1 TO: City Council
FROM: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Carla Dillon, P.E., Public Works Director
MEETING DATE: April 18, 2023
SUBJECT: Discussion and Consideration to Adopt a Resolution Directing the Public Works Director to Prepare the Engineer’s Report for Landscape Maintenance District No. 1
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution directing the Public Works Director to prepare the Engineer’s report for Landscape Maintenance District No. 1.
BACKGROUND
Landscape Maintenance District No. 1, (hereafter referred to as the “District”) was first formed in 1979 as the result of a grassroots effort from a group of homeowners in the Rolling Ranchos Tract (Tract 25201 as recorded with the County of Los Angeles) wanting a well-maintained scenic entrance to their development.
The District was established to defray the maintenance and operating costs of maintaining landscaping improvements within the District and was to be financed by the adjacent Rolling Ranchos Tract. The construction of the bike path on Palos Verdes Drive North was financed by a state grant in conjunction with the City of Rolling Hills Estates. The rest of the landscaping and irrigation system was constructed by force account utilizing city and California Conservation personnel.
Boundaries of the District remain unchanged and include all of the residential area known as the Rolling Ranchos Tract, all within the City of Lomita as well as the landscaping area between the northerly curb along Palos Verdes Drive North and the southerly property line of the Rolling Ranchos Tract. The median on Palos Verdes Drive North is not a part of the District.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2, Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code (commencing with Section 22500), the Council must pass a Resolution of Intent and schedule a public hearing date if it desires Item No. SCH 8a
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
2 to levy and collect annual assessments to pay for the ongoing maintenance and servicing of the existing landscape improvements, trails (pathways) and appurtenant improvements and facilities within the District.
Based on the premise that all properties within the Rolling Ranchos Tract would benefit equally from District improvements, it was determined at the time of forming the District that all properties be assessed equally.
In order to assess the properties, an Engineer’s Report is necessary to determine the cost of service and amount of the assessment. Following receipt of the Engineer’s Report, a Resolution of Intent to levy annual assessments for Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 will be presented to Council, and a public hearing date established.
In early 2022, staff prepared and posted a survey to gather input from residents about this space. Fifty-two community members responded with 69% residing in the Rolling Ranchos Tract. The following summarizes the responses.
Of those who utilize the area, usage is as follows:
3 4
When asked their opinion about maintenance and water-saving options, the following characterizes the responses:
Maintenance 61% felt the City was responsive to graffiti in this area 12% did not
19% felt it was adequately maintained
61% did not
Water-friendly 83% support transitioning to drought tolerant landscaping 8% did not
94% support installation of water efficient irrigation
2% did not
65% support installation of permeable path
17% did not
The input received will help guide the City’s efforts in the coming years.
OPTIONS
1. Approve staff’s recommendation.
2. Provide alternative direction.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Engineer’s Report will address the amount of the assessment. 5 ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution directing the Public Works Director to prepare the Engineer’s report for Landscape Maintenance District No. 1.
Reviewed by: Approved by:
Gary Y. Sugano Ryan Smoot
Assistant City Manager City Manager
Prepared by:
______________________
Carla Dillon, PE
Public Works Director
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA,
CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO
PREPARE AND FILE THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR LOMITA
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1, IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, DIVISION 15, PART 2 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE OF THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING
JULY 1, 2023, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lomita, California proposes to levy annual assessments for the Lomita Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Division 15, Part 2 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California, for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That no new improvements or substantial changes in the existing improvements are contemplated; and
SECTION 2. That the Public Works Director is hereby ordered to prepare and file a report with the City Clerk, all in accordance with Article 4 (commencing with Section 22565 of the Streets and Highway Code of the State of California) with respect to the maintenance of landscaping for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.
SECTION 3. That a certified copy of the Resolution be presented to the Public Works Director for her information and guidance.
SECTION 4. That the City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption of the Resolution and thereupon the same shall take effect and be in force and effect in accordance with its terms and provisions.
[Signatures on the following page]
Attachment 1
Resolution No. 2023-07
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED, this 18
th day of April 2023.
_______________________________
Barry Waite, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Kathleen Horn Gregory, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Trevor Rusin, City Attorney