Title
Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Resolution Ordering that No Assessment be Levied for Fiscal Year 2024-25 in Connection with 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: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 1984, the City Council established the Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2 (District). The purpose of this special assessment district is to provide enhanced maintenance in the public areas of the District's six zones throughout the City of Alameda (City). Each year, City Council levies special assessments in connection with the District. Zone 7 (Zone) includes the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Bay Street.
On June 20, 2023, City Council provided direction to staff to remove and replant old, diseased Elm trees within the Zone before dissolving the Zone. No assessment was levied in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 and no levy of assessment is proposed for FY 2024-25. The hazardous trees were removed and replanted, and staff continues to work collaboratively with Zone residents to identify projects and exhaust the Zone’s fund balance before dissolution. Staff anticipate dissolution proceedings will be brought to City Council for approval in the coming fiscal year.
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 not levy an assessment for Zone 7 in FY 2023-24, to remove and replace any diseased Elm trees and take next steps to dissolve the Zone. The hazardous trees have since been removed and replanted, and staff continues to work collaboratively with Zone residents to exhaust the Zone’s fund balance before dissolution. Staff anticipate dissolution proceedings will occur in the coming fiscal year.
At its meeting on March 5, 2024, City Council took the initial required step in the Engineer’s Report (Report) process for FY 2024-25 by appointing an engineer-of-work to prepare the Report. Although staff is not recommending any levy of assessment in FY 2024-25, it is still necessary to produce a Report for the Zone and for City Council to approve no assessment be levied.
The Engineer’s Report for Zone 7 was prepared by the City’s consultants, NBS, submitted by the City Engineer, and preliminarily approved by the City Council. A map of Zone 7 is attached as Exhibit 1 and the Report for Zone 7 is attached as Exhibit 2.
At its meeting on May 7, 2024, City Council approved the Engineer’s Report for Zone 7 and declared its intention not to order the levy and collection of assessments in FY 2024-25.
DISCUSSION
Staff now seeks City Council’s approval of the final step in the annual Engineer’s Report process for Zone 7. Staff proposes that City Council hold the public hearing to consider adopting a resolution ordering that no assessment be levied for FY 2024-25 in connection with Zone 7 of the Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2.
Following exhaustion of the Zone’s fund balance, staff will return to City Council to begin the dissolution proceedings. Dissolution will require two separate actions by City Council: one action to set the public hearing to consider dissolving the Zone; and a final approval of Zone dissolution.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve moving forward with no levy of assessment for the coming year.
• Do not approve no levy of assessment and provide alternative direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Direct costs associated with the work presented in the Report are paid for by the Zone.
Each zone in the District is charged the proportional share of approximately $42,000 annually for fees and expenses related to the annual levy process and administration for the entire District, which is then paid from the Assessment District Administration Fund (Fund 276). The Zone 7 share of these fees is $2,105.47 in FY 2024-25. The Zone’s budget is subject to City Council appropriations within the operating budget for each department.
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.
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.
CLIMATE IMPACT
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
Hold a public hearing to consider adopting a resolution ordering that no assessment be levied for FY 2024-25 in connection with Zone 7 of the Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Emily Antenen, Management Analyst
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Zone 7 Map
2. Zone 7 Engineer’s Report