June 4, 2024
Public Works
DATE: June 4, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works
Robert Armijo, PE, Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Subject: Approval of Engineer’s Report and Intent to Levy Assessments for Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District
Fiscal Year 2024-2025
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The total proposed assessment for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District for the fiscal year (FY) 2024-2025 is $1,158,338. This amount is net of the City contribution of staff salaries and benefits directly paid in General Fund and the City's cash contribution of $235,967 for general benefits which shall be included as a transfer out in the General Fund (Account string: 01917090-400901) into
the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District Fund budget
as a transfer-in for FY 2024-2025. (Account string:
11233731-391994)
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
91-98 - On June 23, 1998, the City Council approved the Engineer’s Report, establishing the rate of assessment, authorizing annual increases, and ordering maintenance
services within the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance
District.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Approval of the Engineer’s Report for the Hilltop
Landscape Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 2024-
2025 and declaration of the City Council’s intention to levy and collect annual assessments.
AGENDA
REPORT
June 4, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DISCUSS and ADOPT a resolution approving the
Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for the
Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District; DECLARE the
City Council’s intention to levy and collect annual
assessments; and SET a public hearing about the
proposed increased assessment for June 25, 2024, at
6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers at 440 Civic
Center Plaza in the City of Richmond – Public Works
Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/ Robert
Armijo 510-620-5477).
DISCUSSION:
On June 23, 1998, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-98, approving the Engineer’s Report, establishing the rate of assessment, authorizing annual increases thereof, and ordering maintenance services within the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District (District). The rate of assessment for this District must be confirmed annually by action of the City Council.
In accordance with Section 12.60.240 of the Richmond Municipal Code and State law, the first step in this process is to order the preparation of an Engineer’s Report of assessment for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. As required by Section 12.060.250 of the Richmond Municipal Code, a copy of the report and a property owner response form will be mailed to all owners of real property subject to the annual benefit assessment as a subsequent part of the process. The City Council will be asked to hold a public hearing and accept the Engineer’s Report to then finalize the process.
The Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District (HLMD) was established to provide essential landscaping services and maintenance within its boundaries. The District encompasses various zones, each receiving tailored maintenance based on its unique needs and characteristics. The services include, but are not limited to, landscape maintenance, irrigation system repairs, graffiti removal, and the upkeep of public sound walls and signage.
In accordance with Section 12.60.240 of the Richmond Municipal Code and relevant State law, the City Engineer has prepared the Annual Levy Report for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (“Engineer’s Report”). This report outlines the existing and proposed maintenance activities, describes substantial changes to be made, and estimates the costs associated with these activities.
The Engineer’s Report details the special benefits received by properties within the District, which include proximity to improved landscaped areas, enhanced views, and increased access to green spaces. These improvements directly benefit the properties, increasing their aesthetic appeal and usability. The report also complies with recent legal requirements to separate general benefits from special benefits, ensuring that only those properties directly benefiting from the maintenance services are assessed.
June 4, 2024
For the upcoming fiscal year, it is proposed that the assessments be adjusted by an inflation rate of three percent to account for increased maintenance costs and to ensure the continued high quality of services. This adjustment is in line with the provisions set forth by previous resolutions and legal mandates.
The total amount proposed to be assessed for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is detailed in the Engineer’s Report. The assessment ensures that the HLMD can cover the necessary maintenance costs while maintaining a reserve fund for unforeseen expenses. Additionally, the City’s contribution to the general benefit portion of the services will be included in the General Fund for FY 2024-2025.
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to preliminarily approve the attached Engineer’s Report and declare its intention to levy and collect assessments in the HLMD for the fiscal year 2024-2025. A public hearing on the proposed assessments will be held at the City Council’s regular meeting on June 25, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza in the City of Richmond. This hearing will provide an opportunity for property owners to review and discuss the proposed assessments before final consideration.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – HLMD Engineer’s Report FY 24-25
Attachment 3 – Notice of Public Hearing Hilltop Landscape