Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A LAND TRADE AGREEMENT WITH JACK A. ROOD.
Executive Summary: Mr. Jack Rood has made a request to the City of Hudson regarding a possible land trade involving two parcels of land on Ravenna Street that are currently owned by Mr. Rood and are directly adjacent to City owned land (See Exhibit A attached). The land trade would give land to the City that is currently within the riparian setback of the Brandywine Creek Tributary. In return, the City would give City-owned land at the Barlow Community Center site, of equal area, to Mr. Rood at a separate parcel providing him more land for future residential improvement.
Body
Legislative History
There is no previous legislation.
Purpose & Explanation
Mr. Rood began discussing the land trade with the City in 2012 when the City was engaged in the Brandywine Creek (Tributary) Stream Bank Stabilization Project at 233 Ravenna Street. Mr. Rood owns both parcels of land to the east of 233 Ravenna Street, upstream of the stabilization project. He explained that the land north of the Creek often floods, is not usable, and inquired if the City would provide a storm sewer improvement involving the enclosure of the ditch, thus making the land useable. The basis of this request was that in the early 2000's, a section of the Creek directly upstream of his property was previously enclosed by the City. The estimated cost to enclose Mr. Rood's section of the ditch with storm sewer is approximately $165,000. It is the Engineering Department's recommendation to protect as much natural stream as possible, and that enclosing this section of the stream could lead to further degradation and flooding.
As an alternate to the storm sewer improvement, he is desirous of giving the land to the City (Parcel B-PID Nos. 3202875 & 3202876). In exchange, Mr. Rood would receive City owned land north of 203 Ravenna Street, which he also owns (Parcel A-PID No. 3200703). If he can obtain this extra land at 203 Ravenna Street it would allow him greater flexibility for possible future expansion of the residential property.
The land that the City would receive (Parcel B-PID Nos. 3202875 & 3202876) is currently within the riparian setback of the Brandywine Creek Watershed and would be an asset to the City for the flood plain and conservation purposes. By use of a land trade, the City would gain land next to the Brandywine Creek Tributary and avoid the cost of the possible enclosure of the Creek on this land at 247 Ravenna Street and the adjacent vacant land. In addition, Mr. Rood would hold harmless the City of any future claims for damages involving the Creek adjacent to the remaining properties he owns, including any erosion or flooding issues, and no longer request any future improvements to this section of Brandywine Creek Tributary.
Timing Considerations
If this resolution is approved, City staff will work with the City Solicitor and the property owner to enter into a land trade agreement between the City of Hudson and Mr. Rood.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends that Council approve the land trade agreement with Mr. Rood.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Scott N. Schroyer, Assistant City Manager
Thomas J. Sheridan, PE, PS, City Engineer
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, Civil Engineer