irate <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> October 19, 2010 <br /> TO: Johnny Medlin, Parks and Open Space Director <br /> Neil Bjorklund, Parks Planning Manager <br /> FROM: Teresa Bishow, Planning Director <br /> SUBJECT: CITY PURCHASE OF ARLIE & COMPANY LAND FOR PARK AND OPEN SPACE <br /> This memo responds to your request for clarification regarding: <br /> 1. What is the relationship between the City's purchase of additional land from Arlie & <br /> Company and the $600,000 donation? <br /> 2. What aspects of the Letter of Intent (L01) dated June 28, 2010 are negotiable and what <br /> changes would require approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Judge? <br /> In 2008, when the City purchased 200 acres from Arlie & Company, we made a pledge to donate <br /> $600,000 within 60 days of the City staff's approval of a master plan for the property. The sale <br /> agreement stated the donation could be used for "any park - related purpose, such as land <br /> acquisition, natural resource restoration, or ridgeline trail design /construction within Eugene's park <br /> system." The determination of what park - related purposes would benefit from the donated funds <br /> was within the City's sole discretion, except that any use of funds not directly associated with the <br /> 200 acres was subject to Arlie's approval. Based on the significant financial contribution by Artie, <br /> upon receipt of the donation, the City agreed to name the segment of the Ridgeline Trail through the <br /> property the "Suzanne Arlie Ridgeline Trail Corridor ". <br /> In January 2010, Arlie & Company filed for financial reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. <br /> Bankruptcy code. We believe we will emerge from the Chapter 11 process a stronger and more <br /> focused organization. When the City completed the master plan for the trail corridor in June, we <br /> wanted to fulfill our obligation to donate $600,000 for City park - related purposes but remained <br /> strapped for cash. <br /> The pending transaction began with an offer from Arlie & Company to: <br /> • Sell the City 330 acres south of the ridgeline trail corridor at a discounted price of $5,000 <br /> per acre (50% of the appraised value). <br /> E From the proceeds of the sale, Arlie & Company would immediately donate back to the City <br /> $600,000 for park-related purposes. <br /> • The $600,000 donation would no longer be limited to the Suzanne Arlie Ridgeline Trail <br /> Corridor and could be used for any City park-related purpose, including maintenance. <br /> • In recognition of the substantial financial donation, especially in this tough economy, and in <br /> honor of Suzanne Arlie's service to the community, the City would name the entire park land <br /> purchased from Arlie & Company the Suzanne Arlie Park. (The name "Suzanne Arlie <br /> Ridgeline Trail Corridor" in the original sale agreement would not be used. The City would <br /> retain the exclusive right to name specific trails or features within the park.) <br />