Title
Adoption of Resolution Appointing an Engineer-of-Work and an Attorney-of-Record for Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2 (Various Locations Throughout the City). (Public Works 275)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
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).
To levy the next fiscal year's assessments, City is required to follow a prescribed legal process to prepare the annual Engineer’s Report. This annual process begins in February, with the City's appointment of an engineer and an attorney for the assessment district. Next, a draft Engineer’s Report outlining the proposed budgets and assessments for the coming year is prepared and brought to the City Council for preliminary approval in April or May, and at that time, a public hearing will be set for May or June. After the public hearing, the City Council will consider approving the assessments for the following year.
BACKGROUND
On June 7, 1984, the City Council established the District. The purpose of this assessment district is to provide enhanced maintenance in certain business or neighborhood zones throughout the City. This work, which varies among the zones in the District, includes regular litter collection, landscape maintenance of the medians and planters, and sidewalk cleaning.
To levy next fiscal year's assessments, the City is required to follow a prescribed legal process. This annual process begins with the City's appointment of an engineer and an attorney for the assessment district. It culminates in a public hearing in May or June in which the City Council approves assessments for the following year.
DISCUSSION
There are currently six zones in the assessment district (see attached zone maps).
Zone 1: Lincoln Avenue, between Sherman Street and St. Charles Street.
Zone 4: Park Street, between Blanding Avenue and San Jose Avenue, Santa Clara Avenue, between Oak Street and Broadway, and Central Avenue, between Oak Street and Everett Street.
Zone 5: Harbor Bay Parkway, between Doolittle Drive and the west end of the roadway, including North Loop Road and South Loop Road.
Zone 6: Alameda Marina Village.
Zone 7: Bay Street, between San Antonio Avenue and the lagoon.
Zone 8: Webster Street, between Central Avenue and Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway (In 2014, per Resolution 14922, Zones 2 and 3 were combined into Zone 8).
The City must appoint an Engineer-of-Work for preparation of the assessment diagram and to determine the assessment amount, by parcel, within the zones of the District. It is also necessary to appoint an Attorney-of-Record for the District to perform the legal services required in connection with these proceedings. Staff recommends that the City Engineer be appointed as the Engineer-of-Work and that the City Attorney be appointed as Attorney-of-Record for the District.
ALTERNATIVES
• Appoint the City Engineer as the Engineer-of-Work and the City Attorney as Attorney-of-Record to levy assessments for the coming year.
• Do not proceed with approving levying assessments for the coming year. The impact of this option would mean that the City will not be able to collect the assessments for the District and services would be reduced and/or another funding source required.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Direct costs associated with this work, such as landscape maintenance, are paid by the District, and apportioned to each zone, based on the individual zone's percentage of the total work. The District Island City Maintenance Fund (Fund 275) is charged indirect costs of approximately $10,000 for fees and expenses related to the annual levy process, which is then paid from the Assessment District Administration Fund (Fund 279). There is no direct impact on the General Fund at this time. Any General Benefit for the District and resulting General Fund impact will be identified in the draft Engineer’s Report.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action does not affect the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
Maintenance activities supported by these assessments can counter potential, near-term, negative impacts of climate change. The removal of litter and debris from public areas and thus the municipal storm drainage system will assist with providing better storm drainage and decreasing the risk of local flooding, results that improve local resiliency to potential climate change.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution appointing an Engineer-of-Work and an Attorney-of-Record for Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends adoption of a resolution appointing an Engineer of Work and an Attorney of Record for Island City Landscaping and Lighting District 84-2.
Respectfully submitted,
Liam Garland, Public Works Director
By,
Amanda Eberhart, Management Analyst
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. District Maps
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager