Resolution No. 17-13 vRESOLUTION NO. 17-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LETTER OF INTEREST TO EXPLORE
THE PURCHASE OF JOHNSTON ISLAND AS A RECREATIONAL PARK;
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO UNDERTAKE A DUE DILIGENCE
EVALUATION WITH AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT(S); DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ORDER AN APPRAISAL OF JOHNSTON ISLAND;
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO COORDINATE WITH THE CITY OF
JACKSONVILLE AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES; AUTHORIZING
THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $35,000 DURING THIS
INITIAL EVALUATION PERIOD FOR THE JOHNSTON ISLAND PROPERTY;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach recognizes the vital importance of
acquiring conservation land; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach, City of Jacksonville, and the State of
Florida have demonstrated a commitment to preserving and making improvements
to the portions of the Intracoastal Waterway adjacent to the City by the acquisition
of Dutton Island Preserve, Riverbranch Preserve, and Tideviews Preserve; and
WHEREAS, the Johnston Island property, lying between the Riverbranch
Preserve and Atlantic Boulevard, consists of 8.5 acres including 3.1 acres of uplands;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach would like to complete additional
evaluation of the property prior to committing to purchase Johnston Island, and
WHEREAS, Johnston Island's unique location could make the property an
important recreational and environmental resource for the City of Atlantic Beach
and for Northeast Florida.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Letter of Interest. The City Commission directs the City
Manager to execute a non-binding "Letter of Interest" to indicate the City's interest
in the potential purchase of Johnston Island.
SECTION 2: Due Diligence Evaluation. After a review of property
documentation received from the Seller, the City Commission directs the City
00858300-1
Manager to undertake a detailed due diligence evaluation of Johnston Island with an
independent consultant(s), as needed, for use as a waterfront park.
SECTION 3: Appraisal. The City Commission directs the City Manager to
order an appraisal of the Johnston Island property.
SECTION 4: Coordination with City of Jacksonville and other
Governmental Entities. The City Commission directs the City Manager to
coordinate the potential collaboration with the City of Jacksonville and other
governmental entities to acquire the Johnston Island property.
SECTION 5: Authorization to Expend a Maximum of $35,000 During
Initial Evaluation Period. The City Manager is hereby authorized to expend up to a
maximum of $35,000 to complete the initial evaluation and an appraisal of the
Johnston Island property.
SECTION 6: Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately
upon its final passage and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach,
Florida, this 28th day of August, 2017.
Mitchell E. Reeves, Mayor
Attest: %
6 a'
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
B enn M. Du n, City Attorney
00858300-1