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Mannington committee approves PIG-funded easement on Duffy farm, authorizes survey and title work
Summary
Mannington Township approved final acquisition of a ~24.8-acre development easement on the Paul and Diane Duffy property under the state Planning Incentive Grant program; the SADC-certified easement value and a $126,480 estimated cost-share were recorded, and the township authorized contracting for survey and title work.
The Mannington Township Committee on March 7 adopted a resolution granting final approval to acquire a development easement on the Paul and Diane Duffy property, Block 40, Lot 16.03, approximately 24.80 acres, under the State Agriculture Retention and Development Act and the Planning Incentive Grant (PIG) program. Mayor Asay and two committee members recorded unanimous roll-call approval.
The State Agriculture Development Committee certified the fair-market value of the development easement at $5,100 per acre on Jan. 24, 2019. The Committee’s resolution included an estimated cost-sharing plan based on that valuation: SADC $75,888; Mannington Township $25,296; Salem County $25,296, for a total estimated cost of $126,480. Execution of settlement documents was authorized upon receipt of the County and State funds and subject to signatures from Paul and Diane Duffy.
Committee members also reviewed procurement quotes needed to complete the transaction. Kris Alexander, identified in the record as PIG Administrator, presented two survey quotes: Land Engineering of Woodstown for $3,050 and Keith Ludwig for $6,650. Committee member Patrick moved to contract with Land Engineering for $3,050, contingent on a completed signed contract; Committee member Emel seconded and the motion passed by roll call (Asay — yes; Patrick — yes; Emel — yes). The Committee additionally reviewed a title search and title insurance quote from West Jersey Title Agency for $839 and authorized contracting with that firm contingent upon a completed contract.
Township Solicitor William L. Horner had earlier advised and reviewed contract language; the Committee amended contract language as suggested and confirmed that no action would be taken in closed session but that the open-session resolution would carry final approval subject to signatures and receipt of external funds. The resolution specifies that the Mayor and Clerk are authorized to execute all documents necessary to consummate the transaction once funds are received.
Next steps for the Duffy PIG transaction are completion of the signed contract with the surveyor, completion of title work, receipt of County and State funds, and execution of the settlement documents by the Mayor and Clerk.
