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 of Public Works / City
Engineer
Subject:
Approval of Engineer’s Report and Intent to Levy
Assessments for Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting
Maintenance District (LLMD) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact to the City for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, related to the Marina Bay LLMD, is $490,598.13. Of this amount, $274,418.90 relates to staff and utilities (water) cost that is paid in General Fund; and
$216,179.23 shall be budgeted as a transfer out in
General Fund (Account String: 01917090-400901 into the
Marina Bay Landscape & Lighting District Fund as a
transfer-in (Account String: 11533931-391994). This is a reflection of the City's commitment to maintaining and
enhancing public infrastructure within the Marina Bay
area, in line with the general benefits enjoyed by the City and its residents.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
83-09 City Council adopted the formation of the Marina
Bay Landscape and Lighting District.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Approval of the Engineer’s Report for the Marina Bay
Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District 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
Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance
District (LLMD); DECLARE the City Council’s intention to levy and collect annual assessments; and SET a public
hearing about the proposed increased assessments for
June 25, 2024, at 6:30 PM in 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 July 28, 2009, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 83-09, approving the formation of the new Landscape and Lighting District and the founding Engineer’s Report, establishing the rate of assessment, authorizing annual increases thereof, and ordering maintenance services within the Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District. The rate of assessment for this District must be confirmed annually by action of the City Council.
The Marina Bay LLMD was established to provide ongoing operation, maintenance, and servicing of landscaping and lighting improvements within the Marina Bay area. These improvements enhance the aesthetic and safety of the neighborhood, contributing to the overall quality of life for residents and the general appeal of the area for visitors and potential investors.
In accordance with Section 12.60.240 of the Richmond Municipal Code, and in accordance with 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. The recommended resolution described in this report will also serve as the legislative body’s order to prepare and file the report in accordance with California Streets & Highways Code § 22622. As required by Section12.060.250 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 City Engineer has caused to be prepared an Annual Levy Report for the Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (“Engineer’s Report”). The Engineer’s Report generally describes existing and proposed maintenance and substantial changes to be made to existing maintenance within the District. The Engineer’s Report also estimates the costs of such maintenance. To meet the costs, the City Engineer recommends that the City Council increase assessments from those levied in Fiscal Year 2023-2024 by an inflation rate of three percent, as permitted under Resolution No. 83-09.
June 4, 2024
The proposed Engineer's Report for FY 2024-2025 outlines the plans, specifications, and financial requirements for the continued maintenance and operation of the Marina Bay LLMD. The total assessment proposed for FY 2024-2025 is $736,074. This assessment will fund the necessary maintenance of landscaping, lighting, and related improvements within the District, ensuring their continued benefit to the area.
In recognition of the general benefits conferred by the LLMD's improvements to the broader City and public, the City's contribution to the District for FY 2024-2025 is proposed at $490,598.13. This contribution acknowledges the LLMD's role in enhancing property values, improving public safety, and contributing to the overall attractiveness of the City of Richmond. The City's contribution will be budgeted within the General Fund for the upcoming fiscal year.
The combined total of the District's assessment and the City's contribution for FY 2024- 2025 will amount to $1,226,672. Additionally, the assessment includes a provision for collecting $58,589 to be allocated to the District's reserve fund, ensuring financial stability and readiness for future needs or unforeseen expenses.
As required by law, a public hearing will be held to provide an opportunity for community input and to ensure transparency in the process. The proposed date for this hearing is June 25, 2024, as noted in the Engineer's Report. The hearing will allow property owners within the District and other interested parties to express their views on the proposed assessments and the contents of the Engineer's Report.
The City Engineer recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution declaring its intent to approve the Engineer's Report for the Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD) for FY 2024-2025 and setting a public hearing date for final approval as June 25, 2024, at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza in the City of Richmond. Setting this meeting is an essential step in maintaining the quality and safety of the Marina Bay neighborhood's public landscaping and lighting infrastructure.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Marina Bay Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District Engineer’s Report FY 2024-2025
Attachment 3 – Notice of Public Hearing