Title
Request to Accept a Donation of Real Property and Grant a Conservation Easement (B)
This is a request for City Commission approval to accept a donation of real property of Florida Audubon Society, Inc. and Colclough Hill, Inc. in exchange for a Conservation Easement.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville owns approximately five acres, located in the 2200 block of South Main Street which is identified as Colclough Pond Nature Park. This property is operated by and under the control of the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA). The Florida Audubon Society, Inc. owns approximately 36.5 acres adjacent to the City owned park. The Society would like to donate their property to the City in exchange for a Conservation Easement over the donation in favor of the Society. They have also requested recognition of the donation through a donation ceremony and placing of donation signage at the entrances to the park.
A title search revealed there is existing property, owned by Colclough Hill, Inc., that seves that property owned by the Society. Contact was made with the sole remaining corporate officer of Colclough Hill, Inc. The Vice President of Colclough Hill, Inc. has agreed to donate their interest in exchange for the same Conservation Easement.
Fiscal Note
Preparation of the signs and all the document recording fees in the Public Records of Alachua County should not exceed $1,000.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the acceptance of the donation deeds from the Florida Audubon Society, Inc. and Colclough Hill, Inc.; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute Conservation Easements in favor of the Florida Audubon Society, Inc. and Colclough Hill, Inc., subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 3) acknowledge the donation of the real properties from the Florida Audubon Society, Inc. and Colclough Hill, Inc.