Title
Approval of an Ordinance Authorizing Acceptance of the Morgan Land Donation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) recommends that City Council accept the Morgan property donation.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading an ordinance accepting the Morgan property donation.
Report
Issue:
Whether to accept a property donation from Mrs. Judy Morgan.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Planning and Design Manager, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.570.5855
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Department (OPARD) received a parcel donation offer from Mrs. Judy Morgan for a 2.57 acre parcel that is bisected by the Olympia Woodland Trail, approximately a quarter mile from the Eastside Trailhead. The property is undeveloped and contains wetland and wooded habitat areas.
This area contains environmentally sensitive habitat, primarily wetlands, and is often impacted by encampment activity. Accepting this donation, along with other donations in this area, would allow OPARD to potentially add additional recreational opportunities along the trail, protect sensitive habitat, and better manage encampments.
There are no terms or conditions attached to this donation.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None known
Options:
1. Approve on first reading and pass onto second reading the ordinance accepting the Morgan property donation.
2. Do not approve the ordinance accepting the Morgan property donation.
Financial Impact:
Although the property will be donated, there may be future costs associated with maintenance, and the ownership of the property, including City responsibility for legal liabilities. If the offer of donation is approved by Council, the City of Olympia would receive the donation by quit claim deed, transferring ownership to the City without warranties by the grantor. Legal review of the preliminary title report and update does not reveal title irregularities. The City will be responsible for paying costs associated with title insurance, closing fees, and recording costs to accept this donation.
Attachments:
Ordinance
Form of Quit Claim Deed
Donation Map
Vicinity Map
PRAC Letter of Support