Title
Adoption of Resolution of Intention to Dissolve Zone 7 of the Island City Landscaping and Lighting District, 84-2. (Public Works 27441530)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam W. Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 1984, the City Council established the Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2 (District). The purpose of this assessment district is to fund enhanced maintenance in the public areas of each of the District's six zones. Each year, City Council levies special assessments in connection with each of the zones of the District to fund enhanced maintenance in that Zone.
One of the zones is Zone 7 (Zone), which comprises the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Bay Street. Exhibit 1 includes a map of the Zone. Zone 7 was planted with special landscaping (elm trees) that required additional maintenance when compared with the standard landscaping planted in other parts of the City of Alameda (City).
On June 20, 2023, City Council provided direction to staff to remove the old, diseased elm trees in the Zone, replant the Zone with more standard landscaping and take next steps towards dissolving the Zone. The hazardous trees were removed and replanted, in coordination with Zone residents. Staff also worked closely with Zone representatives to identify additional public improvements, as permitted by the Zone’s formation documents, to make use of the remaining fund balance before the Zone is dissolved. The Zone fund has approximately $4,700. Staff recommends City Council adopt a resolution of intent to dissolve the Zone. The remaining funds are proposed to be divided equally among assessment parcels within the Zone as part of the dissolution process.
BACKGROUND
The District was established in 1984 pursuant to the Landscape & Lighting Act of 1972 (Streets & Highways Code Sections 22500 et seq.). Parcels in each zone are assessed only for the costs associated with improvements in that zone. Zone 7 includes the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Bay Street.
On June 20, 2023, City Council provided direction to remove and replace any diseased Elm trees and take next steps to dissolve the Zone. The hazardous trees were removed and replanted in coordination with Zone residents.
Staff has since worked closely with Zone representatives to identify additional public improvements, as permitted by the Zone’s formation documents, to make use of the remaining fund balance before the Zone is dissolved. In March 2024, staff prepared a draft spending plan for completion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 and shared it with the property owners in the Zone, the majority of whom expressed their support for the plan. Projects completed include planting of enhanced sized trees, aphid injections for the Redmond Linden trees, repainting of historic light poles, replacement of the fence at the lagoon end of the street, watering bags for newly installed trees, and a zone-wide enhanced structural street tree pruning. In 2026, the Zone also funded a sidewalk beautification project to remove and replace aesthetically damaged sidewalk areas.
At this time, the Zone does not have additional improvements to be delivered with Zone funds. After accounting for all costs associated with the recent work in the Zone, approximately $4,700 remains in the Zone’s fund.
DISCUSSION
Staff recommends that the City undertake the following process for dissolving the Zone:
1. City Council adopts a resolution declaring its intention to dissolve the Zone and sets a public hearing on the dissolution of the Zone.
2. Staff publishes the Resolution of Intention once in the Alameda Journal at least 10 days before the public hearing.
3. City Council holds a public hearing on the dissolution and considers the adoption of a resolution dissolving the Zone and ordering that the remaining balance of the Zone 7 fund be refunded to the then-current property owners as shown on the last equalized assessment roll.
4. Staff divides the funds remaining in the Zone 7 fund equally between assessed parcels in the Zone and mails a check for each parcel to the owners shown on the assessment roll.
If City Council adopts a resolution of intention, staff intends to mail a letter to the owners of each parcel explaining the process and informing them of the public hearing.
ALTERNATIVES
• Adopt a Resolution of Intention to Dissolve the Zone.
• Do not approve that resolution and provide alternative direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Direct costs associated with the work presented in the Report are paid for by the Zone. There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary because of this recommended action.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code. The recent urban forest work in the Zone relates to the Strategic Priority to Build Resilience to Climate Change & Water Level Rise.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
Work within the Zone has been focused on enhancements to the urban forest. Trees provide numerous benefits in an urban environment and create a sense of community. Along with providing shade, saving energy, and improving air quality and public health, trees mitigate climate change, reduce stormwater runoff, and create wildlife habitats.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution of intention to dissolve Zone 7 of the Island City Landscape and Lighting District, 84-2.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Emily Antenen, Management Analyst
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Zone 7 Map
2. Zone 7 Engineer’s Report