June 25, 2024
Public Works
DATE: June 25, 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 2024 -2025 Hilltop Landscape Maintenance
District Annual Assessments
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The total proposed assessment for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District (HLMD) for the fiscal year 2024-
2025 is $1,158,338. This includes $505,171 for Zone 1,
$573,971 for Zone 2, and $79,196 for Zone 3. The City's contribution is estimated at $235,967, which will be
budgeted from the General Fund within the Public Works
Department.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
June 4, 2024
June 23, 1998 (Resolution 91-98)
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City Council is requested to approve the Engineer’s Report and order the levy and collection of assessments for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District (HLMD)
for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This includes a proposed 3 percent increase in assessments to cover the costs of
continued maintenance and improvements within the
district.
AGENDA
REPORT
June 25, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION: HOLD a public hearing and ADOPT a resolution approving the Engineer’s Report and ordering the levy
and collection of assessments in the Hilltop Landscape
Maintenance District for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025,
providing for a three percent increase in annual
assessments – Public Works Department (Daniel
Chavarria 510-620-5478/Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
DISCUSSION:
The Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District (HLMD) continues to be a crucial element in maintaining and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses. Established in 1986, the HLMD provides essential landscaping, lighting improvements, and maintenance, contributing significantly to the area's aesthetic and functional appeal. For the fiscal year 2024-2025, the proposed assessments have been carefully reviewed and planned to ensure the district's financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
The HLMD encompasses landscape improvements, including public streets, medians, and open spaces. The district is divided into three benefit zones with unique characteristics and maintenance requirements. Zone 1 includes high-density residential and light industrial/commercial areas; Zone 2 is primarily residential with some commercial and industrial areas; and Zone 3 covers the industrial area along Atlas Road. Maintenance activities for the upcoming fiscal year will include routine landscaping, street tree maintenance, park upkeep, graffiti removal, and sound wall maintenance. There will also be a continued focus on water management and irrigation system efficiency to promote sustainability.
The total Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget is projected to be $1,158,338, covering direct maintenance, administration, repairs, and levy adjustments.
The budget allocation for each zone is as follows:
Benefit Zones Budget Allocation
Zone 1 $505,171
Zone 2 $573,971
Zone 3 $79,196
Total $1,158,338
These costs encompass salaries and benefits for maintenance staff, utilities, equipment rentals, materials, and professional services. Additionally, necessary repairs and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure within the district are included in the budget.
The proposed assessments are based on the special benefits conferred to properties within the district, such as proximity to well-maintained landscaped areas, improved
June 25, 2024
property views, and enhanced public spaces that serve as extensions of private properties. The assessments are calculated using a detailed methodology that ensures fairness and proportionality, considering property size, use, and location.
In compliance with Proposition 218, the report separates general benefits from special benefits. General benefits, which accrue to the public at large or properties outside the district, are not included in the assessment calculations. This separation ensures that property owners within the HLMD are only paying for the direct benefits they receive.
On June 4, 2024, the City Council approved the preliminary Engineer’s Report and adopted a resolution stating its intention to increase assessments and announcing that a public hearing on the proposed assessments would be held at the City Council’s regular meeting of June 25, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. The City Council’s Resolution of Intention was mailed to all property owners within the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District.
The 2024-2025 fiscal year assessments for the Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District have been meticulously calculated to reflect the cost of maintaining and improving the district's landscaping and lighting. These efforts are vital in maintaining the district's appeal and functionality, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents and property owners within the district. The proposed budget and assessments ensure that the HLMD remains financially sustainable while continuing to provide high-quality services.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Engineer’s Report
Attachment 3 – County Certification