RESOLUTION # 12-2003

A RESOLUTION OF THE RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP BOARD
OF TRUSTEES TO AUTHORIZE THE APPLICATION FOR
FUNDS FROM THE CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION FUND
TO BE USED FOR THE ACQUISITION AND PRESERVATION OF
REAL PROPERTY IN RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP

WHEREAS, The Cleveland Metropolitan Park District, a political subdivision of the State of Ohio, under R.C. 1545 (“Cleveland Metroparks”) has conducted an extensive natural resource protection study of the East Branch of the Rocky River, a portion of which is located in Richfield Township; and

WHEREAS, Cleveland Metroparks has identified certain undeveloped real property in Richfield Township, the preservation of which is critical to the protection of the rural nature of the area and its natural resources as well as the East Branch of the Rocky River. This property consists of one parcel containing approximately 80 acres which is identified as Permanent Parcel No. 4802429 (the “Property”); and

WHEREAS, Cleveland Metroparks has contracted to acquire the Property and has requested that the Township apply for a $300,000 Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Grant (the “Grant”), through District 8 of the Natural Resources Assistance Council, as administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission, which funds, if awarded, will be contributed towards the purchase price of the Property; and

WHEREAS, the remaining balance of the purchase price for the Property, after the Grant funds are applied, if any, will be contributed by Cleveland Metroparks and the Medina-Summit Land Conservancy with no monetary contribution by the Richfield Township other than application of the Grant proceeds, if awarded; and

WHEREAS, upon purchasing the Property, Cleveland Metroparks will grant or assign to Richfield Township under a Conservation Easement, the ability to enforce certain restrictions on a specific portion of the Property adjacent to the Rocky River to further provide for the preservation of this area and the Property in general; and

WHEREAS, Richfield Township, Cleveland Metroparks, and the Medina-Summit Land Conservancy have a mutual goal of sustaining critical areas of natural resources and protecting the rural character of Richfield Township; and

WHEREAS, the Richfield Township Board of Trustees finds that it is in the best interest of the Richfield Township to support Cleveland Metroparks’ efforts to acquire the Property as described above.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, by the Board of Trustees of Richfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, that the Township, by and through Trustee Shano Cica-Mraz is authorized to take such necessary actions to complete and execute the application for the Grant and contribute the Grant proceeds toward Cleveland Metroparks’ acquisition of the Property.

FURTHER, RESOLVED, that Trustee Shano Cica-Mraz or any other member of the Board of Trustees of Richfield Township is hereby authorized to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between Cleveland Metroparks, the Medina-Summit Land Conservancy, and Richfield Township setting forth the parties’ respective duties and responsibilities relating to the Grant and the acquisition of the Property.

Date
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Attest:
_________________________
Township Clerk

Page last updated on: 02/25/2006
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