Title
Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Resolution Approving the Engineer's Report, Confirming Diagram and Assessment, and Ordering the Levy of Assessments, Maintenance Assessment District 01-1 (Marina Cove). (Public Works 276)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2002, the City Council established the Maintenance Assessment District 01-1 (District). The purpose of this district is to provide maintenance for the sidewalks, landscaping, and City of Alameda (City) parks in the Marina Cove development. The map of the area is shown in Exhibit 1.
To levy next fiscal year's assessments, the City is required to follow a prescribed legal process to prepare the annual Engineer’s Report (Report). This annual process began in February and will be complete with the adoption of this resolution.
BACKGROUND
On February 16, 2021, in accordance with the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972, the City Council appointed an engineer and an attorney for the annual proceedings associated with the Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) 01-1 in Marina Cove, and authorized the preparation of the Engineer's Report (Report). On April 20, 2021, the City Council preliminarily approved the Report, declared an intention to order levy and collection of Marina Cove assessments, and set a public hearing for June 1, 2021. After the public hearing, the City Council will consider approving the assessments for the following year.
DISCUSSION
This Marina Cove Assessment District funds the maintenance of street trees, medians, sidewalks, pathways, irrigation, lighting, and the associated utilities. This includes maintenance costs of Marina Cove Park. The Report (Exhibit 2), was prepared by NBS Government Finance Group, a consultant specializing in assessment districts, in accordance with Section 22565 et seq. of the California Streets and Highways Code. The Report includes an estimated annual budget to maintain the public improvements within the District.
When the District was established, an automatic Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase was pre-approved. Accordingly, the assessments will increase by 1.567%, which is the CPI for the Bay Area for the year ending February 2021.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to approve the Report, confirm the diagram and assessment, and order the levy of assessments in Marina Cove’s Maintenance assessment district. A copy of the Report is attached as Exhibit 2.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve proceeding with levying 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
The assessment district was created to maintain public improvements associated with the Marina Cove development. Direct costs associated with these services, such as landscape maintenance, are paid by the District. Funds not expended in a fiscal year remain within the assessment district (Fund 276) and may be used for future expenses. The cost to administer the assessment district, including full City cost allocation, in Fiscal Year 2021-22 is approximately $17,000 and is included within the proposed budget. The budget presented in the Report is supported by the maximum levy and available fund balance. There is no impact to the General Fund.
In the next Biennial Budget cycle, staff requested funding to conduct the necessary fiscal impact analysis to ensure that the Marina Cove Park maintenance costs are correctly shared between this Assessment District and the Community Facilities District (CFD 14-1) that was formed in 2014 for the adjacent Marina Cove II/Marina Shores development. Such sharing of costs may ultimately reduce the budget for this District.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is Categorically Exempt under the CEQA Guidelines section 15301, Maintenance of Existing Facilities.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
The work 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 approving the Engineer's Report, confirming diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of assessments, Maintenance Assessment District 01-1 (Marina Cove).
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager concurs with the Public Works Director’s recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Amanda Eberhart, Public Works Management Analyst
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Annie To, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. District Map
2. Engineer's Report
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager