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2 <br />This site was identified following a comprehensive search for appropriate tracts using ERCD's <br />natural resource database and geographic information system. The Kirby property was the <br />top candidate from among many sites that were considered during the search. This <br />acquisition will meet the identified needs for a district park in north-central Orange County, <br />which dates back to the 1988. Parks Element of the Comprehensive Plan. This project was <br />identified as a priority acquisition in the Lands Legacy Action Plan adopted for FY 2004-06. <br />Following months of negotiations on contract terms and conditions, Mr. Kirby has agreed to <br />sell the land to Orange County for $1,455,300 (or $10,000/acre), consistent with a market <br />appraisal of the property. A conservation easement would also be placed on the property at <br />a later date with Triangle Land Conservancy or another qualified conservation organization. <br />Current plans are to "land bank" this property for future use. A master plan for this park will <br />be developed in the future using a collaborative process that includes community input. The <br />first step for that process will be a preliminary (or pre-) concept plan. A draft of this <br />preliminary plan will be created by staff in the first quarter of 2008 and presented to the <br />Board. There are no funds identified for facility development or for park operation at this site <br />at the current time. In the meantime, some of the agricultural fields could be leased to a local <br />farmer until the site is ready for park development. The property would otherwise be <br />managed through the Lands Legacy Program until park construction is approved. <br />County staff has determined that a portion of the site (approximately 5 acres) may be suitable <br />for a solid waste convenience center for residents in the northeast part of the County. If so, <br />the entrance to that center would be from Mincey Road located on the southern end of the <br />property. Those intentions are stated in the attached resolution. <br />A boundary survey of the site is required to complete this transaction. If the Board elects to <br />move forward with this project, ERCD recommends hiring Alois Callemyn to perform the <br />survey and to prepare the plat. Mr. Callemyn surveyed a portion of the site previously and is <br />able to perform this work in an efficient and cost effective manner. Mr. Callemyn has <br />submitted a proposal to complete this work for a cost not to exceed $8,550. G.S. 143, Article <br />3D allows counties to exempt themselves from a selection process for surveyors if the <br />professional fee is less than $30,000. In order to expedite the survey, it is recommended that <br />the County exempt this project from the more formal selection process. <br />Upon approval by the Board, a closing on the purchase of this property is expected to occur <br />on or before December 31, 2007. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: The purchase price is $1,455,300 (or 10,000 per acre), with an <br />additional $8,000 to $10,000 anticipated in closing costs. Funds would be paid from the <br />County's 2001 Parks and Open Space bond (Lands Legacy). A total of $5.25 million has <br />been appropriated to date from this source, with $2.42 million spent thus far. Additionally, <br />$50,000 of the purchase price would be paid from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund for the <br />five-acre solid waste convenience center site. Future annual operating costs of a park <br />constructed at this site are anticipated, and will be assessed at a later date. There would be <br />no additional cost to the County for the proposed granting of a conservation easement. <br />RECOMMENDATIONS: The Manager recommends that the Board: <br />1. Adopt the attached resolution; and <br />