuity for conservation, environmental, and stormwater purposes.
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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:
3-parcels totaling approximately 1 acre of vacant land to be preserved for environmental and stormwater purposes.
4. New/Renewal/Modification:
New
5. Duration:
Perpetual
6. Benefits to Martin County:
Addition of environmental and stormwater 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 desire to purchase and subsequently donate the Property. Ms. Yeiser will close on the acquisition of the Property, and as soon as possible after closing, donate the Property to the County for environmental, conservation and stormwater uses.
The Property Appraiser reflects a market value of the Property at approximately $330,000. The Property was last sold in 2022 for $1.5 million, and Ms. Yeiser has executed a contract in the amount of $1.7 million with closing to take place on or before June 15, 2026.
Pursuant to the Martin County Board-Directed Donation Policy (POL37), Real Property and the Environmental Resources Division (ERD) of the Public Works Department have completed their evaluation of the proposed 1-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 resources 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.
One of the parcels previously had a structure built, which was demolished in 2025. The Property is zoned RM-10 Residential High-Density. Included with this item is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, which concludes that recognized environmental conditions, controlled recognized environmental conditions and historical recognized environmental conditions were not identified in connection with the Property.
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, is attached to this item. Upon approval by the Board, Real Property and Legal will review all documentation associated with the acquisition of the Property by donation.
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 awaiting final documentation from the anticipated closing, at which time the Legal and Real Property departments will review and approve prior to final acceptance 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 three parcels totaling approximately 1-acre 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: