HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-059-05/04/2004-AUTHORIZING GRAZING LEASES ON THE SOAPSTONE RANCH PROPERTY TO BE ACQUIRED BY THE CITY RESOLUTION 2004-059
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AUTHORIZING GRAZING LEASES ON THE SOAPSTONE RANCH
PROPERTY TO BE ACQUIRED BY THE CITY
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins has been negotiating to acquire certain real property
in the northern part of Latimer County consisting of a total of approximately 12,500 acres of grazing
and State Land Board lease lands, commonly known as the Soapstone Ranch, in light of the
substantial natural resource and conservation values of said property,the value of the same for open
space, archeological and historical purposes, and the possible recreational opportunities presented
by the same; and
WHEREAS,under the proposed agreement for the acquisition of Soapstone Ranch,the City
would be obligated to allow the use of Soapstone Ranch by the current members of Soapstone
Grazing Association, who currently graze cattle on the property,through December 31,2005, at no
charge during calendar year 2004 and at a charge of$13.00 per cow/calf unit/month grazed for the
calendar year 2005; and
WHEREAS,in order to meet the foregoing obligation,the City will need to execute grazing
leases on the Soapstone Ranch,including the residence located on the Ranch, as part of the closing
of the acquisition, including one lease to those current Grazing Association members who will no
longer own an interest in current ranch property, and one lease to the ongoing Soapstone Grazing
Association, and further including the sublease of State Land Board lease lands for continued
grazing; and
WHEREAS, the acquisition of Soapstone Ranch is consistent with the Ten-Year Land
Conservation Plan and Natural Areas Policy adopted by the City Council with its adoption of
Resolution 2003-051 on April 1,2003,and as subsequently updated with the adoption of Resolution
2003-139; and
WHEREAS, Section 23-114 of the City Code provides that the City Council is authorized
to lease for a definite term of two years of less, any and all interested in real property owned by the
City, provided the Council first finds by resolution that the lease of that real property interest will
be in the best interests of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby finds that the lease of the Soapstone Ranch,
including the residence thereupon and the sublease of the State Land Board leased lands,for grazing
purposes, to the selling Soapstone Grazing Association members, and to the continuing members
of the Association through a lease to Soapstone Grazing Association, all as described hereinabove,
is for the benefit of the citizens of Fort Collins and in the best interests of the City of Fort Collins.
Section 2. That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute such lease documents and
other documents as may be necessary to carry out the terms of this Resolution, in a form and
including such terms and conditions as the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney,
determine to be necessary or appropriate to protect the interests of the City and consistent with the
terms of this Resolution.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fort Collins on
the 4th day of May A.D. 2004.
ayor
ATTEST-
City Clerk