Title
Approval of Resolution Authorizing Acquisition of Parcels near Olympia Woodland Trail from Thurston County
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) recommended the City Council pursue acquisition of the Thurston County owned parcels near Olympia Woodland Trail.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution to acquire the Thurston County owned parcels near Olympia Woodland Trail.
Report
Issue:
Whether to acquire, for the cost of unpaid real estate taxes and recording fees, parcels near Olympia Woodland Trail from Thurston County.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Planning and Design Manager, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 570.5855
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Due to nonpayment of taxes, several years ago Thurston County foreclosed on nine parcels, totaling 6.57 acres, near to the Olympia Woodland Trail (Map attached). The properties are undeveloped and contain wetland and wooded habitat areas. Because the parcels are adjacent to the Olympia Woodland Trail, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Department (OPARD) would like to purchase the properties for the amount of the back taxes due and the recording fees; in total approximately $12,500. Thurston County has agreed to this price and has committed to cleaning up the parcels prior to the transfer of ownership to the City.
The area on the north side of the trail contains primarily wetland habitat which has been impacted by encampment activity. Acquiring these parcels would allow OPARD to better manage the habitat of this area as well as trail safety. This acquisition provides potential for expanded public access through the addition of environmentally sensitive pedestrian and bicycle side trails that could branch off the Olympia Woodland Trail.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None known
Options:
1. Approve the resolution to acquire the Thurston County owned parcels near Olympia Woodland Trail.
2. Do not approve the resolution to acquire the Thurston County owned parcels near the Olympia Woodland Trail. These parcels would continue in County ownership and may someday be bought by a private party at a tax sale.
Financial Impact:
There may be future costs associated with maintenance and the ownership of the property, including City responsibility for legal liabilities.
Attachments:
Resolution
PRAC letter
Map