Frequently Asked Questions City of Milton s Proposed Purchase of Milton Country Club (MCC) Document Date: Dec. 4, 2017

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1 The following questions have been compiled from resident questions submitted via , telephone and social media. If you find that your question is not included below, it may be that your submission was received after the document was finalized today (Dec. 4, 2017). We will continue gathering questions and adding to the FAQs below. 1. Why is Milton so focused on purchasing land that s a golf course? The Milton Country Club (MCC) and its six parcels provide the opportunity to purchase large acreage in the heart of Milton. Additionally, it offers a strategic location and increased connectivity to a key Milton trail component, the Central Milton Trail. Residents have told us over and over again through public meetings, the Milton Comprehensive Transportation Plan survey, and most recently the Milton Parks and Recreation Master Plan survey that they want more trails in Milton. The most recent park planning survey, conducted by ETC Institute one of the nation s leading community-based market research firms, found that 77% of the survey respondents indicated a need for more walking, hiking and biking trails. Additionally, 92% of the respondents indicated they were supportive of additional walking/hiking/biking trails. [Note: These survey results will be presented to Milton residents in January 2018 as part of the Milton Parks and Recreation Master Planning process currently underway.] 2. If its passive usage, isn t the whole park essentially a dog park? Passive parks can include dog parks. However, dog parks require specific authorization by the city. Individuals who utilize a Milton park with their dogs must adhere to all rules and regulations for that Milton facility as well as all applicable leash laws. 3. Is Milton considering a dog park at Milton Country Club? No definitive decisions have been made about the greenspace obtained as part of a possible MCC purchase. Decisions regarding Milton park facilities are always made with input from the community. In the case of MCC, any passive park components would require compliance with the greenspace bond referendum and would include community input. 4. How much is the land going to cost? The total purchase price for MCC is $5 million for acres ($36,472.39/acre). 5. What happens to the existing facilities like the pool and tennis courts there? No definitive decisions have been made regarding the future plans for the greenspace and facilities acquired through possible purchase of the MCC. The City of Milton would likely engage a professional consultant with golf course conversion experience to assist with the possibilities and would engage the community at large for feedback. 6. What is the anticipated cost of maintaining the existing facilities? Long-term operating costs are dependent upon a number of factors that cannot be calculated until the passive park components are determined and facility decisions are made. The city did explore a number of possible revenue generating sources that could aid with future maintenance costs such as the 1

2 sale of sod, sale of minimal land to adjacent property owners with conservation easements in place, sale of stream mitigation credits, and possible lease/sale of facilities and/or equipment obtained in the purchase. Depending upon facility decisions, future city programming such as a summer day programs for residents within the facilities could also serve as a possible revenue source for ongoing operating costs. 7. Are Milton Country Club and Crooked Creek Country Club the same facility? MCC and Crooked Creek are two separate facilities located at different addresses within the city of Milton. At one time, the previous owner operated them on the same software platform and as we understand it, extended membership privileges across the two locations. The new owner, Triumph, has indicated their intent for a formal separation of Milton CC and Crooked Creek and to operate the facilities on separate platforms. 8. Why did Milton not purchase 10 acres on Francis Road where a special needs school was supposed to go in? The purchase of MCC presents a unique opportunity to obtain 137 contiguous acres strategically located. MGAC is actively evaluating possible greenspace properties across the city. 9. Does Milton prefer small bands of green space instead of big blocks of property? With regard to the MCC, it is not a small band of property but encompasses a total of acres. As for the overall green space strategy, it really isn t about what the city or the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee may prefer it really boils down to what the greenspace bond referendum permits, the factors for acquisition as developed by the Milton Planning Commission and presented to the City Council for ratification in June 2016, and the most recent criteria for evaluating parcels as developed by the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee in partnership with the Georgia Conservancy. For example, the greenspace bond referendum does provide for the use of conservation easements which are restrictions placed on a piece of property to protect its associated resources. However, this is but one tool in the overall conservation toolbox. These easements limit certain types of uses or prevent development from taking place on the land in perpetuity while the land remains in private hands. The bond referendum language is what directly authorizes the use of bond funds and guides the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee, city staff and elected officials. The factors developed by the Planning Commission are as follows: FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN LAND ACQUISITIONS: Land shall be acquired from willing landowners and no bond funds shall be used to acquire land through the exercise of eminent domain by the city, unless agreed to by the landowner. The preservation of trees should be strongly considered in each land acquisition decision based on any or all criteria. Clear cutting of trees shall be prohibited unless required to meet the needs of the approved project. Acquisition of land that is contiguous or adjacent to existing, protected green 2

3 space parcels is encouraged. Land acquired shall be mainly buildable land, unless a non-buildable portion of a tract is a small part of the whole tract or if land is for trails. Land parcels that meet two or more of the three Criteria Categories may receive priority in land acquisition decisions. 10. Who on the Milton City Council has past or present ownership in MCC? Ownership No councilmember indicates a past or present ownership in the Milton Country Club, formerly known as the Alpharetta Country Club. Membership No council member is currently a member of the Milton Country Club. Councilman Joe Longoria is currently a social member of Crooked Creek Country Club (CCCC) which was at one-time a sister property to MCC, thereby extending privileges to CCCC members. He also offered that he has periodically played golf at the Milton Country Club in the past. The following council member(s) were past members of the Milton Country Club (Alpharetta Country Club): Mayor Joe Lockwood advised he was a member during 1995/1996; Councilman Bert Hewitt indicates he was a member approximately 4 6 years ago when it was known as the Alpharetta Country Club; and Councilwoman Karen Thurman indicated that she has never been a member of either MCC or CCCC, but that her spouse was a member of MCC for a short period in the 1990s. All other council members do not have nor have they previously held a membership at MCC. 11. Can homes be built in a floodplain? Yes, homes can be built in a floodplain but have additional restrictions required by FEMA and the lender for constructing the home. This includes but is not limited to elevating the home. Building isn t entirely restricted in the floodplain; it just tends to cost more when doing so. Here in Milton, floodplains can be included in the 1-acre minimum buildable lot, assuming that the lot area outside of the floodplain would comply with Fulton County septic regulations and that both state and local buffer requirements are adhered to. 12. What percentage of the MCC is located in a floodplain? Our calculations indicate 45% of the total MCC acreage is within the floodplain. 13. What portion of the flood plain is considered buildable? This question is dependent upon the proposed site plan of the developer for a parcel and whether the building/lot requirements noted in Question #11 above can be met. 14. Triumph recently bought the course and has communicated its intent to operate the club. Why wouldn t Milton have pursued the purchase in bankruptcy rather than buying it shortly after its new purchaser closed a deal? While we d heard rumors of MCC going on the market, it wasn t confirmed to us until approximately three weeks ago. At that time, Triumph advised us that they already had a contract on the property with the previous owner and had an offer from a joint venture to purchase and develop the MCC (property and 3

4 facilities). It was at this point that the city entered into negotiations with Triumph and the above stated deal was mutually agreed upon. The City pursued the purchase because of the total acreage, it met three or more of the Criteria Categories outlined in Question #8 above (i.e. willing landowner, preservation of trees in addition to opportunities to add to the overall tree canopy with planting, mainly buildable land, and it offers an immediate access to internal trails), pricing, and the environmental opportunities including enhanced water quality due to decreased use of fertilizers and pesticides. 15. Was a premium paid for the MCC? This question was posed in context of Question #13 above. At this time, we have no information about the purchase price by Triumph. We can say however that the per acre rate proposed (~$36,500/acre) is very competitive for Milton, and again the property met an overwhelming number of the factors outlined in Question #8 above. Another cost consideration for the city was the fact that the property included several miles of existing trails with minimum construction costs for additional trails. 16. Will the parcels in the back nine perc (i.e. permit septic tank installation)? We have heard conflicting community reports regarding the back nine. Until a soils test is completed, the City would not be able to definitively determine whether these parcels will comply with Fulton County septic regulations. Since the City does not intend to develop the land, we would not have a need to complete such test. 17. Did Triumph buy MCC with the intent to operate it as a golf course? During our discussions with Triumph, there were two proposed development options presented to city staff. One option included a residential development and the other option was the purchase by the city for greenspace. Triumph never indicated an intent to maintain the golf course. Furthermore, it is our understanding that the original owner was having difficulty securing a buyer for the golf course for a number of months. In addition to all the factors outlined in Question #8 above that made the purchase of MCC appealing, the uncertainty of 137 acres in the heart of Milton was also a consideration for city staff and the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee. 18. Why is Milton attempting to block a free market process of 50 new homes? We recognize and value all that goes with a free market economy and the City Council has actively sought to limit government involvement throughout the history of the city. In this case, the City of Milton is working to fulfill its promise made to citizens as outlined in not only the Greenspace Bond Referendum, but also in fulfilling the resounding community call to retain our rural character, minimize further development and preserve undeveloped land. 19. What will Milton do to protect the safety of those walking the trails at MCC? As with the city overall and our other park facilities, the Milton Police Department will be actively involved in the policing and protection of citizens living, working and playing in and around the city of Milton. In addition, city staff including the 4

5 Parks and Recreation Department will work to set operating hours along with other rules and regulations should the City Council approve the purchase of MCC. As part of that process, we will evaluate any safety needs specific to MCC trails and facilities, as we do with all our facilities. 20. What is proposed for the improvements on the land, mainly the clubhouse and swimming pool? At this time, we cannot comment on any proposed improvements. The purchase agreement does include the acreage, facilities and their contents, and equipment. The goal would be to possibly enlist the assistance of a consultant with golf course conversion experience, involve key city staff such as our planners, engineers, and park staff, and of course citizen input regarding what they would like to see. 21. Did the city consider the demolition costs associated with the MCC facilities? No, the City of Milton did not discuss demolition of the facilities as this was included among the possible purchase scenarios. The structures and facilities appear to be in decent condition. Possible scenarios might include utilizing the existing facilities for city programming and services and/or possible lease/sale of the facilities to a third-party. Therefore, demolition cost was not considered. 22. Will the City of Milton continue to operate the tennis facilities? As noted in Question #19 above, at this time we cannot offer specifics regarding the future operations, amenities and existing facilities. However, this would be a community conversation with professional due diligence to help citizens, city staff and/or elected officials make informed decisions. 23. Will the City of Milton maintain the clubhouse and, in particular, the exercise room? As noted in Question #19 and #21, we cannot offer any specific plans at this time. 24. Golf courses are a major source of pollution. Why would Milton want to purchase MCC for that reason? It is our position that this question could be interpreted one of two ways, so we will attempt to answer both interpretations. 1) By purchasing the MCC, the city would be helping to mitigate further pollution by converting the golf course and returning it to a more natural greenspace. This would be particularly beneficial given the nearby water source Chicken Creek. 2) The alternate interpretation may suggest that the city is somehow purchasing an existing environmental hazard. Any potential environmental concerns would be identified during the due diligence process for the purchase. 25. Fairways on a golf course are clear cut, how many trees remain on these parcels? There are surprisingly a number of trees located on and along the parcels. While we cannot give you a specific count as we do not have one available at this time, we can tell you that the existing tree canopy percentage is 50%. As you may know, city staff recently proposed a new tree ordinance to Council that will 5

6 shift from a tree density to a tree canopy percentage. In addition, the 137 acres provide tremendous opportunities for tree planting. 26. Will access and/or additional parking be provided other than what already exists on Dinsmore Road, and if so, where? At this time, the city does not anticipate adding additional parking beyond what is currently available and located off of Dinsmore Road. 27. What are the potential plans for the tennis courts, clubhouse and swimming pool? As noted in Question #19 above, we cannot offer specifics at this time regarding the future operations, amenities and existing facilities. However, this would be a community conversation with professional due diligence to help citizens, city staff and/or elected officials make informed decisions. 28. If returned to green space how will the property be maintained? This would be dependent upon the final passive components for the greenspace park areas. There may natural areas that are planted with additional trees, sand traps may be utilized for wildflower plantings, strategic mowing may take place in specific areas along the trails and in designated areas, etc. Maintenance and upkeep would be dependent on the planning decisions developed in partnership with consultants, city staff, and citizens. 29. Will green time being [sic] limited to certain hours for use? All our park facilities have park hours. At this time, we cannot offer specific scheduling but would anticipate trails closing at dusk or prior to sunset and then any facilities would be open dependent upon programming or services scheduled. 30. Where is the proposed entrance and parking? At this time, the current entrance utilizes the existing MCC entrance and parking located off of Dinsmore Road. Any needs for additional entrance/parking would be evaluated at that time. 31. I have a golf course easement currently; I assume I will get that returned to my use. This question is currently under legal review by the city attorney. 32. What will happen to the pool and the clubhouse? As noted in Question #19 above, we cannot offer specifics at this time regarding the future operations, amenities and existing facilities. However, this would be a community conversation with professional due diligence to help citizens, city staff and/or elected officials make informed decisions. 33. If some homes are approved for building, where will the access point be? Should the Milton City Council vote in favor of purchasing the Milton County Club, the entire 137 acres would be reserved for greenspace and passive park use; it would not include further development of the parcels for new homes. 34. Is there a condition where green space can be returned to another use like housing if the committee decides they want to do that? First and foremost, the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee makes recommendations the Milton City Council for review and possible approval. The 6

7 committee would not be involved with the ongoing or future operations of the city-owned land and/or facilities. Any land purchased with greenspace bond funds is protected in perpetuity and may not be developed at any point in the future. 35. We own some of the course behind our house on Hole 2. Is the city aware that some of the course is actually on land owned by residents? City staff and officials are aware of this possibility and we are in the process of having surveys completed as part of the due diligence process. 36. Will horse trails be in this park? If so, how we keep [sic] the park sanitary? Given the strategic location and trail connectivity to the proposed Milton trail plan, it is possible that equestrian neighbors will utilize this greenspace along with other Milton residents. Upkeep and maintenance will be dependent upon utilization and how passive park components are designated throughout the property, as use will be a factor in how that area or component is maintained. However, we can assure our Milton residents that we will maintain this city facility to the same standards you find at our other parks and recreation facilities. 37. There is no buffer between my backyard and the course because we spent thousands of dollars to cut down trees so we could have a great view. What will the city do to provide privacy and a buffer for homeowners? As with any city project or facility, we always want to be a good neighbor and respectful of those who live adjacent to our parks and facilities. While we cannot comment on specific buffer plans at this time, we are committed to creating an engaging public park space while respecting resident privacy. We also anticipate utilizing signage marking where the city s greenspace ends and private property begins. 38. We would love to have the option to purchase the land behind our lot and keep it totally green and natural. Many neighbors feel the same way. We might be able to get together to purchase the land, but would need more time to organize this. Would the city consider giving us time to try and do this? That s a great question! Some of the future considerations that will be outlined in the Dec. 4, 2017 presentation to the Milton City Council will include the possible sale of limited land with conservation easements attached to adjacent property owners. While we would not support suspending consideration of the current purchase proposal with Triumph by the City of Milton, this idea/suggestion is something that the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee, consultants from the Georgia Conservancy and city staff have already identified as a future possibility should the Milton City Council vote in favor of purchasing MCC. 7